“Planning in the ‘Local First’ Era”... Netflix to Share Planning and Production Know-How with the Next Generation of Filmmakers

[Financial News] Netflix is launching a training program for the next generation of Korean filmmakers in partnership with the Korean Film Council.
Netflix said on the 21st that it will hold “Global Competency-Building Training” on Nov. 10 at Cinematheque KOFA for around 100 people working in the film and video industry and aspiring filmmakers.
Netflix content and production staff will serve as lecturers, sharing planning strategies and know-how from the production floor.
The training was organized under an MOU on developing talent for K-content that Netflix signed with the Korea Creative Content Agency and the Korean Film Council in 2023.

The first lecture is titled “Understanding Netflix’s Global Strategy: Planning in the Local First Era.” “Local First” is a planning approach that starts with the emotions, culture and interests of viewers in a particular region. The lecture will explore how to focus on stories that resonate with Korean viewers while conveying their distinctive appeal to audiences around the world. It will also examine trends in the global content market and changes in viewing environments.
The next lecture, titled “Understanding Netflix Production for Professionals in Korea’s Audiovisual Industry,” will cover the process of bringing creators’ ideas to life as finished works. It will share practical experience drawn from examples of collaboration between production teams and partner companies.
Anyone majoring in film or video-related fields, or with work experience in related industries, can apply. The application deadline is Oct. 28.
Meanwhile, Netflix and the Korean Film Council have engaged with young filmmakers through training and exchange programs. In January last year, they held the “KAFA X Netflix Masterclass (Reboot Camp),” featuring lectures by international writers and directors as well as one-on-one mentoring. At the “KAFA+Neo Sora Masterclass,” held in Busan that same year, director Neo Sora, who directed “Happyend” and “Ryuichi Sakamoto: Opus,” among other works, shared directing experience with young creators.
Netflix continues to work with emerging creators. According to the company, one in every three Korean series and films released over the past three years was a debut work by an emerging director or writer. Four of the seven Korean films released last year were also directed by emerging directors.
Netflix also served as the official sponsor of the 13th Wildflower Film Awards and the main sponsor of the 22nd Mise-en-scène Short Film Festival. Films screened at the festival were also introduced to international audiences through Netflix.
[email protected] Shin Jin-a Reporter