Magical Elves founders to exit

The founders of Top Chef and Project Runway prodco Magical Elves are leaving the Tinopolis-owned company to launch a new outfit.

Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth

Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz founded Magical Elves in 2001 and remained with the company following its acquisition in 2014 by UK-based Tinopolis Group.

Cutforth and Lipsitz will now return to being independent producers, although they will retain their creative input on shows and work with Tinopolis on a “coordinated transition.” Details of their new outfit are yet to be revealed.

Magical Elves, which will remain part of Tinopolis USA, was behind Bravo’s Top Chef and Project Runway, as well as Nailed It and Sugar Rush for Netflix, Braxton Family Values for WE tv, and Cold Justice for Oxygen.

Tinopolis Group founder and chairman Ron Jones and CEO Arwel Rees said Cutforth and Lipsitz had been “tremendous contributors” since the acquisition of Magical Elves.

“Against the backdrop of a continually evolving business, they have consistently helped us deliver thousands of hours of quality content as part of a world-class team. Dan and Jane’s creativity and professionalism have been their hallmark and those values will continue to be nurtured within Magical Elves through this transition and beyond.”

Cutforth and Lipsitz added: “It would have been hard to imagine when we started the company that we’d be this fortunate with our partners and collaborators, from incredibly smart and supportive distribution partners, and amazing talent, to a gifted team of producers, production staff and employees – and, of course, the team at Tinopolis.

“We’re proud to have created a culture of collaboration and risk-taking, so core to the success of the work we all do. As independent producers, we’re excited to continue telling stories that showcase extraordinary, creative people and innovative voices.

“We are grateful to Tinopolis for being great partners on every front, for their consideration in respecting our choice, and for working with us on a transition that puts our shows and talent first.”

Magical Elves is among an array of producers owned by UK-based Tinopolis Group, including Mentorn Media, Firecracker, Pioneer and the recently launched Thunderclap Media. Tinopolis also has its own distribution arm, Passion Distribution.