Introduction to Magna Studios
The former executives of Pulse Films, Marisa Clifford and Davud Karbassioun, have officially launched Magna Studios, a production company that focuses on film, documentary film, brand, and music content. Magna has been in operation for over a year and has already made a significant impact in the industry.
Production Highlights
Magna has produced the official documentary of the Oasis Reunion Tour and has also produced and co-financed its first scripted feature, Oscar Hudson’s Circle, which is sold by Global Constellation. Additionally, the company has delivered global campaigns for top brands such as Apple, Nike, Beats, and Spotify.
Leadership Team
The co-founders of Pulse Films, Clifford and Karbassioun, serve as co-CEOs of Magna Studios. They are joined by James Sorton, former Pulse manager, who is part of the management team as managing director, commercials. The company is supported by capital from Thomas Benski’s venture, Lumina, and has hubs in London, New York, and Los Angeles.
Senior Team and Talent
Magna’s senior team includes Olly Calleja, SVP, non-fiction films; Louis Mole, creative director, non-fiction; Sam Bridger, head of music documentary films; and Tim O’Shea, group director for commercial and financial matters. The company’s talent roster includes renowned filmmakers such as Brady Corbet, Oscar Hudson, James Marsh, Sam Pilling, Goldstein & Daley, Julien & Quentin, Haley Anderson, Jeff Tremaine, Asif Kapadia, and Ariel Fisher.
Industry Insights
According to Clifford, the industry is undergoing a significant change, driven by AI, shifts in right-wing models, financing pressure, and evolving audiences. Creators need strategic partners who can help them navigate this complexity, create long-term value, and diversify their production in the media. Magna Studios aims to provide this support and partnership to creators, helping them to succeed in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry.
