Netflix has hired Fruit Tree Media executive Fiona Lamptey as its director of U.K. features.
Based in London, the newly created role will see Lamptey identify books, theatre and other material to develop into feature films, focused on British productions and IP. Lamptey is also charged with spotting new, emerging U.K. talent. The newly created role comes as Netflix looks to widen its reach in the U.K. and focus on dedicated local productions.
Lamptey spent 13 years at U.K. broadcaster Channel 4 and film division Film4 working on features and short film productions before launching talent hub Fruit Tree Media in 2016 to champion underrepresented voices and stories. In 2019, the former production executive was identified as a future leader in film through Film London’s leadership initiative.
She sits on the BAFTA film committee and the BAFTA Learning and New Talent Committee, and has also served as a tutor at the National Film and Television School (NFTS), a live event host for BAFTA and a mentor to new writers and directors.
Lamptey recently wrapped filming a sci-fi miniseries for Film 4, which focuses on people of colour in the future in the U.K. She is currently producing Debbie Tucker Green’s feature film, “Ear for Eye.” Her other credits include “Fright Bites,” “Random Acts,” “Sitting in Limbo” and “Aisha and Abhaya.”
Scott Stuber, head of film at Netflix, said: “Fiona has been widely recognized for developing underrepresented stories and talent, and has quickly made her mark on the U.K. film industry. We are excited that Fiona is joining the team and further deepening our commitment and investment to U.K. stories and talent.”
Lamptey added: “As director of U.K. features, I’m eager to continue championing fresh, arresting and provocative ideas, where both new and established voices are empowered to tell their stories. I look forward to working with Scott to help connect distinctively British, and globally appealing filmmakers and their work to a wider audience.”
Lamptey joins a U.K. team that includes former Sky executive Anne Mensah, who now oversees original scripted/drama for the streaming giant’s U.K. operation; ex-STXInternational executive David Kosse, overseeing non-English language film; former BBC Storyville head Kate Townsend, who manages documentaries; ex-Nickelodeon executive Alexi Wheeler, who oversees kids and family; and former ITV commissioner Ben Kelly and ex-Expectation Entertainment executive producer Daisy Lilley, who manage non-fiction.
We congratulate Fiona Lamptey on her recent achievement. More wins queen.
This article was culled from Variety.com
