Participant Productions hasappointed the former director of the Sundance Institute's Documentary FilmProgramme Diane Weyermann (pictured) to the newly created post of executive vice presidentof documentary production.

Weyermann will beresponsible for the Los Angeles-based company's documentary department, andwill oversee acquisitions and development and production. She will report toParticipant president Ricky Strauss.

Prior to the appointment,Weyermann served as the director of the Sundance Institute's Documentary FilmProgramme, a position she held since 2001.

In this capacity sheadministered the Sundance Documentary Fund, which provides support fordocumentary filmmakers from around the world, and she was also part of theprogramming team for the Sundance Film Festival.

Prior to Sundance Weyermanndeveloped and directed the Soros Documentary Fund (SDF) of the Open SocietyInstitute, which supported international documentary films and videos dealingwith contemporary human rights issues, social justice, civil liberties, andfreedom of expression.

"We're delighted to havesomeone with Diane's experience joining us in this position," Strauss said."Her understanding of the documentary world coupled with her passion forParticipant's mission will make her a tremendous asset, reinforcing thecompany's commitment in this area."

"I've had a greatexperience at Sundance, where I've had the privilege of helping to support andshowcase many important documentaries," Weyermann added.

"At the same time, I'mthrilled to be joining Participant Productions, where I'll be able to furtherpursue my career-long commitment to quality films of conscience, as part of acompany with a passion for progress and social change."

Participant Productions'2005 feature slate includes Good Night. And Good Luck through Warner Independent Pictures, and North Country and Syriana through Warner Bros. Documentaries include the acclaimed Murderball, for which Participant partnered with THINKFilm and MTV Films for its July release, and the upcoming The World According to Sesame Street.