Netflix names ex-C4 exec as UK film chief

Netflix has appointed former Channel 4/Film4 exec Fiona Lamptey as its director of UK features as the streamer looks to continue to invest in local content in the UK and Europe.

Fiona Lamptey

Based in London, the newly created role will see Lamptey identify books, theatre works and other material to develop into feature films, focused on British productions and IP with an emphasis on spotting new, emerging UK talent.

Lamptey joins from Fruit Tree Media, the talent hub which cultivates original storytelling and champions unrepresented voices that she set up four years ago after 13 years at Channel 4/Film4.

The UK is one of Netflix’s top three locations for production globally, along with the US and Canada, and it operates its own UK production hub at Shepperton Studios.

The past year has seen Netflix UK significantly increase its commissioning team, which now includes Anne Mensah in original scripted/drama, David Kosse in non-English language film, Kate Townsend in documentaries, Alexi Wheeler in kids and family and Ben Kelly and Daisy Lilley in non-fiction.

Scott Stuber, head of Netflix film, said: “Fiona has been widely recognised for developing underrepresented stories and talent and has quickly made her mark on the UK film industry.”

Lamptey added: “As director of UK features, I’m eager to continue championing fresh, arresting and provocative ideas, where both new and established voices are empowered to tell their stories. I look forward to working with Scott to help connect distinctively British and globally appealing filmmakers and their work to a wider audience.”

Forthcoming Netflix UK feature films include Midnight Sky, Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey and The Dig.