Broadcast has revealed that Diego Buñuel, who recently joined the VoD provider from Canal Plus in April, will occupy the position of ‘Head of Factual’ once the new division opens in September.
Netflix recently held a private cocktail reception at the Sheffield Doc/Fest where executives outlined the company’s planned expansion into the European market.
Speaking with Screen Daily, one source said:
“They mostly invited European buyers like Arte to figure out a way of working together - or scare them off. They want to heavily invest in their own productions in Europe - that’s why they have set up the office. They will continue to buy a few titles for worldwide and the rest will focus on original content.”
This news follows Netflix’s landmark Canadian deal back in September, which saw the streaming platform commit over $500 million Canadian dollars to non-US productions over the next five years.
It is expected that Netflix intent to implement a similar plan of action in the UK, with a particular focus towards fully funded factual projects from European producers. This initiative will be made in an effort to attract top European talent away from domestic broadcasters across the continent.
Netflix have noticeably withdrawn from making high-profile acquisitions following quiet stints at the usually vibrant Utah-based Sundance Film Festival, while the message being projected at the Sheffield Doc/Fest last week was a call-to-action for “bold, attention grabbing ideas”.
