BBC Studios Sets Up Fund and Scripted Role for Ben Donald to Help Discover Next-Gen European IP

Exclusive: BBC Studios has tasked Ben Donald, EP of Mallorca Files, with helping discover the next generation of European IP-driven hits as the producer-distributor sets up a central fund for these projects. Alongside his day-to-day duties, Donald is taking on a supporting role on the independent film Cosmopolitan Pictures at BBC Studios. He is charged with identifying […]

EXCLUSIVE: BBC Studios has commissioned Mallorca Files EP Ben Donald to help discover the next generation of IP-based European hits as the producer-distributor launches a central fund for the projects.

In addition to his day-to-day duties, Donald takes on a supporting role on Cosmopolitan Pictures' indie film at BBC Studios. He will help identify scripted IP from across Europe and will pursue collaborative opportunities as he seeks to build relationships with authors, writers and other creative talent.

Donald is effectively taking on the gig that global production director Matt Ford first mentioned to Deadline earlier this year, though at the time the role was more focused on IP pursuits. This is somewhat expanded. RELATED How Steven Moffat and Sue Verto obsessively recreated 10 Downing Street for Channel 4's 'Number 10' news, which is in charge of Skydance International - at least for now

Ford's team oversees labels such as the UK, Spain and the Nordics, where the new pooled fund has started paying out. This fund will support the development of local projects. Ford's team manages successful scripted formats such as Ghosts in various territories, and Ford has always been clear that he wants to explore more shows such as the BBC sitcom, which has been sold to CBS in the US and is about to get a movie. Watch on Deadline

Donald will continue to run Cosmopolitan Pictures alongside his role at BBC Studios, and we're told he has several projects in development.

A former director of BBC Studios who also has distribution deals with BBC Studios, Donald's credits include The Majorca Files, Death in Paradise and The End of the Parade, all of which traveled far and wide. Cosmopolitan has a minority investment in Season 5-backed The Story Collective, which is run by some of Donald's former BBC studio colleagues.

BBC Studios boss Zay Bennett is speaking at MIPCOM this afternoon.

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