- Scott Stuber, head of Netflix’s movie division, has left the company, causing speculation about the reasons behind his departure.
- Stuber was responsible for expanding Netflix’s movie production, resulting in a diverse range of films being released.
- Despite criticisms that his movies lacked resonance, Netflix executives expressed satisfaction with Stuber’s work, adding to the mystery surrounding his exit.
Additional Coverage:
- Why did the powerful head of Netflix’s movie studio just leave? (businessinsider.com)
Scott Stuber, the head of Netflix’s movie division, has announced his departure, leaving many in the industry intrigued about the reasons behind his exit. This news is particularly significant as Netflix’s movie division has been a major player in the industry, producing a large number of movies while other studios were scaling back. The timing of Stuber’s departure, just a day before Netflix’s Q4 earnings announcement, and the lack of a named successor add to the mystery surrounding his departure.
Stuber’s career at Netflix has been marked by an effort to elevate the company’s movie production. He joined Netflix after the company made a successful foray into creating its own TV shows but had struggled with its movie releases. Stuber, with his background at Universal, was tasked with ramping up the movie division. His tenure saw a wide range of films released, from independent movies to romantic comedies to big-budget blockbusters like “Red Notice” and “6 Underground.” Stuber also secured deals with veteran directors like Martin Scorcese to produce critically acclaimed films such as “The Irishman.”
Despite his efforts, there were criticisms that Stuber’s movies failed to resonate with audiences. The argument was made that even if a film like “Red Notice” was popular, it lacked memorable scenes or lasting impact. Rumors of Stuber considering a move to Amazon’s movie business further fueled speculation about his future at Netflix. However, Netflix executives consistently expressed satisfaction with Stuber’s work and even likened the need for a “Scott Stuber” figure in other aspects of the company’s expansion.
There were significant developments that hinted at Stuber’s departure. When former Netflix CEO Reed Hastings stepped down and handed the reins to Ted Sarandos and Greg Peters, Stuber received a promotion in title but seemed to be overlooked as Bela Bajaria took on a position overseeing Stuber’s business. Additionally, Netflix shifted its movie strategy last fall, reducing the number of releases in favor of a more selective approach.
While it remains unclear if these factors contributed directly to Stuber’s departure, it is clear that there is more to the story. Netflix has provided statements from Stuber, Sarandos, and Bajaria praising each other in response to inquiries about the situation. As more details emerge, it will be interesting to uncover the true motives behind Stuber’s exit.
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- Why did the powerful head of Netflix’s movie studio just leave? (businessinsider.com)