Netflix will open a Canadian office, develop its relationship with local creators

Mississauga's very own Maitreyi Ramikrishnan with director Tristram Shapeero on the set of 'Never Have I Ever.' (Source: Netflix)

Since 2017, Netflix has invested $2.5 billion in the country. Now, it wants to grow that investment further with plans of opening a new office in the country while hiring a dedicated content executive to collaborate with Canadian creators. 

The streaming service's co-CEO Ted Sarandos announced the news in a blog post, but Netflix is still deciding where in the country it'll put up its Canadian headquarters. 

According to The Canadian Press, Netflix is looking into establishing its HQ in Toronto and Vancouver, especially since much of its production happens in both markets. 

Netflix already has a production hub in Toronto, set up two years ago, leasing eight sound stages and office space at Cinespace Studios and Pinewood Toronto Studios. Last year, it also leased seven soundstages at the Canadian Motion Picture Park studio complex just outside Vancouver.

Netflix has 21 offices worldwide, with its French base opened last year, and its Italian office is expected to open in the second half of this year.

Having an office in the country, Sarandos says, will allow the company's executives to be closer to the local creators and build a relationship with the creative community. Hiring a dedicated content executive will also help make this happen.

Sarandos said Netflix plans to announce Canadian projects and relationships in the coming weeks, which suggests we will hear about new original programming and deals in the works as it sets up this new local office. 

He also mentions the importance of telling the stories of underrepresented communities.

"If we want more people to see their lives reflected on screen, then we need to make sure that people of all backgrounds are getting access to opportunities for training, mentorship and on-set experiences. Through over 20 local partnerships, we have helped support the career development of more than 600 Canadian creators to-date," he said. "Canada is an amazingly diverse country, and growing our presence locally will help us share more authentically Canadian stories with the world."

Via: Deadline