Ten years ago Canadians invited Netflix into their homes for the first time. And whether it’s been bringing new life to the story of a famous red-head from PEI (Anne with an E), following a rag-tag group of survivalists into the forests of Quebec (Jusqu’au déclin), or having a little fun with fire (Blown Away), Canada has provided Netflix members there and all over the world with plenty of stories to love.
The company wants to build on that momentum and make a new home for Netflix in Canada – opening an office and hiring a dedicated content executive to work directly with the Canadian creative community.
The Netlfix team could only have dreamed in 2012 when their first original production began filming in Ontario (Hemlock Grove) what an important part of the business Canada would become. Since 2017 alone they have spent more than $2.5B CAD on productions in the country. The company has also built relationships with many talented directors, screenwriters, actors, producers, animators and more.
Just one example of a series or film Netflix has developed which has supported (or kicked off) the career of local talent is Mississauga’s very own Maitreyi Ramikrishnan in Never Have I Ever.
Over the last three years, Netflix has also focused on working with organisations across Canada to support the development of creators from underrepresented communities. Through over 20 local partnerships, they have helped support the career development of more than 600 Canadian creators to-date.
Canada is an amazingly diverse country and growing their presence locally will help Netflix share more authentically Canadian stories with the world, whether through the development of original content or through co-production and licensing opportunities. As always, the goal is to give their members great choice and control over what they watch.
In the weeks ahead Netflix will be announcing even more exciting news around local projects and relationships, and the team can’t wait to open the new Canadian home to their creative partners.
