Netflix is undergoing an overhaul that will see its film group restructured, along with layoffs and the departure of two top executives.
According to Bloomberg News, the changes at the streaming service will ultimately lead to fewer movies being released each year.
The changes include combining Netflix's small and midsized picture production units, which will lead to a “handful” of staff layoffs as well as the departure of two of the company’s most experienced executives, Lisa Nishimura and Ian Bricke, Bloomberg reported.
While scaling back production means the company will be making fewer movies, it also means Netflix will be more focused on creating high quality titles, according to the report. The restructuring will streamline decision-making at the company.
Netflix implemented the changes to simplify its structure and prepare for the next phase of growth, according to TechCrunch. It wasn't immediately clear how many employees would be laid off.
Both Nishimra and Bricke worked on Indie films and documentaries.
"Lisa Nishimura joined Netflix in the DVD days, and as the company moved into streaming, she built our original documentary and stand-up comedy divisions from the ground up, and established Netflix as a powerhouse in both spaces," Scott Stuber, Chairman of Netflix Film, said in a statement to Deadline. "Her documentary work includes 'American Factory,' 'My Octopus Teacher,' 'Making a Murderer' and 'Tiger King'; and on the narrative film side her work includes Jane Campion's 'The Power of the Dog,' and the upcoming 'They Cloned Tyrone,' 'Rustin' and 'NYAD.'"
"Ian Bricke has been at the company for more than a decade, building and leading our independent film team, attracting filmmakers like Tamara Jenkins, Nicole Holofcener and Mark and Jay Duplass. He also championed fan favorites like 'The Kissing Booth' and established our Emerging Filmmaker Initiative," Stuber added.
Stuber wished the pair all the best in the future and thanked them both for contributions in making Netflix "a world-class film studio." All live-action film content now will be overseen by Kira Goldberg, Ori Marmur and Niija Kuykendall, Deadline reported.
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