Netflix has announced a multi-phase programme to train and support creative talent in India, called the Netflix India Storytelling Initiative, following a meeting between Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The discussions focused on the global potential of Indian storytelling and Netflix’s long-term plans to strengthen its presence in the country. The company said the initiative aims to build a future-ready creative workforce by developing skills across animation, visual effects, gaming, and comics (AVGC), sectors that are becoming important contributors to India’s creative economy.
The programme will be implemented through partnerships with leading Indian institutions and is aligned with the government’s Viksit Bharat @ 2047 vision of developing skilled talent for future industries.
Phase One Focuses on Youth Skill Development
The first phase includes a partnership with the Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) to develop industry-focused training programmes in visual effects, media technology workflows, and other creative disciplines.
Netflix will also support 100 scholarships for students enrolling in in-person courses at IICT. The scholarships will cover emerging fields such as interactive comics, sequential art, virtual art department content creation, character animation, esports, gaming management, and related areas.
Phase Two to Build Inclusive Entertainment Talent
The second phase will be carried out in partnership with the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and will focus on creating career opportunities linked to accessibility in entertainment.
The programme will train professionals such as audio description writers and voice artists to make films and series more accessible for audiences with visual and hearing disabilities. Netflix said the training will follow international accessibility standards while incorporating India’s unique storytelling traditions.
Speaking about the initiative, Ted Sarandos said India has always been one of the world’s strongest storytelling cultures, with Indian content reaching audiences globally. He added that investing in creators and developing new talent will be a key focus as Netflix continues its next phase of growth in India.
The company said the initiative will strengthen connections between education and the entertainment industry, enhance creator capabilities, and help position India as a global hub for content production and creative innovation.
