Netflix is in production in Iceland and South Korea

Netflix content chief Ted Sarandos has revealed that the streaming giant is currently in production in South Korea and Iceland, and that the company can take what it’s learning there around the world as more areas start to open.

The situation is fluid, Sarandos said, but “those two countries are very aggressive about testing and tracking early” so they can “lay the groundwork for our future rollouts.” He made the remarks during a video chat following the streamer’s first-quarter earnings.

The shows weren’t named, but his comments highlight a big advantage Netflix has thanks to being the world’s biggest producer of global content and so can ramp up production at any of its hubs whenever they’re ready.

Iceland, which has the smallest population in Europe, has tested 10% of its people for coronavirus, more than any other country in the world. And South Korea launched a massive testing and contact-tracing effort that has kept the virus in check.

Iceland is expected to make an announcement this week that will see further changes to restrictions from 4 May, including potentially the opening of all shops and companies, as well as the ability to work in groups of up to 50 people (keeping social distancing where possible).