Filmmakers and producers ready to pitch projects to Netflix at DIFF

Netflix will explore the possibility of a long-term production opportunity in Dubai should it find the right talent pool and regional scripts to support such an initiative, Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of the Dubai Film and TV Commission told BroadcastPro ME in an exclusive interview.

Ted Sarandos, the head of content acquisition at Netflix, will address attendees at the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) on December 12 via video conference while some of the company’s delegates will be at DIFF to interact with attendees.

“Part of our 2016-2017 mandate at the Film Commission is not just to attract big productions to the country but to also develop local talent and create opportunities for them to work regularly on international projects so as to gain more experience. As Netflix is one of the fastest growing media platforms in the world, we had a meeting with them in Hollywood last month to discuss possible methods of collaboration,” Al Sharif confided.

“There will be a huge opportunity at DIFF for resident scriptwriters and talents to pitch their projects to Netflix. Netflix has done this in other countries as well. They like to look at what kind of talent is available and explore the market before they come down to film and I believe there are a lot of scripts and talent available here but we need such cooperation to identify the right people. We are hoping to receive some interesting pitches at DIFF – projects that Netflix can choose and help develop further for a global audience. If they find the right talent here, they are willing then to bring some part of their productions to Dubai and we hope the emirate will serve as the backdrop for more global productions.”

Netflix recently filmed War Machine in Abu Dhabi. War Machine is the biggest film to be produced by the video streaming platform and is scheduled for screening in 2016.