Erik Barmack
Biography
Erik Barmack is a prominent figure in the international television and digital media landscape, boasting over 25 years of experience in production, distribution, and development. He has established himself as a visionary leader, particularly known for his pivotal role in shaping Netflix's international originals strategy.
Biography:
Born in 1973, Erik Barmack graduated from the University of Michigan and Stanford University. Before his significant foray into the streaming world, Barmack had a diverse career that included roles as a journalist and author. He even served as the COO of a fantasy sports start-up that The Sporting News later acquired. This varied background likely contributed to his multifaceted understanding of media and content consumption.
Career:
Barmack's career trajectory took a significant turn when he joined Netflix in September 2015. During his eight-plus years with the streaming giant, he held senior executive roles, most notably as the Vice President, Head of International Originals. In this capacity, Barmack spearheaded the creation and distribution of non-English language content, overseeing multi-billion-dollar budgets and large international teams.
His strategic vision was instrumental in the global success of critically acclaimed and popular series such as Dark (Germany), Money Heist (Casa de Papel, Spain), Kingdom (South Korea), and Sacred Games (India). Furthermore, Barmack is credited with establishing Netflix's original anime initiative, recognizing the global appeal of this genre.
In 2019, Barmack ventured out to establish his own production and packaging company, Wild Sheep Content. Within its first four years, the company successfully sold over twenty-five projects to twelve global partners, demonstrating Barmack's continued influence and strong industry relationships. European media powerhouse MediaPro invested in Wild Sheep Content, becoming a key distribution partner.
Beyond traditional production, Barmack has also keenly observed the impact of artificial intelligence on the entertainment industry. He is the founder of AI in Hollywood and authors the "Reel AI" newsletter for The Ankler, positioning himself as a thought leader in this evolving space. He frequently speaks at industry events, sharing his insights on the future of storytelling in the age of AI.
More recently, in 2025, Barmack's Wild Sheep Content co-produced the New Zealand murder mystery series Good Bones, further expanding his global production footprint. He also explored potential investment in the Scottish football club Motherwell in 2024, though the offer was ultimately withdrawn.
