Scott Stuber, head of movies at Netflix, is leaving the streamer to start a new production company.
He will remain at the company until mid-March, after which chief content officer Bela Bajaria will find his replacement, according to those familiar with the situation. He has secured funding for the endeavor, which will focus on producing television shows and films, according to Bloomberg, which first reported news of Stauber’s departure.
Stuber has been rumored to be leaving the company for some time. The beloved film executive has been talking to potential financiers about a solo project, according to a source familiar with the matter.
“Seven years ago, Reed and Ted presented me with an incredible opportunity to join Netflix and create a new home for original films,” Stober said in a statement. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished and I’m so grateful to all the filmmakers and talent who have trusted us to help tell their stories. Thank you to Ted, Reed, Greg, Bella and the entire team, and I look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.”
Stober joined Netflix in 2017 and has overseen the acquisition, development and production of films such as “Red Notice,” “Bird Box” and “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.” It also attracted top talent such as Alfonso Cuarón, Spike Lee, Greta Gerwig, Zack Snyder, Jane Campion, and Martin Scorsese.
Before joining Netflix, he founded and ran Bluegrass Films, which backed comedies and action adventures like “Ted” and “Central Intelligence.” He also served as Head of Global Production Audio at Universal, where he worked on “A Beautiful Mind,” “Seabiscuit” and “Meet the Parents,” as well as the “Bourne” and “Fast and Furious” franchises.
Ted Sarandos, Netflix co-CEO, said Stober “helped lead a new model for how movies are produced, distributed and watched.”
“He has attracted incredible creative talent to Netflix, making us the premier film studio,” Sarandos said in a statement. “Under his leadership, we have become the most nominated studio for three consecutive years for Academy Awards. Scott, thank you for your leadership and friendship and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”
Bajaria described Stober as a “trusted partner and friend.”
“What Scott has accomplished in seven years is nothing short of amazing,” she said. “He has created a world-class film studio, not only by working with established filmmakers, but also by finding and supporting first-time creators. I hope to find new ways to continue working together.”
More is coming…