The initiative will focus on equipping the next generation of storytellers with industry-relevant skills across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem. Netflix said the programme supports the government's Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision by strengthening education, industry partnerships and creator capability development.
The first phase includes a partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to co-develop curricula in visual effects and media technology workflows and provide 100 scholarships for in-person programmes in emerging creative disciplines. Netflix has also partnered with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to train professionals in audio description writing and voice work to improve accessibility for viewers with visual and hearing impairments.
"India has always been one of the world's greatest storytelling nations. Over the past decade, we've had the privilege of seeing Indian stories connect with audiences not just across India, but around the world. As we begin our next decade here, we believe our greatest investment is in the people who will tell India's next generation of stories. The Netflix India Storytelling Initiative reflects our long-term commitment to strengthening India's creative ecosystem by creating more opportunities for emerging creators, because investing in creators is investing in India's creative future," said Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix.
Netflix said it has created more than 200 original titles and filmed across over 100 locations in India over the past decade, adding that the new initiative builds on its investments in talent development, production capabilities and industry partnerships to help position India as a global storytelling hub.