Magical Elves founders Cutforth and Lipsitz depart

Magical Elves founders Dan Cutforth and Jane Lipsitz are stepping down from the Top Chef producer, which they founded in 2001. 

The Emmy-winning producers and business partners will return to their roots as indie producers, while Magical Elves is to remain under Tinopolis Group, which acquired the business in 2014.

The pair will work with Tinopolis during a transitory period, during which they will hand over Magical Elves shows, including Bravo hits Top Chef and Project Runway, Netflix’s Nailed It and Sugar Rush, WEtv’s Braxton Family Values and Oxygen’s Cold Justice. 

In a joint statement, Tinopolis Group founder and chairman Ron Jones and CEO Arwel Rees said: “Tinopolis is home to many of the industry’s most successful and respected producers, in the US and across the globe, and Dan and Jane have been tremendous contributors since our acquisition of Magical Elves in 2014.

“Against the backdrop of a continually evolving business, they have consistently helped us deliver thousands of hours of quality content as part of a world-class team. Dan and Jane’s creativity and professionalism have been their hallmark and those values will continue to be nurtured within Magical Elves through this transition and beyond.” 

Cutforth and Lipsitz added: “It would have been hard to imagine when we started the company that we’d be this fortunate with our partners and collaborators, from incredibly smart and supportive distribution partners, and amazing talent, to a gifted team of producers, production staff and employees – and of course the team at Tinopolis. We’re proud to have created a culture of collaboration and risk-taking, so core to the success of the work we all do. As independent producers, we’re excited to continue telling stories that showcase extraordinary, creative people and innovative voices. We are grateful to Tinopolis for being great partners on every front, for their consideration in respecting our choice, and for working with us on a transition that puts our shows and talent first.”