Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has announced that the US streaming giant will open a new office in Canada and hire a dedicated content manager to order local originals.
In a blog post, Sarandos said Netflix had spent C $ 2.5 billion ($ 2 billion) in Canada since 2017 and it was time to double its presence in the country, which provided members with shows including Anne with an E and Working moms.
“We want to build on this momentum and create a new home for Netflix in Canada – by opening an office and hiring a dedicated content manager to work directly with the Canadian creative community,” said Sarandos. “We could not have dreamed until 2012, when our first original production started shooting in Ontario (Hemlock grove) what an important part of our business would Canada become.
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The office will join Netflix’s Toronto production facility, which it established in 2019 by leasing eight sound stages and office space from Cinespace and Pinewood Studios Toronto. Last year, the streamer also rented seven sound stages at the Canadian Motion Picture Park studio complex, just outside of Vancouver.
Sarandos said Netflix is set to announce plans and relationships in Canada in the coming weeks, suggesting that a bunch of originals and global deals are on the way as it opens its local headquarters. . He also stressed the importance of telling the stories of under-represented communities.
“If we want more people to see their lives reflected on screen, we need to make sure that people from all walks of life have access to opportunities for training, mentoring and experiences on set. Through over 20 local partnerships, we have helped support the career development of over 600 Canadian creators to date, ”he said. “Canada is an incredibly diverse country and increasing our presence locally will help us share more authentically Canadian stories with the world.
The Canadian office builds on Netflix’s growing international presence. The company opened a French base last year, as it is in the process of moving to Italy in the second half of 2021. It has other international headquarters in UK, Netherlands, India, in Mexico and Australia.
