In a groundbreaking move, Netflix is nurturing the next wave of German-language screenwriters through a partnership with entertainment tech startup Impact. The duo will launch an accelerator program in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland focused on discovering untapped talent and promoting diversity in the industry. As for the gambling industry, you can investigate its diversity using the example of new online casinos. The list of its variety in Germany is here. At the same time, Netflix is leading the Green Shooting initiative together with major German film and TV producers to promote sustainable production methods. With these two projects, Netflix underscores its commitment to promoting creativity and environmental responsibility in the German entertainment landscape.
Empowering Creativity: The Accelerator Program
Netflix, in collaboration with Impact, is opening up an unprecedented opportunity for aspiring screenwriters from German-speaking countries. This initiative builds on Impact’s previous success in Los Angeles and expands its impact to Europe. The accelerator program, which runs from May 2 to June 24, 2022, invites citizens or permanent residents of Germany, Austria, and Switzerland to submit their film or television ideas by January 1, 2022.
The selected participants, up to five promising authors, will embark on an eight-week journey as part of the Impact Mentoring Program. Together with experienced industry experts from the US, they will hone their skills and develop a compelling script for a live-action film or series pilot. The budding talents will receive a fee from Netflix for their developed script as part of a writer’s contract.
This collaboration goes beyond a traditional mentorship. Participants take part in weekly seminars and Q&A sessions, immersing them in the intricacies of film and television development and production. The initiative not only shines a spotlight on Netflix’s commitment to fostering new voices but also aligns with the global Grow Creative initiative. This initiative, led by Chris Mack, aims to break down barriers and create a favorable environment for underrepresented talent in the film industry.
Tyler Mitchell, CEO of Impact, is enthusiastic about the collaboration and emphasizes Netflix’s commitment to discovering diverse voices. The success stories of Impact’s alumni, with 13 original projects purchased by Netflix and two currently in production, underscore the effectiveness of this approach. Sasha Buehler and Steffi Ackermann from Netflix echo this sentiment and emphasize the importance of investing in the next generation of diverse talent in the German film industry.
Sustainable Cinema: The Green Shooting Initiative
At the same time, Netflix is joining forces with prominent German film and television producers in the Green Shooting initiative. This ambitious project aims to establish sustainability in the industry. Leading companies such as Constantin Film, Bavaria, UFA, Studio Hamburg, and major television broadcasters have pledged their commitment. Netflix is on board for all of its German commissions, which increases the initiative’s reach.
The Green Shooting Initiative is a voluntary but effective commitment that requires signatories to comply with minimum ecological standards. These standards, which will apply from 2022, cover various aspects, from the use of LED spotlights to vegetarian catering and environmentally friendly transportation. The state funding agencies in Germany, which are important for the industry, are joining this environmentally conscious movement and making compliance with these standards a prerequisite for most production funding under their programs.
Industry associations and support groups, including the German Actors’ Association, the German Film Editors’ Association, and the Association of Technical Companies for Film & Television, support the initiative. The German Film Academy and the Alliance of German Producers endorse the standards and call on clients and sponsors to compensate for the additional costs of green productions.
To qualify under the Green Shooting Initiative, productions must meet at least 18 of 21 defined ecological standards. Producers submit a sustainability report before shooting begins, which is audited by the clients or an external auditor (PwC) appointed by the Green Shooting Initiative. Successful projects are awarded the coveted “Green Motion” seal, which recognizes their commitment to sustainable practices.
Impact and Sustainability: A Pioneering Duo
Netflix’s two initiatives underline a holistic approach to the development of the entertainment industry in Germany. By fostering new talent through its Accelerator program and promoting environmentally friendly practices through its Green Shooting initiative, Netflix is paving the way for a more inclusive and sustainable entertainment landscape. These efforts are not only in line with industry trends but also with the global shift towards promoting creativity and responsibility in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Netflix’s groundbreaking initiatives in Germany, which combine talent development with environmental responsibility, signal a paradigm shift in the entertainment industry. The dual impact of the Accelerator program and the Green Shooting initiative not only paves the way for diverse storytelling but also sets new standards for sustainable production practices. With Netflix leading the way, the German entertainment landscape is poised for dynamic change that prioritizes creativity, inclusion, and environmental awareness.