Netflix's film division is undergoing a reorganization with Dan Lin taking the helm as the new head. The restructuring will see the features division at the streaming service being divided by genre, including sci-fi, rom-com, and faith-based categories. Lin officially assumed his role on April 1 after consulting with key figures such as chief content officer Bela Bajaria, film heads at Netflix, and external partners for over a month.
Under the new structure, Ori Marmur will oversee action, fantasy, horror, and sci-fi titles, while Kira Goldberg will handle thrillers, dramas, and family films. Niija Kuykendall will be in charge of faith-based, young adult, and holiday offerings, and Jason Young will manage comedies and rom-coms. The reorganization will also involve some departures, with an estimated dozen individuals expected to leave.
Netflix's film division has historically faced challenges due to its extensive project portfolio, surpassing that of other studios in terms of volume. Previous heads Lisa Nishimura and Tendo Nagenda had divided the division based on budget, with Nagenda overseeing mid-to-high budget projects and Nishimura handling mid-to-low budget, acquisitions, and non-fiction content. Following their departures, Goldberg, Marmur, and Kuykendall took over, aiming to streamline operations and reduce confusion.
The latest reorganization aligns with Netflix's strategy of focusing on midsized offerings, with successful genres including comedies, rom-coms, and family films. The slate will also feature big-budget productions and potential awards contenders. The restructuring under Lin reflects a common practice in Hollywood when new leadership is installed, aiming to better align internal structures with the needs of the film slate.
