In a recent development, Roberto Stopello, the VP of Series in Latin America at Netflix, has decided to step down from his role in Mexico City. However, he will still maintain his collaboration with the streaming giant on scripted content. Stopello’s departure is attributed to his desire to move back to the United States due to family reasons. This change marks the end of his three-year stint at Netflix, during which he contributed significantly to the company’s success in the region.
Before joining Netflix in 2018, Stopello had an extensive career at Telemundo, a Spanish-language broadcaster owned by NBCUniversal. Over a period of 15 years, Stopello held various writing and development roles at the network. One of his notable accomplishments was co-creating the immensely popular telenovela “Reina Del Sur.” His impressive repertoire includes numerous writing credits, demonstrating his talent and expertise in the industry.
An Innovative Approach
During his time at Netflix, Stopello aimed to revolutionize the novella genre by blending elements of classic telenovelas with drama series. He worked closely with writers and creators, infusing fresh ideas into the traditional format. This approach resulted in the creation of successful shows that resonated with audiences both in Latin America and across the globe. Some of the notable series released under Stopello’s leadership include “Madre Solo Hay Do” (aka “Daughter From Another Mother”), “Oscuro Deseo” (aka “Dark Desire”), and “¿Quién mató a Sara?” (aka “Who Killed Sarah?”). Collaborating with renowned figures such as José Ignacio “Chascas” Valenzuela and Leonardo Padrón, Stopello left an indelible mark on the industry.
Although he may no longer hold an official position with Netflix, Stopello will continue working with the company on future projects. He will play key roles as head writer or showrunner, contributing his unique perspective and talent. This ongoing collaboration between Stopello and Netflix highlights the value the streaming giant places on fostering relationships with creative individuals who have a proven track record of success.
Netflix has made substantial investments in original content from Latin America, establishing its Mexico City base as a hub for creativity. The company has greenlit a range of projects, including films, series, and novellas, to cater to diverse audiences. By prioritizing local originals, Netflix has successfully positioned itself as a global leader in non-English-language programming. One recent example of this commitment is the order of the heist thriller “Bandidos,” which exemplifies Netflix’s dedication to delivering unique and captivating content.
Roberto Stopello’s departure from his role as VP of Series in Latin America at Netflix marks a significant change for both him and the company. However, his continued collaboration with Netflix on upcoming projects ensures that his expertise and creative vision will still have a substantial impact within the industry. Meanwhile, Netflix remains steadfast in its commitment to investing in original content in Latin America, solidifying its position as a global powerhouse in the streaming world.