Scott Stuber, the head of Netflix’s film division, announced that he will leave the streaming giant in March 2024 to start his own media company. His departure will mark the end of a five-year tenure that saw Netflix become a major force in the film industry, producing and acquiring critically acclaimed and commercially successful movies. Stuber’s new venture will focus on creating original content across different platforms and genres, as well as partnering with other media companies and talent.
Scott Stuber’s Departure from Netflix
To Start New Media Company
Stuber said that he decided to leave Netflix after realizing that he wanted to pursue his own creative vision and build something from scratch. He said that he was grateful for the opportunity and support that Netflix gave him, but he felt that it was time to move on and explore new challenges. He also said that he was excited to work with new and diverse voices in the media industry and to create content that would resonate with audiences around the world.
Impact of His Departure
Stuber’s departure will leave a big void in Netflix’s film division, as he was instrumental in shaping its strategy and direction. He was responsible for overseeing the production, acquisition, and distribution of Netflix’s original films, as well as managing relationships with filmmakers, actors, and studios. He helped Netflix secure deals with prominent directors such as Martin Scorsese, David Fincher, Spike Lee, and Alfonso Cuarón, as well as stars like Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, Sandra Bullock, and Will Smith. He also led Netflix’s efforts to gain recognition and awards for its films, such as Roma, The Irishman, Marriage Story, and The Trial of the Chicago 7.
Netflix’s Film Division
Success Under Stuber’s Leadership
Under Stuber’s leadership, Netflix’s film division achieved remarkable success and growth, both in terms of quality and quantity. Netflix released more than 100 original films in 2023, ranging from blockbuster action movies like Red Notice and Extraction to Oscar-nominated dramas like Mank and The White Tiger, to comedy hits like The Kissing Booth 3 and Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Netflix also dominated the Golden Globe Awards, winning 10 trophies, including Best Picture – Drama for The Trial of the Chicago 7, and Best Picture – Musical or Comedy for Borat Subsequent Moviefilm. Netflix also received 35 Oscar nominations, the most of any studio, and won seven awards, including Best Director for Chloé Zhao’s Nomadland, and Best Actress for Frances McDormand’s performance in the same film.
Collaborations With Top Filmmakers
One of Stuber’s main achievements was to attract and collaborate with some of the most acclaimed and influential filmmakers in the industry, who saw Netflix as a platform that offered them creative freedom and global reach. Stuber convinced Martin Scorsese to make The Irishman, a $160 million epic that Netflix financed and distributed after other studios passed on the project. He also persuaded David Fincher to return to filmmaking after a six-year hiatus and to make Mank, a biopic of Citizen Kane’s screenwriter, for Netflix. He also secured deals with Spike Lee, who made Da 5 Bloods and American Utopia for Netflix, and Alfonso Cuarón, who made Roma, his most personal and acclaimed film, for the streaming service. Stuber also worked with emerging and diverse filmmakers, such as Ramin Bahrani, who directed The White Tiger, and Nia DaCosta, who will direct the sequel to Candyman for Netflix.
Stuber’s Future Plans
Starting Own Company
Stuber said that he plans to launch his own media company in the second half of 2024, after taking some time off to spend with his family. He said that his company will focus on creating original content across different platforms and genres, such as film, television, podcasts, and gaming. He said that he wants to make content that is innovative, entertaining, and meaningful, and that reflects the diversity and complexity of the world. He also said that he will leverage his experience and network in the media industry to partner with other companies and talent, and to distribute his content to a wide audience.
Potential Projects
Stuber did not reveal any specific details about his potential projects, but he hinted that he has some ideas and scripts that he is working on. He also said that he is interested in exploring new formats and technologies, such as virtual reality, augmented reality, and interactive storytelling. He said that he is open to working with Netflix again, as well as with other streaming services, networks, and studios. He also said that he hopes to continue working with some of the filmmakers and actors that he collaborated with at Netflix, as well as with new and emerging talent. He said that he is looking forward to the next chapter of his career and that he is confident that Netflix’s film division will continue to thrive and innovate under its new leadership.
