Buyer Database · Production Company · Updated
Plan B Entertainment
Plan B Entertainment is a prestige production company backed by Mediawan, now expanding into Europe, audio, and premium streaming with socially resonant non-fiction and narrative film.
Current mandate
Plan B Entertainment occupies a distinctive position in the prestige production landscape: a company with a long track record of backing challenging, culturally significant projects that other producers pass on. With Mediawan holding a 60% stake and providing a Paris-based European foothold, Plan B is no longer purely a Hollywood operation. The company's mandate centers on prestige non-fiction, socially resonant narrative film, sports documentary, and high-profile biographical subjects, with premium streamer partnerships, notably Prime Video and Audible, anchoring its distribution strategy. Founder Brad Pitt's producing partners have consistently signaled a preference for material that is emotionally complex and difficult to get made, a philosophy that shapes every attachment decision.
On the production side, Plan B's recent activity reflects that philosophy in practice. The company has been attached to Philippa Lowthorpe's feature adaptation of "H Is For Hawk" alongside Film4, a project that has been in development since 2017 and is described internally as deliberately paced and emotionally demanding. Lionsgate UK is handling the UK and Ireland theatrical release. Separately, Plan B struck an exclusive development deal with Audible for a slate of original audio projects, signaling a meaningful expansion beyond film and television into premium audio. The company has also been active in sports documentary, a category where major streamers are currently paying premium prices for access-driven projects.
Plan B's access pathways are evolving alongside its geographic expansion. The company has launched Plan B Europe, a London-based subsidiary headed by Ed McDonald, with executive Kleiner publicly noting that more UK-based projects will be announced shortly. The Mediawan stake also opens a Paris corridor for European co-productions. Every tracked project in the pipeline has arrived through established producer relationships, filmmaker attachments, or long-term development partnerships rather than open calls. No unsolicited pathway is documented, and the most reliable route to Plan B's attention runs through representation or a co-production partner already in their orbit.
Signature peaks
- Plan B Europe European Expansion Hub — New London-based subsidiary headed by Ed McDonald, with more UK projects imminent.
- 60% Ownership Mediawan Strategic Stake — Mediawan's majority stake provides a Paris co-production corridor and European financing infrastructure.
- Audible Deal Audio Slate Launch — Exclusive development deal with Audible for a slate of original audio projects, expanding beyond film and TV.
Mandate dimensions
- Genre focus
- documentary, sports documentary, non-fiction series
- Territory focus
- Not disclosed
- Budget tier (observed)
- Not disclosed
- Access pattern
- Every tracked Plan B project has reached the company through filmmaker attachments, long-term development relationships, or co-production partnerships with entities such as Film4 and Mediawan-affiliated companies. The newly launched Plan B Europe subsidiary, headed by Ed McDonald in London, is an emerging route for UK and European co-production partners; Kleiner has publicly indicated that additional UK-based projects will be announced shortly through that office.
- Deal structure
- Plan B structures its activity as production financing and co-production arrangements, typically partnering with broadcasters (Film4), streamers (Prime Video, Audible), and financiers (Mediawan) rather than acquiring distribution rights. The Audible arrangement is structured as an exclusive development deal for a slate of original audio projects.
Recent productions and projects
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Exclusive development deal with Audible for a slate of original audio projects
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Exclusive development deal with Audible (slate of original audio projects)
Market context
With a new London subsidiary, a Mediawan partnership, and an Audible audio slate, Plan B is repositioning itself as a genuinely global prestige producer.
Major streamers paying premium prices for access-driven sports documentaries; sports organizations building in-house media production capabilities; Plan B expanding from film into audio and premium streaming
Common questions about Plan B Entertainment
Does Plan B Entertainment accept unsolicited scripts?
No unsolicited pathway is documented in any tracked Plan B activity. Every project in the company's observable pipeline has arrived through established filmmaker attachments, long-term development relationships, or co-production partnerships. The most practical route for an unrepresented writer is to secure literary representation first, or to attach a director or producer already in Plan B's network. The launch of Plan B Europe may open new entry points through UK-based co-production partners.
How does Plan B Entertainment attach to or develop projects?
Plan B typically attaches early in development, often holding projects for years before production begins. The 'H Is For Hawk' adaptation has been in development since 2017, illustrating the company's willingness to shepherd difficult prestige material over long timelines. Attachments tend to originate through filmmaker relationships, literary estates, or co-production partners such as Film4. The Mediawan stake and new Plan B Europe subsidiary are expanding the pool of European partners through whom projects can enter development.
What is Plan B Entertainment currently producing or developing?
Plan B is currently in production or post-production on 'H Is For Hawk,' Philippa Lowthorpe's feature adaptation produced alongside Film4, with Lionsgate UK handling UK and Ireland theatrical release. The company is also developing a slate of original audio projects under an exclusive deal with Audible. Broader activity spans prestige non-fiction, sports documentary, and socially resonant narrative film, with Prime Video among the premium streamer partners for non-fiction content.
Who are the key creative leaders at Plan B Entertainment?
Plan B's tracked decision-maker roster includes 13 executives across its US and newly established European operations. Ed McDonald heads Plan B Europe, the company's new London-based subsidiary. Executives identified publicly as Kleiner and Gardner have spoken to the company's global strategy, with Gardner citing the Mediawan partnership and Paris operations as central to Plan B's international ambitions. Kleiner has signaled that additional UK-based project announcements are forthcoming from the European office.
How do I get my project in front of Plan B Entertainment?
The most documented route is through a sales agent, literary manager, or entertainment attorney with an existing relationship with Plan B's development team. Co-production partners, particularly Film4 in the UK and Mediawan-affiliated companies in France, represent another observed entry point. The launch of Plan B Europe under Ed McDonald may create additional access through UK-based producers and financiers. No open submission portal or fellowship program is currently documented for Plan B.
Is Plan B Entertainment currently active?
Yes. Plan B's latest tracked signal is from mid-2026, and the company is actively expanding. The launch of Plan B Europe, the Audible audio slate deal, ongoing production of 'H Is For Hawk,' and executive statements about imminent UK project announcements all point to a company in an active growth phase. The Mediawan majority stake provides financing infrastructure, and the company's stated focus on premium streamer partnerships with Prime Video and Audible indicates a clear current-market strategy.
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