Netflix Hires Ollie Madden, Director of Film4, Channel 4 Drama, as Director of U.K. Film

Published: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 12:15 pm

Netflix Snags Film4 Director Ollie Madden to Lead UK Film Slate

Netflix is making a major move to bolster its UK film presence, hiring Ollie Madden, the current director of Film4 and Channel 4 drama, as its new director of UK film. Madden will depart from the UK broadcaster in October and join Netflix's UK content team, led by Anne Mensah, in early October.

In his new role, Madden will spearhead Netflix's UK film slate, serving as the primary UK contact for films where intellectual property, talent, and production are based in the UK. This excludes family films for the US/Canada, such as "Narnia" and adaptations of Roald Dahl's works, which will continue to be overseen by Racheline Benveniste. Madden will also develop a select portfolio of filmmaker-led series.

Madden's departure from Film4 marks the end of an eight-year tenure marked by critical and commercial success. Under his leadership, Film4 backed numerous award-winning films, including "The Favourite," "The Father," "Poor Things," and "The Zone of Interest," collectively earning nine Oscars and 24 BAFTAs. He also championed new talent, supporting over 27 debut films and five series by debut writers.

Farhana Bhula, Film4's head of creative and deputy director, will step in as interim director of Film4, effective July 1st. Gwawr Lloyd, commissioning editor, drama, will become interim head of drama at Channel 4. Madden expressed his excitement about joining Netflix and his pride in his time at Film4, emphasizing the broadcaster's commitment to independence, distinctiveness, and quality.

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