Executive and Series Producer
Love At First Lie - Series Producer
Across pre-production helping to adapt the UK series (True Love or True Lies) into a US/UK co-production. Oversaw international casting and complex network approvals. Working with other senior members of the team to setup the filming precinct, develop the games and tasks and format twists. On location I was responsible for executing the format twists, new cast entrances, tasks and master interviews. I then went into the edit helping to shape the series' engaging twists and turns and prepare a US and UK version of the series.


Charlotte in Sunderland - Series Producer
Series Producer for this first series of reality star Charlotte Crosby's docu-series on her journey into motherhood and business. Working with the talent and her family to ensuring a compelling balance between personal and professional narratives. The series performed exceptionally well for BBC Three, more than doubling its primetime average market share by +170%.


The Bachelor South Africa - Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, I played a key role in securing the commission for this prime-time reality dating series and led its successful adaptation for the South African market across three seasons. The Bachelor and Bachelorette SA follows a single lead searching for love among a group of contestants, with weekly eliminations, romantic dates, and dramatic twists keeping audiences engaged. My role encompassed casting a diverse and compelling mix of personalities, structuring episodes to balance romance and conflict, and maintaining high production value working closely with the commissioning editor. I also managed the budget and financial oversight, ensuring the series delivered for a prime-time audience .


One Night With My Ex - Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, I oversaw the first season of this prime-time social experiment, which reunited former couples for an overnight stay in a fixed-rig setting. One Night With My Ex captured raw, unfiltered conversations as exes confronted their past relationships, leading to moments of closure, rekindled feelings, or unexpected drama. I was responsible for shaping the narrative, working closely with the editorial team to craft compelling story arcs while maintaining the show’s unscripted authenticity. I also managed the budget and financial oversight, ensuring smooth execution of this multi-camera production.


Girl Eat World - Executive Producer
As Executive Producer and Creator, I developed and produced this award-winning travel and food series, following MasterChef South Africa winner Kamini Pather as she explored global culinary cultures through the eyes of local food influencers. Girl Eat World blended travel, digital culture, and gastronomy, offering a fresh take on the food genre. I oversaw the creative vision, international production logistics, and post-production, ensuring the series had a strong editorial identity and visual appeal. I also secured the funding, securing licensing deals and distribution. The series won a South African Film and Television Award and was licensed to Netflix.


Twende Kazi - Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, I led the format development and production of this high-energy reality adventure series, which followed African celebrities in a relay race from Nairobi to London. Twende Kazi was a fast-turnaround production, filmed across multiple countries in Africa, requiring precise logistical coordination and real-time problem-solving. I oversaw casting, production, and post, ensuring the series maintained its pace and excitement while navigating complex travel routes, border crossings, and shifting on-location challenges. The season culminated in a live finale in London, adding to the intensity of the storytelling.


The Venture - Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, I adapted and produced this business reality series, where social entrepreneurs from across Africa pitched their ventures to a panel of high-profile investors for a chance to secure life-changing funding. Chivas: The Venture focused on innovation, impact, and high-stakes decision-making, as contestants presented their businesses in a competitive investment process.


MasterChef South Africa - Executive Producer
As Executive Producer, I led four seasons of this prime-time, Emmy-nominated local adaptation of the globally successful cooking competition. MasterChef South Africa showcased talented home cooks competing in high-stakes culinary challenges, judged by industry-leading chefs. I was responsible for casting, format adaptation, challenge development and episode structure, ensuring the show maintained its premium production values while resonating with local audiences. I also had oversight of the budget, balancing ambitious creative execution with the realities of large-scale production. The series won a ProMAX award and was nominated twice for an International Emmy award for non-scripted entertainment.


Survivor: South Africa - Series Director/Producer
As Series Director/Producer for the first three seasons of Survivor South Africa, I led the creative execution of the show across diverse locations: Panama, Malaysia, and Mozambique. On location, I managed storytelling and production, ensuring each episode captured the essence of the competition and the unique challenges of each environment. Post-filming, I oversaw the editing process, shaping raw footage into a distinct tone and style that resonated with the local audience. Additionally, I served as Creative Director for the live finale on season 2 and 3. Produced by Endemol South Africa, these seasons established Survivor South Africa as a premier reality series in the region.


My Story - Executive Producer
As Creator and Executive Producer, I secured the commission and led this prime-time documentary series, which gave an intimate look at South Africa’s most iconic figures. My Story blended personal archives, unseen footage, and narration from close friends and family to create compelling and deeply personal portraits. I oversaw research, episode structure, and production, ensuring strong editorial storytelling and high production values. I also managed the budget and financial oversight, balancing creative ambition with available resources. The format was later re-produced in East Africa by M-Net.


Series Producer | Edit Producer | Development Producer
Contact
donald@luckybean.tv
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