Donaldson forms prodco Magic Hour, partners All3Media, New Pictures

Bafta-winning UK producer Joe Donaldson has set up production company Magic Hour Television and signed a first-look deal with All3Media International and All3Media-owned New Pictures.

Joe Donaldson

Donaldson’s production credits include Peaky Blinders for BBC One and Netflix, Cobra for Sky Max and Ripper Street for Amazon Prime Video.

He will develop the Magic Hour slate, funded by All3Media and distribution arm All3Media International, and partner with New Pictures co-founder and CEO Willow Grylls to produce new scripted television content.

Magic Hour’s ambition is to “work with the incredible array of writing and directing talent in the UK to produce compelling human stories about life in Britain and beyond,” the company said today.

Donaldson will also serve as executive producer for New Pictures on the upcoming third season of Cobra, titled Cobra: Rebellion, for Sky Max, which is due to start production later this year.

“Willow and I share a passion for empowering and supporting creatives to produce ambitious, entertaining television. I look forward to taking my next steps with the support of All3 Media and the New Pictures team,” said Donaldson.