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Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos has revealed that he commissioned a limited series from David Lynch before the director’s death.
Lynch, the famous director of avant-garde films such as eraser, Mulholland Drive, Elephant man And the much-loved TV show Twin PeaksHe died on Thursday at the age of 78.
In a lengthy tribute published to his character Instagram Sarandos recalls meeting Lynch when the streaming service was still a fledgling DVD company.
“In my early days at Netflix, when we were just mailing DVDs all over the US, I had the most amazing experience meeting one of my favorite filmmakers of all time at his home,” Sarandos wrote.
“We tried to store every movie on DVD, but one of my favorites, eraserwas not commercially available. I contacted David and asked for a meeting and at his dining room table we agreed to buy in bulk eraser And for Netflix to produce a DVD of all his visionary short films.
“After we agreed to make this happen, David took me on a tour of the house and his art. Then he asked me if I wanted to look at an early cut of his upcoming movie. I thought he meant some scenes. He brought me into his screening room and ran a clip for about three hours Mulholland Drive. I wasn’t planning on staying there all day, but I was amazed to be at David Lynch’s house and in his screening room to watch his new, unreleased movie.
“After about two hours, I realized he had left. I watched the rest of the movie and got myself out.
The Netflix CEO went on to say that he met Lynch again on a recent occasion, when the director suggested producing a new TV series for the streaming service.
“David and I only spoke on a few occasions after that, but years later, he came to Netflix for a limited series, which is what we jumped at,” Sarandos continued.
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“It was a David Lynch production, and it was full of mystery and risk but we wanted to go on this creative journey with this genius. First, Covid, then some health uncertainties meant this project was never produced, but we made it clear that as soon as he could, we were All ready.
“The last time I spoke to David was as exciting as the first. He came to my house with my friend and muse Laura Dern, and we had a long, fascinating conversation about projects, film, life, art, and my windows (he loved my windows). David Lynch was an unapologetic genius. He didn’t want you to understand.” His work he knew was impossible and part of the journey together. His body of work is brilliant, visionary, bold and crafty. I will always wonder what he had in mind for us in what would have been his final project.
Many fans and collaborators have paid tribute to Lynch since his death, including Steven Spielberg, Kyle MacLachlan, Naomi Watts, Nicolas Cage and Lara Flynn Boyle.