Large Format Cinema Association (LFCA) has appointed Phil Streather as vice president - Europe, Africa and Middle East.

Streather, who is currently co-chairman and head of large format at Principal Media Group and current LFCA board member, is briefed with raising the association's global profile and helping to grow the large format industry throughout European, African and Middle Eastern markets. Streather will report to Christopher Reyna, the LFCA's president.

The territories covered by Streather's post are the fastest growing in the large format global market. The UK alone has seen the opening of eight new giant screen theatres since 1999 bringing the current total up to nine. It is expected that Europe, Africa and the Middle East will house a total of 100 such theatres by the end of 2002.

Streather's credits include Legend Of The Loch (IMAX), Wildfire (IMAX) and Bugs, a 3D film currently in pre-production and intended for release at the end of 2002.

Reyna said: "Phil is an accomplished large format filmmaker and we welcome him as vice president for Europe, Africa and the Middle East. These territories are significant large format markets and it is key that the vice president continues to solidify and promote the growth of large format throughout these regions."