Netflix’s head of content for Europe, the Middle East and Africa says some European regulations risk discouraging investment and restricting creative choices. Larry Tanz called for more consistent incentives and greater freedom for creators in an interview with Euronews.
Tanz argued that rules requiring platforms to invest in particular productions could direct funding toward shows without a strong audience, rather than projects with better prospects. He said local production matters, but producing content that viewers do not watch is not a sustainable business model.
He also warned that outdated regulation can make companies less willing to take risks and invest in European talent. Tanz urged policymakers to establish consistent incentives while allowing creators to tell the stories they choose.
Local stories drive international reach
Tanz said Netflix does not set out to make every project a global hit. Instead, the company aims to develop authentic productions for specific audiences, arguing that trying to appeal to everyone can leave a project resonating with no one.
He pointed to the Korean series Squid Game as an example of a production whose distinct national identity helped it connect with audiences internationally. Tanz said Netflix shows that become global successes first find viewers in their home markets.
Netflix has teams in 10 regions shaping its content across Europe, according to the interview. Tanz said the company has invested more than €13 billion in Europe over the past decade and committed to invest a further €1 billion in Spain by 2028.
He also said non-English-language productions have grown from less than 10% of Netflix viewing a decade ago to more than a third today. The company dubs and subtitles content in more than 40 languages, making productions from different markets available to international audiences.
Clayton Ward