Moulin Rouge producer Martin Brown has parted ways with longtime directing partner Baz Lurhmann, and is readying a slate of ten films to produce through his own production company, Martin Brown Films.

Brown, who worked with Luhrmann as art director on Strictly Ballroom and as a co-producer on Romeo + Juliet, said that Luhrmann was planning to produce a theatre version of Moulin Rouge. He added: "It's been an amazing ride, but after 10-12 years working together I'm going to do my own slate and set up shop in Sydney."

Projects being readied include Paris and Congo set romantic thriller Black Honeymoon, written by John Collee. Brown has approached Phillip Noyce's agent to see if the veteran director will board the project.

The first project set to roll is romantic comedy Love Smarts. Ally McBeal star Portia de Rossi is attached, with Black Rock director Steve Vidler to direct. Mozart Maulers, about a team of nerdy musicians who take on and beat a top rugby club is being prepped for a shoot early next year. Jon Poulson (Siam Sunset) is to direct. Biker gang story Brothers in Arms is also being readied for next year, as is family film Russell - which is being set up as a co-production. Other projects include Vietnam story Uncertain Fate, children's adaptation Rowan of Rin and vampire tale Night.