Damian Jones, co-founder of UK production outfit Mission Pictures, is to leave the company to return to independent producing.

According to a statement, Jones felt removed from the independent film production arena as Mission's development and production management work increased. He leaves with a two-year, non-exclusive independent production arrangement with the company.

Mission, which Jones co-founded in 2001 with Andrew Hauptman and Graham Broadbent, is currently in production with Danny Boyle's comedy Millions. Odyssey Entertainment recently picked up worldwide sales rights on the company's PG Wodehouse adaptation Piccadilly Jim. The period comedy, written by Oscar winning screenwriter Julian Fellowes, is to start production with director John McKay later this year.

"I'm pleased that we are able to facilitate Damian's ambitions and look forward to an even stronger relationship with him over the coming years," Mission Pictures' owner and chairman Andrew Hauptman said in a statement.

Jones said: "I feel more at home as a creative hands-on producer than I do as a production executive and I'm grateful that Andrew understands my desire to return to the coal face. I'm sure that Mission will be an increasing force, both here [in the UK] and in the States, and I hope that several of my films will be an important part of their slate."