MARTIN POPE is the joint CEO and co-founder of Magic Light Pictures.

Martin began his career directing theatre then joined BBC Drama as an assistant director to work on a range of acclaimed films. He progressed to becoming a script editor then producer, with his first producing credit on the BAFTA winning A Question of Attribution, working with writer Alan Bennett and lauded director John Schlesinger. He later produced John Madden’s film Meat, and Harwant Bain’s Two Oranges and A Mango.

Martin set up his independent production company to produce the award-winning feature film Alive & Kicking, as well as tv film The Turn of the Screw starring Colin Firth. He went on to produce indie features including The Heart of Me with Helena Bonham Carter, BIFA winner Lawless Heart, and the Sundance Festival hit Touch of Pink. Further feature producing credits include romantic comedy Wild Target with Bill Nighy, Glorious ‘39 starring Eddie Redmayne, comedy horror The Cottage with Andy Serkis and documentary One Life narrated by Daniel Craig.

In 2003 Martin launched Magic Light Pictures with Michael Rose. Following several features including Sparkle starring Bob Hoskins and Lesley Manville, and the European Film Award Animated Feature winner Chico & Rita, the company has increasingly focused on providing imaginative entertainment for families and children. The company has built a worldwide reputation for the consistent quality of its output and its productions have been nominated for four Oscars, and won five Baftas, five International Emmys and two Children’s and Family Emmys.

In addition to producing animated films such as The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom, The Snail and the Whale, Zog and Tiddler, Martin jointly oversees company activities ranging from development and production to brand building strategy across licensing, distribution and marketing. Martin produced Roald Dahl’s Revolting Rhymes as well as leading the BAFTA and double Emmy winning The Velveteen Rabbit.

Martin is a Board Member of Europe’s leading training and networking organisation for feature film producers, ACE Producers. He runs its celebrated Animation Special workshop and has previously served as Vice-President.