Brad Pitt’s Plan B launches in Europe with Baby Reindeer exec

Brad Pitt’s Mediawan-backed production firm Plan B is launching a European subsidiary led by Clerkenwell Films’ exec producer Ed Macdonald. 

Plan B Europe will be based out of London and has been launched to increase production of premium series in the UK and across the continent.

Macdonald, who has been behind Channel 4’s The End of the F***ing World, Netflix hit Baby Reindeer and The Death of Bunny Munro for Sky, will focus on developing TV content in the UK and Europe and building further bridges and synergies across markets.

He will work closely with Nina Wolarsky, Plan B’s US-based head of television, with Mediawan describing the expansion as a “major next step in the integration of Plan B within Mediawan” that will increase its “commitment to quality and its distinctive, storyteller-driven curatorial approach.”

The launch is also intended to accelerate existing co-productions, “generating new synergies and finding innovative ways to finance projects, with the UK’s unique position as a bridge between the American and European industries and as one of Europe’s most attractive hubs for film and TV funding,” the company said.

Plan B has been ramping up its US and European co-pros with titles such as Apple TV+ movie Weekend Rebels from Mediawan sibling Wiedemann & Berg, and a series adaptation of The man with a Thousand Faces by Call my Agent Showrunner Fanny Herrero, via Mediawan’s Atlantique Productions.

Plan B is led by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, and has been part of the Mediawan group since 2022.

Its most recent TV hit was Netflix’s Adolescence and is also behind the streamer’s tentpole Three Body Problem, while its documentary output includes (with its partner KM Films) Apocalypse in The Tropics and One to One.

The company has also been behind films such as F1, Beetlejuice Beetlejuice and while its audio arm produced Audible’s What Could Go Wrong.

It has also worked with the BBC on Raine Allen-Miller’s The Roots Manoeuvre, the follow up to her BAFTA nominated Rye Lane.

“We are thrilled to expand Plan B’s footprint in Europe by bringing Ed Macdonald on board,” said Pitt, Gardner and Kleiner in a statement.

“Building on our artistic ambition, we’re excited to deepen our commitment to premium television and to explore new creative partnerships across the UK and Europe. With Ed’s exceptional track record and the support of Mediawan group, we look forward to captivating audiences around the world with ambitious new series.”

MacDonald added: “I have loved my years at Clerkenwell — I’m grateful for the friendships forged and deeply proud of the work we’ve made together. But it’s with huge excitement that I’m now joining the Plan B family.

“I’ve long admired Brad, Dede and Jeremy’s instinct for eclectic, resonant stories. I look forward to working alongside them to establish the company’s European division, with the support of Mediawan and their nurturing, producer-led ethos. I can’t wait to start this new chapter, to build upon Plan B’s legacy and to keep doing what I love — making vivid, high-quality television with the most talented storytellers in the world.”

Pierre-Antoine Capton, chief exec and cofounder of Mediawan Group and Elisabeth d’Arvieu, chief exec of Mediawan Pictures, added: “The richness and dynamism of France’s creative ecosystem - with its outstanding filming locations and robust financial support schemes - have enabled us, from France, to build with Mediawan an international studio to support talents and stories around the world.

“Today, the creation of Plan B Europe marks a key milestone in our international growth strategy and further strengthens the European DNA of the Mediawan group. As a premium reference label, Plan B brings a unique vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, from development and writing to production.

“We are delighted that Ed Macdonald, the acclaimed producer of Baby Reindeer, will lead this new chapter and bring his expertise to our European projects. With Plan B as the driving force behind some of this year’s most acclaimed film and television successes, their arrival in Europe will empower us to continue creating world-class content and bring it to audiences everywhere.”