Netflix has launched the ScreenCraft Pathway programme, an innovative training initiative developed in collaboration with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority.
Netflix has announced a new initiative. Source: Netflix.
Emerging Talent
The programme was unveiled during a panel discussion on training at the screening of Netflix’s upcoming series Marked in Johannesburg, and will be managed by Tshikululu Social Investments, with applications opening in August.
Designed to provide up-and-coming creative professionals in South Africa with a paid and immersive experience, the ScreenCraft Pathway programme will allow thirty selected individuals to work in essential below-the-line (BTL) roles across development, pre-production, production, and post-production in collaboration with various Netflix production partners.
This initiative builds on insights gained from Netflix’s OTJ training pilot programme conducted in 2024, which supported 13 candidates through the Netflix Creative Equity Scholarship Fund (CESF). The pilot highlighted the importance of economically empowering career pathways, aligning with South Africa’s national efforts towards job creation, youth employment, and skill development.
By offering traineeships with established local studios, vendors, and production companies, Netflix and its partners aim to broaden learning opportunities for a larger group of emerging creatives.
Shola Sanni, Netflix’s director of public policy in Sub-Saharan Africa, expressed excitement about the ScreenCraft Pathway programme: “This initiative reflects our commitment to investing in local storytellers and creatives. It benefits not only our audience but also strengthens the talent pipeline that allows us to share more incredible local stories.”
“We’re particularly thankful to our partners, the Gauteng Film Commission and the KZN Film & Tourism Authority, as well as the fantastic production companies collaborating with us to provide training, enabling emerging creatives to acquire valuable income-generating skills.”
Fostering Development
Keitumetse Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC), stated: “We are dedicated to advancing the film and television industry through focused development and diverse funding across the value chain. By building partnerships and creating inclusive opportunities through the ScreenCraft Pathway programme, we aim to empower young professionals to succeed in a competitive creative economy.”
Lebaka added, “Our collaboration with Netflix is one we deeply value, as it contributes to cultural preservation, social cohesion, and long-term economic resilience for our province and beyond.”
Sibusiso Gumbi, interim CEO of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, remarked that “part of our mandate at KZN Tourism and Film is to provide upskilling opportunities to young people, ensuring they gain essential experience through internships in major productions, which will prepare them to integrate into the mainstream film industry.”
He further emphasized, “This initiative directly addresses the high unemployment rates affecting youth in South Africa and KwaZulu-Natal, making this programme an ideal match for our objectives and enhancing the value of this partnership.”
Participants for the programme will be chosen from a variety of sources, including a public open application process and nominations from the KZN Tourism and Film Authority and the Gauteng Film Commission.
