This was announced by the company’s CEO, Ted Sarandos, at the National Palace.
On Thursday, February 20, 2025, Netflix’s CEO, Ted Sarandos, announced during the “La Mañanera del Pueblo” press conference with President Claudia Sheinbaum that the Netflix investment in Mexico would total one billion dollars over the next four years to produce films and TV series in the country. The announcement was made at the National Palace.
“President Sheinbaum, at Netflix, we share your vision of a vibrant and prosperous Mexico full of growth and opportunities, and we want to help make that a reality. That’s why I’m pleased to announce that Netflix will invest one billion dollars in the production of TV series and movies in Mexico,” said the executive in the Treasury Hall.
The Economic Impact of the Netflix Investment in Mexico
Ted Sarandos emphasized that this Netflix investment in Mexico will contribute to the growth of Mexico’s audiovisual industry, which contributes 3 billion dollars to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), “and will help create jobs and opportunities across the country.”
“The Netflix investment in Mexico will be focused on local productions, but we will also be bringing global productions to the country,” Sarandos stated.
A Special Relationship Between Mexico and Netflix
He highlighted that Mexico “holds a special place in Netflix’s history,” as it was in Mexico that Netflix produced “Club de Cuervos” ten years ago, the first production outside of the United States. This marked a significant milestone for the platform’s expansion into international content production. Additionally, Sarandos proudly mentioned the production of “Roma,” the film directed by Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón, which became Netflix’s first movie from Mexico to win an Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film.
Furthermore, the company opened its Latin American headquarters in Mexico City in 2020, while Sheinbaum was the head of government in the capital. Since then, Netflix’s workforce in Mexico has expanded more than tenfold.
“Being local is very important for us, so all of our series and movies are created in collaboration with local production companies and partners. Every single one means that we are investing in the creative community and supporting talented people,” Sarandos added.
Mexico’s Growing Role in Global Entertainment
President Sheinbaum said, “Mexico is so remarkable that they decided to invest here.”
She went on to emphasize that approximately 300,000 jobs had been created after Netflix’s arrival in Mexico City, stating, “This is not just about showcasing Mexico to the world through Netflix series, which is certainly crucial for Mexico to be seen globally, but also about the immense economic development and the number of jobs created by production and tourism, of course.”
Netflix’s investment in Mexico represents a substantial step forward in its commitment to local content creation. It reflects the growing importance of the Mexican market in the entertainment industry and underscores the country’s increasing influence in global media production. Netflix’s commitment also illustrates a broader trend in the international entertainment sector, where platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and others are increasingly looking to collaborate with local talent and production companies to create content that resonates with regional audiences while having global appeal.
Netflix’s decision to channel such significant resources into the Mexican market highlights Mexico’s potential as a production hub. With its rich cultural heritage, immense talent pool, and increasingly competitive film and TV production infrastructure, the country is well-positioned to continue to grow as a key player in global media production. Moreover, the economic impact of this investment goes beyond just the entertainment industry. The influx of resources into Mexico’s audiovisual sector will likely stimulate various related industries, including tourism, hospitality, technology, and logistics, all essential to supporting the production process.
A Long-standing Partnership with Local Filmmakers
The relationship between Netflix and Mexico has evolved over the years. Since its initial ventures in producing content like “Club de Cuervos,” Netflix has strengthened its ties with local filmmakers, producers, and actors, thus integrating itself deeply into the country’s cultural fabric. These collaborations elevate Mexican cinema and TV shows’ global profile and allow Mexican stories to reach international audiences.
One of the most notable examples of Netflix’s long-standing partnership with Mexican talent is the creation of “Roma,” which was a huge success not only at the Academy Awards but also in broadening the reach of Mexican cinema worldwide. The film’s success sparked interest in the Mexican film industry, inspiring new filmmakers to make waves on national and international stages.
Cultural Exchange and Job Creation through Netflix’s Commitment
In addition to the economic benefits of this investment, the partnership between Netflix and Mexico is expected to foster even greater cultural exchange. As Mexican filmmakers gain global recognition, the cross-pollination of ideas between cultures will likely inspire fresh and innovative storytelling. Furthermore, the increased production of Mexican films and series means more content will be available for international audiences, showcasing Mexico’s rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic society.
Expanding Opportunities in Creative Industries
Beyond just film and TV, the significant growth in local production is poised to create numerous job opportunities in the creative industries, such as scriptwriting, costume design, set construction, cinematography, and more. This is expected to fuel the growth of a highly skilled workforce, and Netflix’s investment will likely encourage further development and innovation in the country’s audiovisual sector.
A Stronger Future for Mexico and Netflix
The announcement of Netflix’s investment in Mexico signals a more profound commitment to the country and highlights its rising prominence in the global entertainment industry. By investing in local talent and production, Netflix reinforces its position as a streaming space leader while contributing to Mexico’s economic growth and cultural development.
As Mexico and Netflix continue to thrive, this partnership promises more groundbreaking content, exciting opportunities for local creators, and a more substantial global presence for Mexican stories in the years to come.