Magna Studios has named producer Lewis Taylor as Head of Film, following its recent Grand Prize win at the Venice Film Festival.
Taylor will lead Magna’s scripted strategy, with a focus on director-driven genre films and breakthrough debuts, as the studio also builds on its UK TV slate. The ambition is for Magna to become “a long-term home for artists.”
Taylor began his career at MUBI in acquisitions and programming before joining director David Yates on the Fantastic Beasts films. Taylor went on to become Yates’ producing partner at Wychwood Media, where he originated and developed a range of projects including Netflix’s Pain Hustlers, starring Emily Blunt and Chris Evans and the upcoming animated feature Julián, based on the acclaimed children’s book Julián is a Mermaid.
Magna’s slate includes Venice Film Festival Grand Prize Winner Straight Circle (written & directed by Oscar Hudson), which will premiere at the BFI London Film Festival from 17 October 2025. Banquet, directed by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, the filmmaker behind the Netflix’s The Platform), stars Meghann Fahy and goes into production in November.
Speaking on the appointment, Davud Karbassioun, Co-CEO of Magna Studios, said: “Lewis’ appointment comes at a pivotal time for the business, as we continue to grow our scripted offering and commitment to power filmmaker-led storytelling. We have strong momentum, with an exciting pipeline and are looking forward to working with Lewis to position Magna as a unique launchpad for both emerging voices and acclaimed auteurs.”
Taylor added: “Magna’s mission to give filmmakers creative freedom, support and a fast path to production is exactly what the industry needs right now. I’m thrilled to join the company and help build a slate that’s ambitious, authored and audience-focused, alongside the most exciting filmmakers of our generation.”
Pippa Considine
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