In a shock move for the U.K. industry, Netflix has poached Ollie Madden, director of Film4 and Channel 4 drama, to become its new director of U.K. Film.
Madden, who oversaw a slate at Film4 that included Oscar-winning features such as “Poor Things,” “The Zone of Interest” and “The Favourite,” will be joining content team overseen by Anne Mensah in Netflix’s London office. He will both lead the streamer’s U.K. film slate and act as the primary U.K. contact for films on Dan Lin’s slate where the IP, talent and production are based in the U.K. He will also develop a select portfolio of filmmaker-led series.
Madden will leave Film4 and start his new position in October.
A long-term Film4 exec having joined the production arm of U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 in 2017, Madden was promoted to director in 2022 when Daniel Battsek was elevated to chair, and assumed a leadership role last year after Battsek announced his departure. In 2024, he was also given a dual position overseeing both Film4 and Channel 4 drama.
“I’ve been incredibly proud to spend the past eight years with Film4 and, more recently, Channel 4 Drama, and it’s very hard to say goodbye to all my wonderful colleagues and projects,” Madden said in an internal Channel 4 memo seen by Variety. “The independence, distinctiveness and mark of quality that Film4 and Channel 4 represent is a precious thing, and I’m confident it will continue to thrive long after my departure. I’d like to extend a huge thank you to Alex Mahon and Ian Katz for their unwavering belief and support.”
Following Madden’s exit, Farhana Bhula, currently head of creative and deputy director at Film4, will take over as interim Director of Film4 effective from July. 1 Meanwhile, Gwawr Lloyd, commissioning editor for drama, will become interim head of drama reporting to Ian Katz and will join his HoDs from July 1. Whether a replacement for Madden will incorporate both Film4 and Drama roles is yet to be decided.
“Ollie has been an inspiring creative force, great colleague and a champion and friend to countless filmmakers,” the memo read. “We’re incredibly grateful for his exceptional contribution and wish him all the best for the future, and congratulate Farhana and Gwawr as they build on this remarkable body of work.”
Added Madden about his new role: “I’m very excited to work with Anne and Dan to build Netflix’s film business in the U.K.”
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