This past week, Netflix announced that it would be opening its first office in Canada – one of its 21 offices around the world. This move is made with a hope to work more closely with Canadian content creators and bring more Canadian content to Netflix. As Ted Sarandos’ post articulates, Netflix has a desire to support local talent and it has been doing so over the past decade. I think that this is great news for the Canadian creative community. It is always delightful to see young Canadian actors make their big break on Netflix shows (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) and to see Canadian content succeed on an international stage.
On the whole, I am optimistic about Netflix’s expansion. I think Canadian producers, content creators, directors, actors, actresses, and many others in the industry, would benefit from the presence of Netflix. Not only will this open up more jobs locally, Canadian content creators will be able to pitch their ideas and then work closely with Netflix to share their stories to audiences across the world. Netflix will be able to provide greater funding and will allow for more high-budget projects proposed by Canadians to come to life.
The complex debate that surrounds Bill C-10 is closely related to Netflix’s expansion into the Canadian market. To my understanding, Bill C-10 will allow the CRTC to regulate streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+ and others by adding a category for online broadcasting. It will be interesting to see how and if Bill C-10 will affect Netflix’s decision to expand into the Canadian market in the long-term.
https://globalnews.ca/news/7634079/netflix-office-canada-content/
https://www.blogto.com/film/2021/02/netflix-office-canada-jobs/