Former BBC Studios and Shine International exec joins following exit of David O’Donoghue
Former BBC Studios exec Martin Rakusen has left FilmNation after two years to join LA and London-based management and production company 42.
He becomes chief operating officer at 42 immediately and replaces David O’Donoghue, who joined France’s Studio TF1 (fka Newen Studios) earlier this month since 2024.
Rakusen is responsible for running the company’s operations and business development globally, in addition to having oversight of business affairs and production across its portfolio.
He reports into chief exec and managing partner, Josh Varney, and will be based out of the London office for 42, which is currently in post-production on Chork by Shane Meadows and Next Life by Drake Doremus. Its slate also includes Your Fault, the sequel to Amazon film My Fault.
Rakusen had joined FilmNation TV UK as its chief operating officer in 2022, leading business, operational and financial activity.
Before that, he worked at BBC Studios with responsibilities for commercial leadership of its scripted activity including the in-house production studio.
He also oversaw equity financing and helped to expand BBCS’s scripted production companies, working across development, talent, partnerships and scripted funding strategies.
Before BBCS, Rakusen had been chief operating officer at Shine International and director of commercial development for drama, kids and branded content at RDF, having started his career at the BBC.
Varney said: “Integral to 42’s DNA is providing a home for exceptional global creatives with impactful stories to tell – and having a top-class team to support us operationally and strategically is vital to delivering on that promise.
“Martin embodies all the qualities we’re looking for – he is insightful, with sharp commercial instincts and an impressive track record across all facets of our industry, from broadcast and production through to distribution. We’re confident he will be an asset to the 42 team.”
Rakusen added: “42 is renowned for its dynamic structure and has a high-held reputation in global management, alongside film and television production – so having the opportunity to join the company and work alongside both its London and LA teams is a real privilege.
“I look forward to collaborating closely with Josh, the managing partners and the board to help further drive 42’s growth and support its mission of empowering leading storytellers from around the world.”
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