Ana Amigo has been namedWarner Bros' director of local production in Spain in a newly createdrole that demonstrates the studio's production ambitions in theterritory.

The appointment wasannounced today (Mar 20) by Simona Benzakein, vice president of Europeanproductions at Warner Bros. Based in Madrid, Amigo will report directly toBenzakein, who operates out of Paris.

Amigo will work with Spanishwriters, producers and directors to bring Spanish-language films into theWarner Bros fold. The studio will choose whether to serve as producer,production partner and/or distributor on a project-by-project basis.

"Ana's knowledgeof the Spanish film market is excellent," Benzakein said in a statement."Her relationships and experience in production, distribution andacquisitions make her the ideal executive to launch our Spanish productionactivities."

Amigo has more than twodecades of experience in Spanish film production and distribution, working forsuch companies as Luis Megino Productions, Sogetel, Cinepaq and Sogepaq. Shehas also worked with such film-makers as Alejandro Amenabar (Abre Los Ojos) and Julio Medem (Los Amantes Del Circulo Polar).

The Spanish operation is thelatest plank in Warner Bros' global local-language policy. To date thestudio has struck production and distribution deals in Germany, France, Italy,Japan, Brazil and, most recently, China.