Netflix Inks Regina King to Exclusive First-Look Deal

Netflix has signed director, producer, and award winning actress Regina King to a multi-year first look deal, the streaming service said Wednesday.

King’s production company Royal Ties will produce films and series for Netflix, with King's sister Reina King serving as head of production, said Netflix. King most recently won an 2019 Academy Award for her role as Sharon Rivers in feature film If Beale Street Could Talk as well as an 2018 Emmy Award for her role as Latrice Butler in Seven Seconds.

“Regina King is a multi-faceted talent both behind and in front of the camera," said Ted Sarandos, Chief Content Officer for Netflix in a statement. "She’s been a trailblazer for years, with boundless creativity and impeccable taste in projects, and we couldn’t be more thrilled that she will bring her formidable talents to Netflix.” 

Added Regina King, “I am beyond thrilled to join the Netflix family. They are at the top of their game and as an artist I am so excited to come play in this wonderful sandbox they have created for storytellers.”

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.