Executive Producer, International Drama – BBC WORLDWIDE
Ben Donald is the Executive Producer for International Drama at BBC Worldwide, working on a part-time basis. Reporting into Helen Jackson, Chief Content Officer, Ben is responsible for developing and managing international co-productions for drama, taking projects through from concept stage to funding and on to completion.
In this role, Donald works closely with the Global Markets divisions at BBC Worldwide, BBC Drama, BBC Worldwide’s overseas production offices and UK Indie partners, and with the commissioning departments within broadcasters internationally, with a particular focus on Europe.
Donald is also the founder of indie production banner, Cosmopolitan Pictures which works in partnership with Clerkenwell Films and BBC Worldwide. Donald works in conjunction with BBC Worldwide to secure international co-production funding for projects, developing and producing distinctive, ambitious drama for the U.K. and international markets.
Donald has worked for BBC Worldwide since 2001 in a variety of roles including sales & distribution with responsibility for Italy, Spain, Russia and Latin America. Previous international co-production agreements for BBC Worldwide and the BBC brokered by Donald include global hits such as Death in Paradise (with France Televisions), Parade’s End (with HBO and ARTE France), The Spies of Warsaw (with TV Poland and ARTE France), and Zen (with RTI, ZDF and WGBH), The Passing Bells (with TV Poland) and Wolf Hall (with Arte).
