BBC Studios Launches Central Scripted Fund, Hands Ben Donald European IP Role
BBC Studios has begun paying out from a new central fund for local scripted development and given executive producer Ben Donald a role scouting European IP and co-productions.
BBC Studios has launched a central fund to back the development of local scripted projects and appointed executive producer Ben Donald to a support role scouting scripted IP across Europe, according to Deadline. Donald will also look for co-production opportunities, and the fund has already started paying out in territories including the UK, Spain and the Nordics.
Donald, whose credits include The Mallorca Files, will continue running his own independent production company, Cosmopolitan Pictures, alongside the BBC Studios role. Fifth Season-backed The Story Collective holds a minority investment in Cosmopolitan.
The appointment follows an earlier conversation between BBC Studios global productions chief Matt Forde and Deadline about a role focused on scouting IP, which has now been expanded. BBC Studios Productions boss Zai Bennett also oversees the division.
Format business continues to travel
Ghosts, a hit BBC sitcom format managed by Forde's team, sold to CBS in the U.S. and is about to release a movie. Donald's other credits include Death in Paradise and Parade's End, both of which travelled widely.
Quick answers
What is the BBC Studios scripted fund for?
It is a central fund backing the development of local scripted projects, and it is already paying out in territories including the UK, Spain and the Nordics.
What is Ben Donald's new role at BBC Studios?
He has a support role identifying scripted IP from across Europe and seeking co-production opportunities, while continuing to run Cosmopolitan Pictures.