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BUDAPEST -- Pay TV net HBO Central Europe has tapped U.S. producer Marc Lorber as senior VP, original programming and production to help boost its production of local content.

Lorber joins HBO CE, which serves 11 markets, from California-based Marvista Ent., the prolific producer of TV programming and theatrical pics.

Lorber served as Marvista's VP for production, specializing in telefilms, miniseries and drama skeins. Lorber's team contributed programming to Lifetime, MTV Networks, Hallmark and SyFy.

Before joining Marvista, Lorber gained experience in international markets through consulting work for Disney-ABC Intl. TV in London, TV Prima in the Czech Republic and CTC's First Channel in Russia.

HBO CE CEO Linda Jensen cited the growing demand for homegrown product in Central Europe as a reason for the appointment. Feeding this demand has been at the heart of the net's strategy for some years, she said, starting with locally produced documentaries. HBO CE recently launched Central European versions of the Israeli drama "Be'Tipul," which was adapted by HBO in the U.S. into the series "In Treatment."

Lorber will be based in Budapest.