Brad Pitt’s powerhouse production company, Plan B Entertainment, is officially going global. The Oscar-winning company, founded by Pitt alongside producing partners Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, has launched Plan B Europe.
A strategic move designed to strengthen its foothold in the booming international TV and film market. This expansion brings onboard Ed Macdonald, the acclaimed executive behind Netflix’s breakout drama Baby Reindeer, signaling a bold step toward creating more premium series and co-productions across the UK and Europe.
This London-based division represents a significant alignment between the American and European entertainment industries, leveraging the UK’s status as one of Europe’s most attractive hubs for film and TV financing. With film festivals in Cannes, Berlin, and Venice, plus markets like MIPCOM and the European Film Market, the region is increasingly seen as essential for streaming platforms and studios eager to capture global audiences.
Europe Matters for Plan B’s Global Vision
Plan B has long been synonymous with prestige filmmaking, backing projects like 12 Years a Slave, Moonlight, and The Big Short.
Its latest move reflects the surging demand for internationally driven, high-quality TV series that can compete on streaming giants like Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+.
Mediawan, the France-based entertainment group that acquired Plan B in 2022, views this expansion as a natural evolution.
In a joint statement, CEO Pierre-Antoine Capton and Mediawan Pictures CEO Elisabeth d’Arvieu described the launch as a pivotal moment for their company’s global ambitions.
“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”
they said. “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.”
This new division also positions Plan B to access European Union tax credits, grants, and co-production funds that have fueled numerous award-winning series and films. London, in particular, remains a critical gateway for partnerships with American studios, offering top-tier crews, state-of-the-art soundstages, and strong relationships with European broadcasters.
Ed Macdonald: From Baby Reindeer to Building a European Powerhouse
At the center of this move is Ed Macdonald, whose work on Netflix’s Baby Reindeer earned widespread acclaim for its raw storytelling and cultural relevance.
Macdonald brings a proven track record of identifying and nurturing talent, something Pitt and his partners highlighted in their official statement.
“We are thrilled to expand Plan B’s footprint in Europe by bringing Ed Macdonald on board,”
Plan B’s Pitt, Gardner, and Kleiner.
“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 expressed both gratitude and excitement as he transitions from Clerkenwell Films to this high-profile role.
“It’s with huge excitement that I’m now joining the Plan B family,”
Ed MacDonalD
“I’ve long admired Brad, Dede, and Jeremy’s instinct for eclectic, resonant stories. 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.”
The Future of Premium Co-Productions
Plan B Europe’s launch comes at a time when the entertainment industry is shifting toward cross-border storytelling. The success of international hits like Squid Game, Lupin, and The Crown has proven that audiences crave global narratives.
Plan B’s recent collaboration on Netflix’s British drama Adolescence, starring Stephen Graham, is a prime example of what’s possible when American and European creative forces unite. With Ed Macdonald steering the ship, expect more series designed to premiere at top-tier film festivals, screen at global TV markets, and capture international awards attention.
As the Berlin International Film Festival and Cannes Series expand their TV programming, Plan B Europe will be perfectly positioned to showcase its projects to industry leaders and buyers worldwide.
A Strategic Move With Global Impact
Brad Pitt’s decision to launch a European division is more than just a business move — it’s a statement about the future of storytelling in a globalized entertainment world. With Mediawan’s resources, Ed Macdonald’s creative leadership, and the UK’s vital role as a production hub, Plan B Europe is set to deliver ambitious, prestige content that resonates with audiences from Los Angeles to Berlin, Hong Kong to Miami Beach.
For filmmakers and financiers, this expansion represents a rare opportunity to collaborate at the highest levels of international television and film production.
