EXCLUSIVE: Netflix‘s Africa content material group has reshuffled with ex-Amazon exec Kaye-Ann Williams introduced in to supervise TV and films as Tendeka Matatu exits.
Williams takes on the newly-created Director of Scripted Content material function and can give attention to native productions, overseeing a group that develops and creates African unique movies and collection. She joins after a brief stint as content material boss at The Traitors South Africa producer Primedia Studios and is a former Head of Scripted Collection and Films at Prime Video/Amazon Studios, the place she centered on South Africa.
Commencing her function subsequent month, Williams will report back to Ben Amadasun, Netflix’s Vice President of Center East & Africa Content material.
Williams will be a part of shortly after the exit of Matatu, who was Director of Native Language Movies, Africa, for the previous three years. No phrase on Matatu’s subsequent transfer however we’re advised he’s pursuing different alternatives. His credit included Coronary heart of the Hunter and Kandasamys: The Child.
Amadasun credited Williams with serving to artistic expertise “create among the most bold initiatives on African tv.”
“I’m delighted to welcome Kaye-Ann to the group as we strengthen our long-term dedication to African storytelling,” he added. “I stay up for working alongside her to additional construct on the fantastic work the group has carried out up to now to ship compelling tales from Africa and to nurture our many native artistic partnerships.”
Amazon cut funding in Africa and made layoffs final 12 months and sources from the native sector had lately questioned whether or not Netflix was heading in the identical route, with rumors of reveals being pulled.
Netflix pushed again, noting that it’s “strengthening its funding in African storytelling” and pointing to Williams’ stellar credentials.
Since kickstarting native African commissioning with 2020’s Queen Sono, Netflix cited vital offers struck with the likes of Silverton Siege’s Mandla Dube and Jayan Moodley, creator of the Kandasamys franchise.
On the latest MIP Africa in Cape City, Amadasun unveiled a trio of recent films together with a Blood Legacy collection from Blood & Water producer Gambit Movies and actuality present Love By no means Lies: South Africa.
The information comes off the again of a robust week for Netflix. The streaming powerhouse smashed estimates by including practically 19 million subscribers in This autumn – the ultimate quarter for which it’ll report these numbers.
