Netflix UK VP of Content Anne Mensah talks about The Gentlemen of 2023 – The Hollywood Reporter
Ann Mensah
Provided by Craig Gibson/Netflix
whether sex education A documentary lens for Robbie Williams and David Beckham? crown or black mirror — London-based TV veteran Anne Mensah, vice president of UK content at Netflix, has continued to bring British hits to fans around the world since joining the streamer in 2018.
“The future is even stronger,” the former BBC and Sky executive vowed at the Edinburgh Television Festival in August. She leads her team of streamers across all genres, from scripted series and movies to unscripted documentaries and licensed programming.
Upcoming series from the team of British content gurus include a production produced and directed by Guy Ritchie. gentlemen A mythological dark comedy about Theo James and the son of a British aristocrat whose inheritance lies in Europe’s largest cannabis farm. chaoscreated by Charlie Covell (the end of the fucking world). She was also named the third most influential black person in Britain. Power list 2023.
for THR‘s 35 Most Powerful Women on International Television, Mensah shared her thoughts on the good and bad of 2023 and how we can further improve diversity in the entertainment industry.
What was the biggest professional challenge you faced this past year?
From licensing to fact to film, we unite all of the UK’s genres into a single content team. However, thanks to my incredibly talented colleagues, this event was one of the best things that happened all year. We work as a collaborative, fun and exciting unit, exchanging ideas and knowledge across all genres. amazing.
What do you think was your biggest accomplishment of the past year?
We are now in full swing with plans for Netflix UK, delivering real coverage to our members in the UK. That means some of our biggest franchises are sure to end well – sex education, top boy and crown — while continuing successful shows such as heart stopper, Through new successful launches like our Limited obsession and Who is Erin Carter? or the main factual parts, etc. At Home with the Furies Or a Lewis Capaldi movie current mood.
And there are lots of great new commissions in the works, including one by Guy Ritchie. gentlemen or Joe Burton’s black dove. I know that in 2024 we will go from strength to strength.
What needs to be done to improve equality and diversity within the industry?
In the UK, we are interested in how to ensure the retention of people from traditionally underrepresented backgrounds within the industry. We’ve poured thousands of people into our entry-level schemes, but I think there’s real power in enabling people to stay in the industry and build long-term careers. I’m also interested in thinking about new ways of working, such as job sharing, that can support workers who have different pressures on their time and physical abilities.
