Netflix is expanding its Creative Asia programme to the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in Indonesia in December, building upon skills and talent development initiatives that have reached more than 8,000 people across Asia-Pacific from 2021-2024.

The extended programme, which involves masterclasses, training and networking events, was announced today by Minyoung Kim, Netflix's APAC VP of Content (ex-India), during Creative Asia at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF).  

Kim said Netflix had partnered directly with more than 250 local production partners across the APAC region since local production began almost 10 years ago. 

Another new initiative unveiled this morning is Lumina, which kicks off in Australia next week. Lumia provides neurodiverse people a pathway to employment in the visual effects industry, Netflix said

In partnership with Bus Stop Films, Lumina will provide training and on-set work placement at  upcoming Netflix production, "My Brilliant Career". 

"Authenticity isn’t a formula – it’s founded in relationships. The only way to achieve that is to work with local creators, local talent and a wide variety of the best local production partners," she said.

Netflix's ongoing initiatives include Reel Life in Southeast Asia, an on-the-job training programme for emerging writers and production professionals in Taiwan, as well as training programmes in Japan and Korea. The VFX Academy has trained more than 330 students.