Colin Brown has been appointed British Film Commissioner, afterrecently stepping down as chairman of Cinesite (Europe) Ltd.

Brown replaces Steve Norris,who recently departed the commissioner post to become managing director of filmat Framestore. Both Cinesite and Framestore are leading UK production and effects houses.

Brown had been a member ofthe UK Film Council board since 2004 and has now stepped down from that role.As British Film Commissioner, he will be charged with encouraging filmproductions to shoot in the UK.

Brown had worked at Cinesitefor 10 years as managing director, chief executive officer and then chairman.He previously worked at European Television Networks, Molinaire and RankCintel.

"We are absolutely delightedto have recruited Colin to take on this key role at this crucial time," saidJohn Woodward, CEO fo the UK Film Council. "He has adeep understanding of the industry and has thebenefit of ten years at Cinesite dealing extensively with the US studios. He is one of the few people with an expertunderstanding of the British film production infrastructure and a realunderstanding of how Hollywood greenlights films for particular productiondestinations. His experience will be invaluable in ensuring that the generousnew film tax reliefs coming into force next year are promoted internationallyand that the UK continues to build further on its enviablereputation as the global hub for film production, second only to Los Angeles."

Brown himself added: "I amenormously excited about taking up the post of British Film Commissioner. Thisrole allows me to come back, after a short break, into the very heart of theindustry I love. With the onset of the new tax reliefs, there are somefantastic opportunities to capitalise on the UK's skills, expertise and ability to attract filmproduction and I hope to put my past experience to good use in ensuring thatthe UK is a first choice location for film productions."