In a surprising twist of fate, producer Dan Lin is set to step into the shoes of Scott Stuber as Netflix’s new Chief of Film. With an April 1 commencement date, Lin is gearing up to navigate the streaming giant’s cinematic ventures, reporting directly to Bela Bajaria, Netflix’s Chief Content Officer.
The swift transition raised eyebrows, defying expectations that the hiring process would be protracted. Lin, renowned for his role as the Executive Producer of Netflix’s recent hit series, Avatar: The Last Airbender, and the mastermind behind the Oscar-nominated The Two Popes, emerged as the immediate successor.
Despite initial speculation about potential candidates such as Sean Bailey or Stacey Snider, it’s Lin who has seized the reins. Lin’s association with Netflix extends beyond his new role, as he continues to serve on the board of Rideback Rise, a non-profit initiative focusing on BIPOC content acceleration for racial equality.
The ambitious projects in the Rideback pipeline, including a live-action adaptation of Lilo & Stitch and the Hulu series Interior Chinatown, are set to thrive under the leadership of Co-CEOs Jonathan Eirich and Michael LoFaso.
Lin, the founder of Rideback in 2008, boasts an impressive track record, having produced films that collectively grossed over $6 billion worldwide. His journey, from Senior Vice President of Production at Warner Bros. Pictures to the creation of Rideback, showcases a commitment to fostering creative environments.
Expressing excitement about Lin’s appointment, Bajaria commended his ability to attract exceptional filmmakers and highlighted his visionary contributions to Rideback. Lin, in turn, shared his enthusiasm for Netflix’s global reach and commitment to becoming the top destination for filmmakers.
As Lin takes the helm, the film division at Netflix anticipates an infusion of innovation and talent, with a focus on expanding the creative community. Lin’s alignment with Bajaria’s vision sets the stage for an exciting chapter in Netflix’s film endeavors, promising diverse and exceptional content for a global audience.