Realness Institute has collaborated with Netflix in order to enhance Africa’s creative sector, while they both called for submission from Nigerian writers and filmmakers to the Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship 2022 programmes.
Netflix, the world’s leading streaming entertainment service, through its 2022 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET) programmes would support screenwriters and mid-career industry professionals from Nigeria, South Africa and Kenya who are seeking opportunities to develop their original story ideas, in any genre and are looking to enhance their skills as story consultants respectively.
According to Director of Development and Partnerships, Realness Institute, Mehret Mandefro, “What we have witnessed from the first Lab and Traineeship is that there is a deep desire for Africans to create their own narratives. This bodes well for a growing audience, based in Africa and abroad. We are so pleased to be a major player in lighting the fire of our amazing continental creatives.“Also to hear from last year’s participants how they have been able to transplant everything they learnt in the incubator into their current work and other projects, as well as the impact we had in their lives and creative process.”
The Institute noted that, “Realness Institute is not just stopping at development of the participants, it is taking a step further by giving each participant a monthly stipend of USD 2,000 (Two Thousand US Dollars) during the incubation period which will take place online between 1st May, 2022 to 31st July, 2022. This stipend is to cover living expenses as they focus on their concept development while being mentored.”
Commenting on Netflix’s partnership with Realness Institute, Netflix Manager for Grow Creative Africa, Allison Triegaardt stated, “We are delighted to continue our partnership with the Realness Institute for the 2022 edition of the Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET). The development, nurturing and support of talent pipelines gives new voices a chance to be heard. This is key for Netflix as we contribute to the growth of the film and TV industry and honour our commitment to the African creative community.”
With millions of Africans being very talented and creative, Realness Institute offers the Episodic Lab participants the opportunity of pitching their incubated stories to Netflix executives at the end of the programme.
The programme would also offer DET participants a deeper understanding of the story development process, exposure to a more nuanced approach in the support of writers whilst simultaneously holding writers accountable for their creative work.
The Episodic Lab is a development programme that gives screenwriters from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria an opportunity to develop their original story ideas, in any genre. The participants have the opportunity of pitching these incubated stories to Netflix executives at the end of the programme.
Application submissions close on 14th January, 2022. To know more about the Realness Institute and its programmes, visit www.realness.institute.
Omotayo Araoye
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