Netflix is teaming up with Creative UK, the country's independent network for the creative industries, on a project to develop and fund first feature films.
The program, dubbed 'Breakout,' would encourage up-and-coming filmmakers, with at least one feature film receiving a production budget of around £1.5 million ($2 million) and a guaranteed spot on Netflix.
Six teams will receive £30,000 ($41,000) in development money from Creative UK to participate in an intensive training and professional development program that will include lab events, mentoring, and Netflix executive assistance and input.
The streamer stated that it was looking for creative teams whose work had received industry or public notice but had not yet been sponsored, and that diversity was a top concern. Popular genres such as mystery and criminal thrillers, bold and innovative horror, comedies and rom-coms, young adult and family adventure are all being considered.
Applications will be accepted starting today, February 23.
Hannah Perks, Content Acquisitions UK, Netflix said: “We know there are so many brilliant emerging genre voices in the UK with bold, ambitious stories to tell who lack the funding to reach their audience. We’re committed through our UK features initiative to creating a talent pipeline for Netflix and the wider industry to elevate and develop the widest range of voices. We can’t wait to introduce exciting new UK talent to our members all around the globe.”
Paul Ashton, Head of Film TV, Creative UK added: “Talent is everywhere but opportunity is not, and from our very first conversation it was clear that Netflix shared our desire to offer career-changing opportunities to film talent in the UK. Having backed films at Creative UK which have realized their best life with Netflix, such as Calibre and The Ritual, we know how important Breakout will be. By giving filmmakers the opportunity to advance projects across a range of genres, we’re enabling them not just to make great films for an audience – but also to lay strong foundations in their relationship with Netflix in the UK.”
