Netflix executive Kelly Dalton is exiting the streamer to start her own production company, Higher Altitude Productions. Higher Altitude’s mission is to inspire change and build community around the stories they tell and to share real, honest stories that connect with people.
“Film has had a profound impact on my own life, which is why I’ve dedicated the last ten years to sharing stories,” Dalton says. “It’s been a privilege to work in the talent relations & awards space, and in the process, learn first-hand what a powerful healing tool film can truly be. In this next chapter, I want to use my experience and the relationships I’ve built to tell more stories that will inspire change and build community — and the first story I plan to tell is my own.”
The first story Higher Altitude Productions will tell is Dalton’s own experience of sexual abuse and finding another option for victims – Restorative Justice. Frustrated after her own experience with the limited options for justice – criminally charging her abuser or staying silent – Dalton challenged her lawyers for another option and found restorative justice, a form of criminal justice that aims to address the needs of the victims, hold offenders accountable and promote healing for all parties involved, rather than simply administering punishment. This approach emphasizes dialogue, understanding and repairing relationships, allowing individuals to heal from the impact of the offense.
Dalton knows from experience that one of the hardest things about surviving rape is not the assault itself — it’s the long, invisible process of rebuilding your life. Dalton chose the restorative justice option two years ago, after struggling for 12 years with the aftermath and trauma of her abuse. The process was so meaningful that she feels she needs to share it so that others learn about this option for healing.
“Resolution looks different for everyone, but I’m sharing my story so that other people who have gone through this will know they’re not alone — and that they deserve to heal on their own terms,” Dalton says.
Dalton hopes to use her own journey of resilience and strength to inspire others to find their voice and take back their power. She is writing the screenplay in addition to developing the project.
Born and raised in Toronto, a lifelong lover of film, Dalton got her start at the Toronto International Film Festival working as a local hire for LTLA Communications and moved to LA to work at the firm prior to joining Netflix in 2018. After seven years at Netflix, where she most recently held the title of Senior Director of Talent Relations & Awards, and more than ten years in the film industry, Dalton has worked on over 80 Oscar campaigns.
Netflix has been the most Oscar nominated studio four times in her seven years there, and garnered Best Picture nominations all seven consecutive years. During her tenure, the Netflix team has earned 163 Oscar nominations, and 25 Oscars wins. At Netflix, she worked across the film campaigns for “Maestro,” “Power Of The Dog,” “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom,” “Roma,” “The Irishman,” “Marriage Story,” “My Octopus Teacher,” “Period End Of Sentence,” “Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio,” and many others. Netflix had record-breaking nominations that pushed the boundaries of cinema and in 2025, they made history with “Emilia Pèrez” being the most nominated non-English language film in Academy history.
Prior to Netflix, Dalton worked on countless other award-winning films including “Lady Bird,” “La La Land,” “Room,” and her campaigns led to Best Picture Oscar wins for both “Spotlight” and “Moonlight.” The films she has worked on have earned a collective 200 Oscar nominations, and her campaigns have won over 35 Oscars. She has worked alongside filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, Bradley Cooper, Noah Baumbach, Alfonso Cuarón, Greta Gerwig, Barry Jenkins, Jane Campion and Guillermo del Toro.
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