Exclusive: There’s movement within the unwritten ranks of Netflix.
Deadline understands that Damla Duggan and Todd Horvitz are exiting the streaming service, the latest shakeup in the company’s unscripted division. Hear what they were told this morning.
Duggan, who was director of Unscripted Originals, had been with the company for six years, while Horvitz, who was director of nonfiction series, had been with the company for just over three years.
This comes as Jeff Gaspin, who was named vice president of Unscripted in February, is putting his own stamp on the unscripted broadcaster’s strategy. Gaspin has been outspoken about his desire for Netflix to focus on larger entertainment formats, rather than lifestyle programs and other types of non-fiction series.
This includes shows like band building and Battle camp. “The difference from the past is that we want to focus on bigger formats, more of what you would call broadcast-style shows versus cable-style shows. I’ve done both in my career from running NBC to running Bravo, so I’m familiar with both and really understand the difference.
Prior to joining Netflix, Duggan was SVP of development and programming at E! Entertainment where she spent 17 years. Horvitz joined in August 2021, having previously had roles at production companies including IPC, Brian Graden Media, and Truly Original.
They are the latest unwritten executives to leave Netflix this year; Jane Levy, who was vice president of the reality division, left in January. Levy, who was in charge of series like Queer Eye, later joined Vanderpump Rules Product 32 flavors as a boss.
A source