Michael Algar has been appointed to the role of director of High Point Media Group's Irish outfit.

'I am delighted to be joining the High Point team' Algar said. 'They have demonstrated clear support and enthusiasm for Irish product over the years, and now from the advantage of a Dublin base, I look forward to taking that involvement further still.'

The appointment comes as High Point looks to broker co-productions between Ireland and other European producers and to develop its Irish slate which includes Kings, Prosperity, Eden and The Race (Grand Pictures).

'We see Ireland as the gateway to Europe, government tax breaks make Ireland an attractive proposition for investors' said Carey Fitzgerald, managing director of High Point.

Algar previously worked across animation, factual and music videos. Between 1982 and 1987 he was chief executive of The Irish Film Board. Prior to that he was managing director of Pan International Films, a subsidiary company of Irish advertising agency McConnells. He will continue to work with Irish production company Keg Kartoonz.