Netflix has announced the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, a multi-phase programme aimed at developing India's next generation of storytellers through partnerships with educational and industry institutions.
The announcement was made during a meeting between Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where they discussed the global rise of Indian storytelling and Netflix's continued investment in the country's creative ecosystem.
Building on more than a decade in India, during which the company has produced over 200 Originals and filmed across 100-plus locations, the initiative will focus on strengthening the talent pipeline across the Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) ecosystem through skilling and institutional collaborations.
The first phase includes a partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to co-develop industry-focused curricula in Visual Effects Mastery and Media Technology Workflows. Netflix will also provide 100 scholarships for students enrolling in programmes spanning animation, gaming, interactive comics and related creative disciplines.
Netflix has also partnered with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) to train professionals in audio description writing and voice work, supporting the creation of more accessible content for audiences with visual and hearing impairments.
Commenting on the initiative, Ted Sarandos, Co-CEO, Netflix, said, "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."
According to Netflix, the initiative aims to strengthen education, industry partnerships and creator capability development while supporting India's ambitions to become a global hub for entertainment production and creative innovation.
