Former Miramax distribution president executive Andy Gruenberg hasjoined First Look Studios as executive vice president of theatricaldistribution.

Reporting to chief executive officer Henry Winterstern, Gruenbergwill be tasked with building up the independent studio's domestic distributionoperation.

Titles awaiting release include John Hillcoat's Australia-set epicThe Proposition thatwill play in the Spectrum strand at Sundance in January, Nick Mastandrea'shorror title The Breed,and Larry Clark's Slamdance 2006 opener Wassup Rockers.

During his time at Miramax Gruenberg worked on such titles as ShakespeareIn Love and Life IsBeautiful. Prior to thathe served as executive vice president of distribution for MGM, overseeing therelease of Get Shorty, Tomorrow Never Dies, The Birdcage, and Leaving Las Vegas. He has also held sales positions atWarner Bros, Fox and Columbia Pictures.

"First Look Studios is growing at an exciting pace and Andy fitsin perfectly to our long-term goals to utilise theatrical distribution inbuilding our library," Winterstern said. "His relationships and experience arevalued assets."

"Henry Winterstern has great vision for building First LookStudios and we look forward to bringing a range of entertaining films to theworld in the coming years," Gruenberg added.

Gruenberg'sappointment follows the recent hiring of Ken DuBow as executive vice presidentof world wide sales.