Forbes TeamDan Lin, the renowned producer behind hits like “The Lego Movie” and “It,” has made a surprising career move by accepting a new role as the head of Netflix’s film division. But what challenges will he face in elevating the quality of movies produced by the streaming giant?
Lin’s decision to join Netflix comes less than two years after negotiations to lead DC Studios fell through due to compensation disagreements. So, why Netflix? For Lin, the streaming platform offers a vast audience base and stability unmatched by traditional media companies. With Netflix, he sees an opportunity to shape the future of the film industry, especially as streaming becomes the primary mode of movie consumption.
While many were surprised by Lin’s departure from his 16-year-old production company Rideback, known for hits like “Aladdin” and the “Sherlock Holmes” series, Netflix’s offer was too enticing to pass up. Despite not acquiring Rideback, Netflix aims to continue producing movies under the leadership of co-CEOs Jonathan Eirich and Michael LoFaso.
Netflix’s chief content officer, Bela Bajaria, believes Lin’s track record in creating successful film franchises makes him the perfect fit for the streamer. Lin’s expertise in spinning popular stories out of unlikely sources, such as toys and horror novels, aligns with Netflix’s goal of producing compelling content that resonates with diverse audiences.
However, Netflix has faced criticism for its overspending on projects that fail to resonate with viewers. Lin’s reputation for being frugal and resourceful could prove invaluable in addressing this challenge. With experience producing a wide range of films, from summer blockbusters to prestige dramas, Lin brings a diverse skill set to his new role.
Despite the excitement surrounding Lin’s appointment, there will undoubtedly be challenges ahead. As head of Netflix’s film division, Lin will need to navigate corporate politics and balance creative freedom with financial constraints. With his proven track record and shrewd business sense, Lin is poised to make a significant impact on Netflix’s film strategy.
As Lin embarks on this new chapter of his career, the industry will be watching closely to see if he can help Netflix produce more movies worth watching.
