Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah

KUWAIT: For the first time in the MENA region, Netflix has partnered up with a regional production studio to train and develop TV writers. Kuwait-based NCIG (National Creative Industries Group KSCC) and Netflix have partnered to deliver the NCIG TV Writers' Lab 6x6, a program designed to incubate six writers from Kuwait and Saudi Arabia and turn their ideas into market-ready pitch decks in six weeks with the ultimate goal of having each of the selected creators present their final projects to Netflix.

Sheikha Al-Zain Al-Sabah, Chairperson and CEO of NCIG said: "I am thrilled to announce the official launch of NCIG's TV Writers' Lab 6x6 in partnership with Netflix. This opportunity is a major stepping stone for our talented creators to nurture their craft in line with global industry standards, with the added potential of having their projects chosen for further development and production by the world's largest SVOD."

She also added, "The fact that Netflix has green-lit our Kuwait-based writers' program, the first of its kind by the streamer in the Middle East, is both a nod to the country's pioneering history in the TV production field, as well as a testament to Netflix's commitment to talent development and to the creative potential of our regional storytellers."

Christopher Mack, Grow Creative Director, EMEA, LATAM and APAC said: "At Netflix, we believe great stories can come from anywhere and be loved everywhere. Even the best storytellers need to finetune their pitch so it appeals to the industry and ultimately, audiences. Through our partnership with NGIC, we will bring our global expertise in creating world class content, to hone regional creators' craft and provide the tools to tell the best version of their stories. Netflix is committed to investing in Arab stories and talent long-term. The Arab world has a pool of incredible talent that has been underrepresented on the global stage, and through the NGIC TV Writers' Lab 6x6, we hope to give new voices a chance to tell their stories."

Sheikha Shaikha Al-Sabah, Chief Business Development Officer at NCIG said: "With Lab 6x6, although our program is based in Kuwait, it will also target the talented Saudi creative community. By bringing Saudi-based creators together with their Kuwait counterparts, this unique program aims to build the long-awaited creative bridges and lay the essential groundwork for the collaborations needed to invigorate our shared content-driven industry and allow our regional stories to inspire and entertain audiences the world over."

The six participants will receive mentoring and virtual master classes by several of the entertainment industry's leading writers, showrunners, and script consultants. They will also be part of a specially curated intensive curriculum, including training sessions led by the world-renowned New York Film Academy. Participants will be granted NYFA endorsed completion certificates as a result of this collaboration with NCIG. By the end of the program, the six writers will have the chance to pitch their final scripts to the Netflix team. Submissions for Lab 6x6 open November 1, 2021. For more information, please visit www.ncig.com.kw.