David Elstein, former chief executive of Channel 5, has quit as chairman of Civilian Content, the film company behind Steve Coogan vehicle 24 Hour Party People. Mr Elstein will be replaced by non-executive director Crispin Barker, who becomes Civilian's third chairman in 18 months.

The company came under fire last year for box office bombs such as Dead Babies and Dust, funded by £33m of cash from the national lottery. Mr Elstein yesterday said the formerly loss-making company had turned the corner after a year of cost-cutting. Heavily restructured, it reported a profit of £108,000 for last year, against a loss of £5.26m in 2001.

Mr Elstein said: "Civilian has operated profitably, thanks to tight control of costs and commitment to quality products. With the restructuring process complete, it is now time for changes at board level."