Netflix’s EMEA Head of Content Larry Tanz on Stage at Series Mania
A content showcase to discuss the growth and ambition of Netflix’s series slate across Europe,
the Middle East and Africa and what’s next in 2024
On March 19th, at Series Mania in Lille, Larry Tanz, VP of Content EMEA, spoke about the bold and ambitious slate of titles from Europe, the Middle East and Africa highlighting many upcoming new productions. Tanz underscored Netflix’s investment in the region, noting that, "In March alone, we have over 40 European shows in production and we are working with over 400 producers in the region".
Tanz underscored the importance of variety and quality in Netflix’s programming strategy, particularly in Netflix’s largest region. He spoke of the need to appeal to different tastes and interests as well as language. “We want to reach our audience where they are. We're trying to cater for various tastes, we have to have variety. We have to find the right mix across series, across films, unscripted."
Outlining the key to their strategy, Tanz spoke about the focus on making shows that are authentic and specific — great Spanish shows for Spain, French shows for France and Italian shows for Italy, alongside series that are available to members from across the globe, “We are programming locally, but we also have inbound productions coming from other places, from all over the world.”
Talent was top of mind as Tanz highlighted "We think about talent development, and how we can be a springboard for their career, and help them get a foot in the door. This year alone, Netflix is running 100+ programs across EMEA to support up-leveling writers, directors, producers, and below-the-line talent and over 100+ on-the-job training”.
Hosted by renowned broadcaster and journalist, Louise Ekland, the industry audience got a sneak peek of what’s to come, with new title announcements: Untitled thriller series from France which tells the story of a mother on the run who finds herself entangled in the deadly secrets of a wealthy family in a flower farm in Provence, a modern and gripping take on a traditional genre in France, the "summer saga" starring Isabelle Adjani and a Dutch crime drama, Amsterdam Empire, which tells the story of Jack van Doorn, the rich and notorious founder of the coffee shop empire Jackal and his betrayed wife Betty, portrayed by Famke Janssen, an ex-pop diva who knows all his weak spots and secrets and will not rest until she has taken everything from him.
Exclusive clips from up-and-coming shows in 2024 and 2025 were showcased:
- The Cage (Coming in 2024), created by Franck Gastambide, a French multi-talent who also stars in the series, tells the fast rise of Taylor (Melvin Boomer) in the world of MMA, guest-starring legends of this sport;
- Crooks (4 April, 2024), a crime thriller, from Germany, starring Frederick Lau as Charly, a former safecracker who is forced into one last robbery, but things quickly start going sideways as suddenly, his whole life hangs in the balance and he has to leave behind the life he's built to protect his family;
- KAOS (Coming in 2024), a darkly comic, contemporary take on Greek mythology, exploring love, power, and life in the underworld. Nothing is sacred in Charlie Covell’s (End Of The F***ing World) bold reinvention of the Greek myths, except the treachery and arrogance of a bunch of inconstant gods and their cosmic machinations;
- LaLiga (Coming in 2024), a Spanish documentary series, focusing on the 2023-2024 LaLiga competition and the personal stories of one of the most followed leagues in the world as fans go behind the scenes to share in the drama and excitement of football;
- Istanbul Encyclopedia (Coming in 2024) from Selman Nacar is a character drama, looking at the story of two women from different generations and socio-cultural backgrounds. Reflecting modern-day Turkey, the series illustrates how Istanbul serves as a crossroads for Zehra and Nesrin, as one is trying to build a new life in Istanbul while the other is trying to run away from it;
- Heweliusz (Coming in 2025), a disaster drama from Poland tells the story of the ferry Jan Heweliusz that sank during a raging storm on January 14, 1993, on the Baltic Sea.
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