Netflix hires new international film chief

Netflix has hired the head of London-based STXInternational David Kosse to head up its international film division.

As VP of international film, Kosse will oversee all international production and acquisition for the company and focus on non-English language films.

In Netflix’s London office, Kosse will be joined by Funa Maduka, who will serve as director of international film and acquisitions, and Teresa Moneo, who will act as director on international film.

Kosse will report to Netflix’s Scott Stuber.

The move follows the success of Roma, a non-English feature which bagged three Oscars this past February, including best cinematography, best foreign language film and best director.

At this year’s Berlinale Film Festival, Brian Pearson, Netflix’s director of EMEA co-productions and acquisitions, said that Netflix will be “expanding most aggressively on original film”. To date, Pearson said Netflix holds 8,000 European films for all of its services around the world.

Stuber said in a statement: “David has spent his career launching and building international film divisions. With the majority of our audience outside the US, it’s the right time for us to be building our international film presence. Having worked with David for years at Universal, I know there’s no one better suited for this role.”

Kosse added: “By making international content available globally on such a large scale, Netflix is shattering cultural boundaries in a way no other company has. And what a team to do it with.”