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REUTERS

When Beastie Boy Adam Yauch died of cancer on May 4, he left behind Oscilloscope Laboratories, a thriving film production company.

Yauch started the independent film company in 2008 and released "Gunnin' for That #1 Spot," a documentary about high school basketball players that he directed. He had previously directed the 2006 Beastie Boys concert film "Awesome I … Shot That," and, later, the 2011 Sundance short "Fight for Your Right Revisited."

In a new interview with Rolling Stone, Oscilloscope co-President Dan Berger spoke not just about the difficulties the company faced last year, but also his determination to preserve Yauch's vision.

"Everything that's happened over the course of the last year," he said, "has really just served to make us all closer, more dedicated, and frankly more responsible to ensure that Adam's legacy remains strong partly through the work we do."

Yauch co-founded the New York-based Oscilloscope with ThinkFilm's David Fenkel, who initially served as the company's President. Fenkel stepped down from his position on May 3, the day before Yauch's death, leaving Berger and executive David Laub to run the company.

“I couldn’t be more excited for my friends Dan and David to be in positions to take O-Scope to the next level," Fenkel said in a statement.

"Adam has been an amazing partner and important mentor for me," he continued, "both personally and professionally. It’s been an honor to be involved with helping execute his vision for this unique and special company …"

Following Yauch's death, the company released a statement expressing its grief at the music sensation's passing.

"We are deeply, deeply saddened by the passing of Adam Yauch -- an amazing leader, a dear friend and an incredible human being," the company said. "Today we are heartbroken at Oscilloscope as we take in this awful news, and our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time. Adam's legacy will remain a driving force at Oscilloscope -- his indomitable spirit and his great passion for film, people and hard work, always with a sense of humor and a lot of heart."

Oscilloscope's films include the haunting drama "We Need to Talk About Kevin," the Bansky documentary "Exit Through the Gift Shop," and "The Messenger," starring Woody Harrelson. This year, the company released Andrea Arnold's adaptation of "Wuthering Heights" and Todd Louiso's "Hello I Must Be Going."

Oscilloscope's 2013 slate includes Keith Miller's "Welcome to Pine Hill," the heist thriller "Wasteland," and the Cannes Film Festival favorite "Reality."