The search for a replacement at Netflix for their head of film content after Scott Stuber’s departure has ended. Dan Lin is their choice to take up as head of film for the streaming studio.
There were other choices that were floated, according to Deadline, including Sean Bailey, the former Disney Live-Action Motion Pictures Production Boss, and also former Universal and DreamWorks Chief Stacey Snider. They both were passed over for Dan Lin, who has experience working with Netflix.
He’s one of the people who helped bring Avatar: The Last Airbender to life as a series on the streaming service. He also has credits with several of the Lego movies. Here’s what Bela Bajaria, Chief Content Officer for Netflix had to say.
“Dan’s experience as both an executive and a producer is marked by a consistent ability to draw in exceptional filmmakers. But what really got my attention was his creation of Rideback, a dynamic community for filmmakers, fostering collaborative and creative environments. His visionary approach has led to the establishment of incubators and residencies, propelling the careers of extraordinary talent, as well as a steady slate of blockbuster films. I can’t wait for Dan to infuse Netflix with his innovation and talent. I’m excited to work with him to bring a diverse range of exceptional films to our global audience.”
Here’s what Lin had to say about the new gig.
“While I’ve been approached many times during my past 15 years at Rideback, I could truly never imagine leaving until Bela reached out with this incredible opportunity. Bela’s vision for the Netflix film division immediately interested me as it aligned so strongly with my own personal and professional values and what we have been building at Rideback. There is such a strong foundation that’s already been established in the film division at Netflix, one I’m excited to take to the next level as we continue growing this creative community to make Netflix the #1 home for filmmakers.
My past experiences working with Ted and the Netflix team on “The Two Popes” and most recently “Avatar: The Last Airbender,” have been exceptional, so this felt like a natural transition to join a team that I highly respect and have been in the trenches with already. It’s always been my aspiration at Rideback to make movies with worldwide appeal and universal themes, and there is no better place to do that than at the company with the widest global audience. It’s an incredible opportunity that I couldn’t say no to, and as hard as it is to leave Rideback, a company I love, I’m excited now to hand over the reins to the new Co-CEO’s Jonathan Eirich and Michael LoFaso who will no doubt take Rideback to levels that even I hadn’t envisioned.”
We’ll have to see how this changes anything for Netflix going forward. They still have the same two heads in place at the top, but some new blood could enfuse the streamer with some momentum heading into a pivotal couple of years. They’re moving into the live sports space with a new contract with WWE. They also have plenty of new content, including gaming getting bigger by the day.
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Source: Deadline
