Bela Bajaria Chief Content Officer at Netflix | Official website
Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO of Netflix, delivered a keynote address at the Royal Television Society London Convention 2024 on September 17. Reflecting on his previous appearance in 2016 when he introduced the first trailer for "The Crown," Sarandos highlighted the series' success and its role in showcasing British talent.
"The Crown went on to become the most nominated British TV series in Emmy history — and only one of three to win best drama," Sarandos stated. He praised Britain as a prime location for TV and film production, citing its exceptional writers, directors, producers, actors, crew, crafts, and locations.
Netflix has invested $6 billion in the UK creative community since 2020 and collaborated with over 30,000 cast and crew members. Currently, more than 100 productions are active in the UK. Sarandos mentioned visiting sets such as "Thursday Murder Club," "My Oxford Year," and "Wake Up Dead Man."
Sarandos attributed Britain's success in TV and film to strong public service broadcasters and institutions like the RTS that nurture talent. He also acknowledged supportive regulations, investment in education and training in creative arts, competitive tax incentives, and world-class facilities.
"Filming here in Britain is always a privilege, and never a sacrifice," he remarked.
Sarandos emphasized the need to adapt to changing consumer preferences by putting audiences first. He noted that streaming has become essential for staying relevant amidst intense competition. Highlighting recent successes like "Bridgerton," "The Bear," and "House of the Dragon," he pointed out that streaming offers new opportunities for creators and audiences alike.
Reflecting on Netflix's early challenges with streaming technology and competition from piracy and their own DVD business, Sarandos shared how they adapted by focusing on creating superior content.
"To succeed at streaming... we knew we had to create something better than free," he said.
He stressed the importance of variety and quality in programming to cater to diverse tastes. Citing examples like "Beckham" alongside "Drive to Survive" or fans of "The Crown" enjoying Dolly Parton's Heartstrings," he underscored that successful programming requires thinking like fans rather than critics or executives.
Sarandos also discussed Netflix's strategy of producing local content that resonates globally. Examples included shows like "Supacell" from South London becoming hits abroad or "Heartstopper" appealing worldwide while being authentically British.
He credited Anne Mensah's UK-based team for their ability to recognize bold ideas despite data limitations: “Data can help them a little but programming is far more art than science.”
Highlighting partnerships with BAFTA, Screenskills, National Youth Theatre among others; investments across various UK regions; co-productions; long-term studio leases; production hubs—Sarandos affirmed Netflix’s commitment to supporting local talent development.
Addressing industry concerns about falling investment levels or AI threats along with competition from platforms like YouTube/TikTok/Instagram—he remained optimistic about storytelling’s enduring power: “If we can focus on audience embrace change remain fearless…we really were only just getting started.”
Concluding his speech with optimism towards future possibilities driven by younger audiences’ engagement through modern platforms—Sarandos reiterated belief-in-stories' timeless magic beyond technological shifts since television began broadcasting back-in-1936 till today where depth-writing plot-power actor-chemistry remain irreplaceable elements making them powerful regardless medium changes overtime.
