Duffer Brothers Name Josh Stern President Of Upside Down Pictures

The Duffer Brothers, creators of the hit Netflix series *Stranger Things*, have appointed Josh Stern as the new president of their production company, Upside Down Pictures. This appointment signifies a significant step for Upside Down Pictures, which operates under an exclusive multi-year deal with Paramount Global. The Duffer Brothers, comprising Matt and Ross Duffer, expressed their enthusiasm for Stern's arrival, stating in a joint comment, “We are beyond thrilled that Josh is joining us at Upside Down. Not five minutes into our first meeting, we knew we had found the perfect partner.”

Josh Stern brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Prior to joining Upside Down Pictures, Stern served as an executive at Apple TV+. During his tenure at Apple, he was instrumental in developing and producing a slate of high-profile projects, including the critically acclaimed series *Severance*, created by Dan Erickson, and the upcoming film *The Instigators*, starring Matt Damon and Casey Affleck. His background also includes a significant period at Warner Bros. Television, where he worked on numerous successful shows. Stern's expertise in developing and shepherding complex television and film projects is expected to be a major asset to the Duffer Brothers' burgeoning production company.

Upside Down Pictures was established by the Duffer Brothers to develop and produce film and television projects that extend beyond their work on *Stranger Things*. The company's exclusive deal with Paramount Global, announced in July 2022, allows them to create new content across Paramount's various platforms. The Duffer Brothers have indicated their intention to develop original stories and potentially expand existing intellectual properties. Stern's leadership is anticipated to accelerate the development and production of these new ventures, leveraging his proven track record in the entertainment industry. The Duffer Brothers' creative vision, combined with Stern's executive experience, positions Upside Down Pictures for substantial growth in the competitive media landscape. Stern's appointment is effective immediately, and he will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of Upside Down Pictures' development and production slate, working closely with the Duffer Brothers and Paramount executives.