Beef Creator Lee Sung Jin Launches Production Company and Plans Wong Limited Series
A new company under Netflix pact
Lee announced Lila Pictures on Wednesday. The company will develop scripted series and feature films under his agreement with Netflix. The company’s name comes from a Sanskrit word meaning “divine play.” Lee said Lila will create, executive produce, write and direct projects, while also supporting emerging creative voices.
Two drama series in development
Citizen’s Arrest, created by Gene Hong, follows two longtime friends and neighbors. Their focus on solving a local crime offers an escape from personal crises they are not ready to confront.
Lee’s work and recognition
Beef is a two-season anthology series that has won 11 Emmys from 29 nominations. Lee received personal nominations for writing and directing. Lee became the first Asian creator to earn multiple Emmy nominations across writing, directing and producing for the same series. He recently wrote a Marvel X-Men film with Joanna Calo and executive produced Alex Russell’s Lurker.
Lee welcomes the launch
Lee said he was excited to start Lila Pictures with support from Netflix and help from Ward. He added, “This is just the beginning. There will also be merch.”
Key points
- Lila Pictures will develop scripted series and films under Lee’s Netflix pact.
- Hyunji Ward will serve as the company’s senior vice president of film and television.
- Ali Wong will produce and star in The Only Child, a limited drama series.
- Citizen’s Arrest, created by Gene Hong, is also in development.