The boss of the film4, Ollie Madden, joined Netflix as director of the British film
In a shock decision for British industry, Netflix poache Ollie Madden, film director4 and Channel 4 Drama, to become his new director of the British film.
Madden, who supervised a slate at the film4 which included oscarior features such as “Poor Things”, “The Zone of Interest” and “The Favorites”, will join the content team supervised by Anne Mensah in the London office of Netflix. He will both direct the British Streamer film and will act as the main British contact for the films on the slate of Dan Lin where IP, talent and production are based in the United Kingdom, he will also develop a selected portfolio of series led by the filmmaker.
Madden will leave film4 and start his new position in October.
Long -term executive of the film4 having joined the production branch of the British broadcaster Channel 4 in 2017, Madden was promoted to director in 2022 when Daniel Battsek was raised to the presidency and assumed a leadership role last year after Battsek announced his departure. In 2024, he also received a double position supervising the drama Film4 and Channel 4.
“I have been incredibly proud to spend the last eight years with Film4 and, more recently, the drama Channel 4, and it is very difficult to say goodbye to all my wonderful colleagues and projects,” said Madden in an internal memo of Channel 4 seen by Variety. “Independence, the distinctive character and the brand of quality represented by Film4 and Channel 4 is a precious thing, and I am convinced that he will continue to prosper long after my departure. I would like to thank a big thank you to Alex Mahon and Ian Katz for their inexhaustible belief and support.”
After the release of Madden, Farhana Bhula, currently responsible for the creative and deputy director of film4, will take over as an interim film director4 from July. Meanwhile, Gwawr Lloyd, editor in service for the theater, will become the acting theater head of the Ian Katz and will join his HODs from July 1. The replacement of Madden will incorporate the Roles Film4 and Drama.
“Ollie was an inspiring creative force, a big colleague and a champion and a friend of countless filmmakers,” said the memo. “We are incredibly grateful for his exceptional contribution and wish him all the best for the future, and congratulate Farhana and Gwawr when they rely on this remarkable work.”
Added Madden about his new role: “I am very happy to work with Anne and Dan to develop the film’s film from Netflix in the United Kingdom”
