Magic Light Pictures
- Open roles
- 0
- Founded
- 2003
- Employees
- 11-50
- Offices
- 1
About Magic Light Pictures
Magic Light Pictures is an independent entertainment studio and brand management company based in London. Founded in 2003 by producers Martin Pope and Michael Rose, it develops, produces, distributes and licenses children’s and family entertainment. Its work spans animated television specials, preschool series, feature films and the development of character properties beyond the screen.
The studio is particularly associated with adaptations of children’s literature, including the books of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler. Its sequence of animated half-hour specials began with The Gruffalo, which premiered on BBC One in December 2009 and received Academy Award and BAFTA nominations. Subsequent productions include The Gruffalo’s Child, Room on the Broom, Stick Man, The Highway Rat, Zog, The Snail and the Whale, Superworm, Tabby McTat, Tiddler and The Scarecrows' Wedding.
Its adaptations also extend to Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes and Margery Williams’ The Velveteen Rabbit. Recognition for individual productions includes BAFTA wins for Room on the Broom and Revolting Rhymes, International Emmy recognition for Zog and The Smeds and The Smoos, and an Emmy win for The Velveteen Rabbit. These productions combine literary adaptation with a continuing focus on stories for children and family audiences.
Alongside its specials, Magic Light produces episodic preschool television. Its catalogue includes Pip and Posy, comprising 104 seven-minute episodes, and the educational companion series Pip and Posy Let’s Learn, comprising 26 five-minute episodes. These series have been broadcast through Milkshake! and Sky Kids. Its production slate also includes a 52-episode CG adaptation of Zog for CBeebies.
The company’s wider production history includes the live-action films Sparkle and Wild Target, the documentary feature One Life, and a co-production and sales role on the animated feature Chico & Rita. Beyond film and television, Magic Light develops consumer products and location-based experiences around its characters, connecting its screen catalogue with publishing adaptations, retail partnerships and family attractions.
More about Magic Light Pictures
Operating model
- Magic Light coordinates creative development, production management, distribution, licensing, marketing and brand management within an integrated business. Its central team expands production capacity through contracted creative talent and its dedicated Scottish animation subsidiary.
- The report describes its distribution catalogue as reaching more than 180 countries in 50 languages, with its licensing department managing over 90 licensees.
Collaborations and public experiences
- Its partnership with Forestry England brings its characters into educational trails. Other collaborations include The Gruffalo River Ride Adventure at Chessington World of Adventures and attractions at Warwick Castle and Blackpool.
Corporate continuity
- The original 2003 legal entity became OE 2019 LIMITED in April 2019, while the current operating entity adopted the MAGIC LIGHT PICTURES LIMITED name that same day. The report distinguishes this legal restructuring from the studio's continuing business history.
Notable credits
22 creditsOffices
Where Magic Light Pictures is based
- 4th Floor, 41-42 Foley Street, London, W1W 7TS, United KingdomLondon, England, United Kingdom
London Headquarters
HeadquartersAbout this office
Company headquarters handling central management, executive production, rights acquisition, development, worldwide distribution, licensing and marketing.
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