Netflix promotes next generation of German-language screenwriters and launches accelerator program with Impact
Together with Impact, Netflix wants to discover new talent and storytellers from all backgrounds in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
From now until January 1, 2022, potential participants can apply for the mentoring program here
Berlin, November 15, 2021 -- Together with the entertainment tech startup Impact, Netflix is launching an accelerator program for promising screenwriters from German-speaking countries. After Impact’s collaboration with Netflix in Los Angeles, the program is now being continued in Europe for the first time, starting in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.
In the submission and application process, up to five promising writers with outstanding film or TV ideas are selected and accepted into Impact's mentoring program. Over the course of eight weeks, they will be paired with experienced US-experienced industry professionals to develop a script for a live-action-film or series pilot. The five selected writers will receive an honorarium from Netflix for the screenplay they develop in the workshop under a writing agreement with Netflix.
The program will run from May 2 until June 24 2022. Citizens in Germany, Austria and Switzerland or permanent residents can apply now until January 1, 2022 with a well thought-out idea as well as a writing sample. Further information can be found at impact.net/netflix-dach.
An opportunity for the next generation of creative talent
The partnership with Impact is another step for Netflix to discover authentic, previously unheard talent in German-speaking countries and to counteract the shortage of skilled workers in the film industry. It is part of the global Grow Creative initiative, with which Netflix, under the leadership of Chris Mack, is committed to breaking down barriers to access and creating conditions and structures in the film industry in which creative talents from underrepresented groups in society can also realize themselves more easily in artistic professions.
In addition to the personal mentoring program, the writers will participate with Impact film and TV executives, writers, and talent in weekly seminars and Q&As to gain an intensive insight into the fields of film and TV development as well as production.
“Impact was founded to build new technologies and systems to democratize access to the entertainment industry, discover global talent at scale, and rapidly generate original IP. Netflix has been our biggest supporter from the very beginning and have bought 13 original film and series projects from Impact writers from around the world, with two of their films now in production. Their commitment to telling original, global stories and investing in new talent is unrivaled, and know more than anyone how technology can empower artists and the creative process. We could not be more excited to be working with Chris and the Grow Creative team to discover fresh, diverse, voices in the DACH region, and share their stories with the world.”, said Impact CEO, Tyler Mitchell.
Sasha Bühler, Director, EMEA Film, and Steffi Ackermann, Director, Local Language Series DACH, Netflix: "We believe in investing in the next generation of creative and diverse talent. As an integral part of the German film industry, we therefore want to increase our commitment here. In doing so, Impact has found new, innovative ways to seek out undiscovered talent and stories and develop them further with world-renowned writers and showrunners. The success of the program speaks for itself and we are very much looking forward to receiving applications from local talent and continuing to work together.“
About Impact
Founded by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard and led by CEO Tyler Mitchell, Impact was created to solve problems in the entertainment industry. Through its accelerator programs, Impact discovers, cultivates and nurtures creative storytellers around the world through its innovative talent identification and mentorship system, which enables promising writers to break into the industry in a matter of months. Impact's talent identification system is able to quickly evaluate thousands of submissions while ensuring that all creatives receive equal access, opportunity and transparency.
Since its inception in 2018, Impact has built a network of more than 65,000 creators in over 140 countries, and developed 76 original projects, 41 of which have been acquired by leading entertainment companies, including Netflix, Sony, FX, Warner Bros., Amblin, Chernin, eOne, Village Roadshow, Legendary, Scott Free, Midnight Radio, Imagine, and many more. Last year, 33 Impact alumni either sold a new project or were hired as staff for shows at Netflix, Apple, Amazon, Disney+, HBO Max, CW, FX, Nickelodeon, Hulu and BET. The deal with Netflix EMEA builds on previous work with Netflix's U.S. Studio Film division.
For more information, visit impact.net.
About Netflix
Netflix is the world's leading streaming entertainment service with 214 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries, feature films and mobile games across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any Internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.
Press contact Netflix
Corporate Communications - Anja Käumle | akaeumle@netflix.com Henning Dorstewitz | hdorstewitz@netflix.com
Press contact Factor 3 AG - Andreas Geyer | +49 176 20407843 | netflix@faktor3.de
Press contact Impact
Press Ivy Mollenkamp | Ivy_Mollenkamp@dkcnews.com
