Introduction to Plan B’s New Venture
Plan B, a US-based production company co-run by Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner, along with Brad Pitt, has recently announced the launch of its London-based European subsidiary. This move is expected to expand the company’s reach and presence in the European film industry.
Discussing the New Subsidiary
At the BFI London Film Festival, Kleiner expressed his enthusiasm for the new venture, stating, "We’re already doing a lot of things here, so it feels like the right moment." The company has been active in producing films and TV shows in the UK, and this new subsidiary is seen as a natural progression of their efforts. Former Clerkenwell Films executive producer Ed McDonald will be directing Plan B Europe, and Kleiner believes that McDonald’s expertise in TV will help the company expand its reach in the UK and Europe.
Hiring the Right Person
Gardner described the process of hiring McDonald as "searching for a long-lost family," emphasizing the importance of finding the right person for the job. She also highlighted Plan B’s global approach, stating, "We love making things all over the world. It just seemed like an incredible opportunity if we could find the right person from here." The company has partners in Paris, including Mediawan, which has a 60% stake in the company.
Impact of Trump’s Tariff Threat
The implementation of Donald Trump’s 100 percent tariff on films shot outside the United States could potentially affect the locations of future projects. Gardner noted that if filming outside the US becomes too expensive, the company may have to reconsider its strategy. However, she emphasized that Plan B will always try to produce films around the world, as this is what is best for cinema.
The Making of "H is for Hawk"
Plan B recently produced the feature film "H is for Hawk," an adaptation of Helen McDonald’s memoir about caring for a hawk after her father’s death. The film, directed by Philippa Lowthorpe and starring Claire Foy, was released in British and Irish cinemas by Lionsgate UK. Kleiner described the film as "not the easiest to make," but praised the determination of the people involved in bringing the project to life. He noted that the film deals with complicated emotions and has a deliberate pace, which can make it challenging to produce.
