The series features fifteen aspiring chefs who compete for their shot at culinary stardom and the chance to earn the prestigious title of "Top Chef." The challenges not only test their skills in the kitchen, but also uncover if they have the customer service, management and teamwork abilities required of a Top Chef.

Since its formation in the summer of 2001 Magical Elves has developed and produced shows for NBC, ABC, Bravo, Showtime, Oxygen, USA, and HBO, including Project Runway, Top Chef, Top Chef Masters, Top Chef Just Desserts, Work of Art, The Real L-Word, Top Design, Project Greenlight, Dance Your Ass Off, Last Comic Standing, Dance on Sunset, and Treasure Hunters. Whether the Elves are showcasing the art scene or the dance floor, their ability to build characters, reveal drama, tension, truths and triumphs is unparalleled.

After a successful collaboration on the Emmy-nominated reality show Bands on the Run, Jane Lipsitz and Dan Cutforth formed Magical Elves to exploit their diverse backgrounds and varied experience to create innovative and entertaining entertainment that would always strive to entertain. And innovate. The Magical Elves bring passion, commitment and a love of fine dining to every project they undertake.

Dan and Jane have extensive experience in all facets of development and production across every genre of television from scripted drama and comedy to reality and documentaries, to talk, game and panel shows. With over 11 years in business, the Elves have worked with over 100 brands ranging in every sector of business. They bring passion, commitment and a love of fine dining to every project they undertake.

Dan Cutforth was born and raised in England. He started his career at the BBC in 1990 as a researcher in the quaintly-named "Light Entertainment" department. He moved to independent production company Planet 24 to join the team that started up "The Big Breakfast," an anarchic and influential morning show. In the mid-'90s, Cutforth moved to New York to head up U.S. operations for Planet 24. While working there, he helped develop "Survivor" and produced "The Keenan Ivory Wayans Show" – an experience that still occasionally causes him to wake up screaming. After a six month sojourn in the UK to re-launch and re-brand "The Big Breakfast," Cutforth returned to the U.S. to produce two seasons of the prime time series "Whose Line is it Anyway?" before joining forces with Jane Lipsitz to create "Bands on the Run" for VH1.



1. I wrote a musical for a children's camp which was performed twice.
2. I have a phobia of koi fish.
3. As a school boy, I was a chorister.


Jane Lipsitz grew up in New York City. She began her career in the music business, working first at ICM then at Polygram Diversified Entertainment, where she earned her stripes as a producer during the 40-hour television coverage of Woodstock. In the mid-'90s, she was hired as an independent producer for VH1's development department as the network was in the process of abandoning its programming diet of Dire Straits videos and ancient stand-up comedy to become one of the most influential and successful cable networks. By the time she left her position as Senior Vice President of Development and Production, she had developed, produced and overseen hundreds of shows including "Pop Up Video," "The List" and "Bands on the Run."




1. I used to manage a rock band, Gimme the Gun, based in Hoboken.
2. I was a gymnast from age five and the team I was on was number one in the city.
3. I think I have ESP