Lee Sung Jin Launches Lila Pictures With Two Netflix Series in Development

Lee Sung Jin has started Lila Pictures, a production company focused on scripted television and films under his renewed agreement with Netflix. He has named Hyunji Ward senior vice president of film and television. Ward’s previous roles included work at United Talent Agency and TeaTime Pictures, Dakota Johnson’s production company.

The company’s first announced projects are both dramas. The limited series The Only Child will star and be produced by Ali Wong, who previously worked with Lee on Beef. Ava Wong Davies is writing the show. Wong will portray the parent of an elite bow shooter who is set to pursue an Olympic gold medal for the first time.

The second project, Citizen’s Arrest, is a drama created by Gene Hong, a writer and producer on Beef’s second season. It centers on two longtime friends and neighbors who become fixated on solving a crime in their community, using the investigation to avoid personal problems.

Lee said the company’s name comes from a Sanskrit term that can mean “divine play.” He plans to develop and produce projects through the banner, as well as write and direct. He also said it would support emerging creative talent.

Beef has received 29 Emmy nominations across its two seasons and won 11 awards. Lee received writing and directing nominations. His recent work includes writing an X-Men film with Joanna Calo.