Brad Pitt Secretly Plans to “Invade” the European Film Market

Brad Pitt is taking his award-winning production company Plan B Entertainment across the Atlantic. The company, co-founded by Pitt along with producers Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, has officially launched a European subsidiary based in London. This new branch, known as Plan B Europe, will be headed by Ed Macdonald, the acclaimed producer behind Netflix’s globally praised hit Baby Reindeer.

The move represents more than just a geographical expansion; it signals a significant strategic step in Plan B’s long-term ambitions to increase its presence in the international television market. By setting up shop in London — one of the most dynamic and well-funded creative hubs in Europe — Plan B is positioning itself to deliver more premium-tier television series and expand its footprint in the UK and across the continent.

Plan B’s International Push Gathers Speed

Since its inception, Plan B Entertainment has built a reputation for bold, critically acclaimed storytelling. Known initially for films such as The Departed, 12 Years a Slave, and Moonlight — all of which went on to win the Academy Award for Best Picture — the company has, over the years, expanded its reach into television.

More recently, Plan B has co-produced several successful international television projects, including Adolescence, a British drama starring Stephen Graham that found major success on Netflix. The decision to create a dedicated European office now reflects the company’s growing confidence in transatlantic partnerships and its ability to produce content that resonates globally.

Plan B has been part of the France-based Mediawan Group since 2022. The launch of Plan B Europe, according to Mediawan, “marks a major next step in the integration” of Pitt, Gardner, and Kleiner’s company into the Mediawan family. It also reflects a shared strategy to accelerate co-productions, create new synergies, and explore innovative financing models.

Why London?

London’s importance in this expansion cannot be overstated. As Pitt, Gardner, and Kleiner highlighted in their announcement, the UK offers a unique position as a “bridge between the American and European industries” and serves as one of Europe’s most attractive hubs for film and television funding.

The UK boasts tax incentives, a rich talent pool, and a global reputation for high-quality storytelling. These factors, combined with its cultural and logistical proximity to Hollywood, make it the ideal base for a company like Plan B to develop content with global appeal while maintaining European authenticity.

Enter Ed Macdonald: The Creative Lead for Plan B Europe

Perhaps the most significant element of this expansion is the recruitment of Ed Macdonald. A highly respected creative executive, Macdonald made a name for himself at Clerkenwell Films, where he was instrumental in developing Baby Reindeer, a Netflix series that became a cultural phenomenon for its sharp writing and fearless storytelling.

His appointment signals Plan B’s commitment to quality and risk-taking — hallmarks of both Macdonald’s career and Plan B’s brand identity. By placing someone with a proven track record of resonant, globally successful projects at the head of its European operations, Plan B is sending a clear message: it is here not just to compete but to lead in shaping the future of international television.

In a statement, Pitt, Gardner, and Kleiner expressed their excitement:

“We are thrilled to expand Plan B’s footprint in Europe by bringing Ed Macdonald on board. 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 himself expressed gratitude and anticipation for the new role:

“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.”

A Key Milestone for Mediawan’s Global Strategy

Pierre-Antoine Capton, CEO and co-founder of Mediawan Group, along with Elisabeth d’Arvieu, CEO of Mediawan Pictures, described the launch as a “key milestone” in Mediawan’s international growth strategy.

“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,” they said. “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 also emphasized the alignment of values between Mediawan and Plan B, praising Plan B as “a premium reference label” with “a unique vision and an unwavering commitment to excellence, from development and writing to production.”

What This Means for the Future of European TV Production

The launch of Plan B Europe comes at a time when the streaming landscape is more competitive than ever. Platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and Apple TV+ are battling for subscribers across international markets, driving an unprecedented demand for high-quality, locally resonant, globally appealing content.

By establishing a European arm, Plan B is strategically positioned to co-develop and co-produce series with local creatives while leveraging the resources, financing, and distribution networks of Mediawan and Hollywood. This approach not only strengthens its slate but also offers an edge in creative diversity and cultural authenticity — two qualities increasingly valued by both audiences and distributors.

Industry observers suggest that this move could also encourage more cross-border collaborations, particularly between European production houses and major American studios, thereby blurring traditional geographic boundaries in the development and financing of premium series.

The Bigger Picture: Brad Pitt’s Expanding Production Empire

For Brad Pitt, this expansion marks yet another evolution of Plan B Entertainment’s role in shaping global storytelling. From producing Oscar-winning dramas to shaping television’s prestige era, Plan B has repeatedly proven its ability to anticipate cultural shifts and deliver impactful content.

Now, with Plan B Europe in place, the company is poised to not only participate in Europe’s thriving television scene but to help define it. By combining Hollywood infrastructure with European artistry, the London office may well become a launchpad for the next generation of globally beloved series.

Conclusion: A Bold Move with Global Implications

The creation of Plan B Europe is more than a corporate milestone. It’s a statement of intent. It tells the industry that the boundaries between American and European storytelling are not just fading — they are being actively rewritten by companies willing to invest in talent, trust in creativity, and build structures that transcend borders.

With Ed Macdonald leading the charge, backed by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner, and the resources of Mediawan, the stage is set for a new wave of innovative, premium content designed to captivate audiences worldwide. In the ever-changing landscape of entertainment, this partnership could become a model for how international collaboration drives the future of film and television.