Netflix hires exec to drive original programming



Netflix has hired a senior production and development executive to expand its moves into original programming.

The US online streaming service and DVD rental operator announced plans earlier this year to start acquiring and producing exclusive content and it has cemented these plans with the hire of former Playtone exec Peter Friedlander.

Netflix announced its first original series will be the David Fincher-directed, Kevin Spacey-fronted political drama House of Cards and has been talking to producers and studios about further series.

Friedlander has spent the last years working for Playtone, the production company run by Tom Hanks and Gary Goetzman.