Spanish producer and former head of the pan-European Media Business School Antonio Saura has launched production outfit Zebra Producciones with backing from two as-yet unnamed private investors.

Saura and co-head Natacha Kucic will invest $6.7-7.3m (pts1,100-1,200m) on their first annual slate of three films - two Spanish language and one international co-production. They aim to raise their annual production capacity over the next few years.

Antonio Hernandez, director of the critically acclaimed film Lisbon (Lisboa), and former TV executive Julian Pavon will head production for Zebra. The company's first film will shoot this autumn.

"We want to produce quality commercial cinema with a mix of new and veteran talent," Saura said, emphasising that his company will seek out first-time feature directors in Spain.

Saura entered production two years ago through start-up firm La Fiera Corrupia, co-launched with director Carlos Saura Medrano. Their first production, Saura Medrano's Just Run! (Y Tu Que Harias Por Amor!), premieres in Spain on May 11. Germany's Media Luna is handling world rights on the film. La Fiera will continue to produce at least one feature per year.

As well as launching Zebra, Saura announced his resignation from the Media Business School, of which he was a founding partner and director between 1989-1993 and 1997-2000. Juan Pita replaces him.