Ed Pressman, the veteran producer of such classics as Badlands and WallStreet, is stepping down from his role as joint chiefexecutive of ContentFilm, the company he founded with John Schmidt in 2001.

A spokesperson for Pressman did not denythe rumours and it is understood that he will continue to be involved withContentFilm as director and shareholder.

"Ed Pressman has made over 70 movies and will continueto make many more," he said.

Quite what Pressman will do next is unclear but therehas been talk of a new production and sales operation.

ContentFilm was formed as a digital production venturebut fast grew with its takeover in Nov 2003 of publicly-quoted UK outfitWinchester Entertainment. Shares in ContentFilm are currently suspended whileit proceeds with its latest acquisition of the Fireworks film and TV libraryand certain other assets from Canada's CanWest.

Pressman is currently in production on Diane Arbusbiopic Fur starring Nicole Kidman. He is an executive producer on Content'sCannes Un Certain Regard title The King.

ContentFilm's corporate offices in London declined tocomment.