Focus Featuresexecutive vice president of production Amy Kaufman (pictured) is leaving her role to become an independent producer based at the studio.

Effective in September, Kaufman will begin work asproducer or executive producer onseveral titles for Focus and its Rogue Pictures genre label.

Kaufman has beenwith Focus since its formation in early 2002. Reporting to president of production John Lyons, herproduction credits include Jean-Francois Richet's Assault On Precinct 13 remake, and Fernando Meirelles' TheConstant Gardener, whichstars Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz and will open through Focus on Aug 26.

She also servedas Focus International's creative liaison with Agustin and Pedro Almodovar'sproduction company El Deseo.

"Amy has beenwith us from the start, and we're thrilled to be here at the beginning of thisnext exciting step for her," Focus co-presidents David Linde and James Schamussaid.

"We're lookingforward to the many movies she'll be making with us at Focus and Rogue."

"Afteryears of working together, and successfully launching both Focus and Rogue, David and James are giving meanother amazing opportunity," Kaufmanadded.

"With theirsupport and encouragement, I'll have a more hands-on involvement with our filmmakers and theirmovies."

In her previouscapacity as Focus' executive vice president of acquisitions and co-productions,Kaufman worked on titles including 21 Grams, The Door In The Floor and Lost In Translation.

Prior to Focus she servedunder Linde and Schamus as senior vice president of acquisitions andco-productions at Good Machine International.