Netflix has hired Channel 4’s drama and film chief Ollie Madden to head up its UK films team.
Madden will join Anne Mensah’s UK team in October as the streamer’s primary UK contact for films with UK-based IP, talent and production, plus film-maker-led drama series such as Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen and Philip Barantini, Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne’s smash hit Adolescence.
Madden is exiting C4 after eight years, having joined s head of creative at Film 4 and subsequently the division’s director.
His drama brief was added in March last year following a restructure, with C4 beefing up its scripted slate with commissions including single drama Brian & Maggie and upcoming projects including a new version of A Woman of Substance, Russell T Davies’ Tip Toe and Molly Manning Walker’s recently-announced Major Players.
He also backed more than 27 directorial debuts under the Film4 banner and oversaw award-winning titles including Poor Things and The Zone of Interest.
Madden will continue to oversee existing projects until October, with C4 dividing his duties between two roles on an interim basis from next month.
Drama commissioning editor Gwawr Lloyd will be interim head of drama, while Film 4 head of creative and deputy Farhana Bhula steps up to interim Film 4 director.
