Netflix has announced the launch of ScreenCraft Pathway, a paid, on-the-job training programme to nurture young creative professionals in South Africa’s television and film industry.
The initiative, introduced in Johannesburg in partnership with the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, was revealed during a screening event for its new series, Marked. Applications open this August.
Hands-on experience across production stages
The ScreenCraft Pathway programme will offer 30 aspiring creatives immersive training opportunities across development, pre-production, production, and post-production. Participants will gain first-hand experience in key below-the-line roles—those crucial behind-the-scenes functions that keep productions running smoothly.
Administered by Tshikululu Social Investments, the initiative connects trainees with vetted local studios, vendors, and production companies that have worked on Netflix projects. This structure ensures real-world exposure, skills development, and career-relevant experience—while also providing participants with a monthly stipend.
The programme builds on Netflix’s 2024 pilot project under the Creative Equity Scholarship Fund, which supported 13 trainees. According to the company, the pilot demonstrated the impact of structured training in supporting job creation, youth employment, and creative industry growth in South Africa.
“We’re excited to introduce the ScreenCraft Pathway to show how intentional we are about investing in local storytellers,” said Shola Sanni, Netflix’s Director of Public Policy in Sub-Saharan Africa. “It helps grow the talent pipeline so we can continue to entertain the world with amazing local stories.”
Partnering to address youth unemployment and boost skills
The programme’s design directly responds to South Africa’s pressing youth unemployment crisis, particularly in the creative economy. Keitumetse Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission, said the initiative is “a significant step towards empowering young professionals to thrive in the competitive creative economy.”
Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, also emphasised the importance of industry internships: “This program responds directly to South Africa’s high unemployment rate, particularly among the youth.”
Trainees will be selected from a combination of public applications (via a soon-to-be-announced partner website) and nominations by the programme’s two provincial partners. The selection will be inclusive, ensuring a wide pool of talent from different backgrounds.
A creative pipeline for South Africa’s film industry
Netflix’s investment in local talent is strategic. The programme ensures a growing base of skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of future productions. It’s also in line with the company’s broader Creative Equity Fund goals, which focus on inclusion, access, and opportunity in global storytelling.
With South Africa already a rising hub for international content production, the ScreenCraft Pathway programme offers a timely boost to both the local workforce and cultural output. It’s a practical win-win, empowering creatives, supporting economic resilience, and ensuring that South African voices tell more South African stories.
More details on application deadlines and eligibility criteria will be shared in the coming weeks.