David Kosse is an American media executive, and has held senior leadership roles at Universal Pictures, Netflix, Film4 and STX Entertainment. He is known for building international film distribution divisions, including for Netflix, Universal and Momentum Pictures, and for his relationships with filmmakers. His film production credits include the Academy Award-winning films All Quiet on the Western Front and Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri. Since 2023, he has run Rockwood Pictures, a film and television development company he founded.
Career
Early career Kosse's early career included a stint as Vice President of Marketing at PolyGram Filmed Entertainment. In 2000, he left to set up Momentum Pictures, joining as Managing Director. During his tenure, key releases included the Oscar-nominated Amélie and Lost in Translation.
Universal Pictures International Kosse left to join Universal Pictures in 2003, and was appointed president in 2009, a role he held until 2014. He started and built Universal Pictures International into an operation based in 16 countries, grossing over $2 billion at the box office in 2014. Successful film releases under his tenure as president included Mamma Mia!, the Bourne films and Les Miserables, and acquisitions included The Wolf of Wall Street. Kosse left Universal in 2014 when it relocated the role of head of international theatrical operations from London to Los Angeles, opting to remain in London.
Film4 In November 2014, Kosse joined Film4 as director of its feature film division. During his time in the role, Film4 enjoyed its most successful awards season, with a record 15 Oscar nominations in 2015 which included Carol, Room, Ex Machina, 45 Years, Youth and Amy.
Netflix In March 2019, it was announced that Kosse would join Netflix as vice president of international film, and was tasked to build the service’s international film offerings in Europe, Middle East and Africa "from ground zero." During his tenure, Netflix films greenlit include the Oscar-nominated filmThe Hand of God, Blood Red Sky, and All Quiet on the Western Front. In December 2021, Kosse featured in Variety500, an index of the 500 most influential business leaders shaping the global media industry. He departed Netflix in September 2022.
Rockwood Pictures Kosse has not revealed details of his work at Rockwood Pictures, but previously indicated he intended to start a new company with a view to producing European films with wide appeal. In 2024, Rockwood Pictures entered into a development deal with Amazon Prime Video UK.
Personal life Kosse has lived in London since 1997.
Filmography As executive producer #TitleYear1Wondrous Oblivion (co-executive producer)20032Things to Do Before You're 3020053The Theory of Everything20144Youth (co-producer)20155Room6American Honey20167Una8Free Fire9Trespass Against Us10The Oath11Billy Lynn's Long Halftime Walk (associate producer)12Beast (short)201713How to Talk to Girls at Parties14The Killing of a Sacred Deer15Lean on Pete16Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri 17Beast 18Journeyman 19American Animals20Adrift201821Old Boys22Fighting with My Family201923The Day Shall Come24The Red Sea Diving Resort25Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man 202626The Runner
As additional crew #TitleYear1All Is Lost (distribution partner: Universal Pictures International team) 2013
Thanks #TitleYear1Everest (the producers and director like to thank) 20152The Favourite (special thanks) 20183The Red Sea Diving Resort (the producers wish to thank)20194Blood Red Sky (the producers and director like to thank)2021
References