Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway is an exciting new program that helps young South African filmmakers and TV creators learn by doing. Through paid internships and close mentorship, it gives participants real experience in making movies and shows. This program boosts local stories, creates jobs, and builds a strong community of creative talent. By working with local film authorities, Netflix is helping to grow South Africa’s creative industry from the ground up. It’s a bright step toward a future where South African voices shine on screens everywhere.
What is Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway and how does it support South Africa’s creative industry?
Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway is a hands-on training program that empowers South African film and TV talent through paid internships, mentorship, and real-world experience. It fosters local storytelling, boosts youth employment, and builds a sustainable creative community via partnerships with regional film authorities.
A Winter Unveiling: Anticipation for Change
During a chilly Cape Town evening, the city’s dynamic creative scene gathered for the premiere of Netflix’s anticipated series, Marked. Excitement filled the air, yet the true revelation for many was not just on the screen, but in the announcement of Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway programme. This news signaled more than an opportunity; it represented a possible watershed moment for South Africa’s burgeoning film and television talent.
This initiative emerged through a collaboration with the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority. Far from a routine press release, the announcement resonated as a potential catalyst for change. Attendees—ranging from established filmmakers to ambitious newcomers—recognized the promise of a new chapter in local storytelling and creative culture.
ScreenCraft Pathway stands out not as a fleeting gesture, but as a concerted effort to build new infrastructure for the creative industries. As Netflix and its local partners laid out their vision, a sense of optimism and momentum swept through the room. The project’s scale and intent suggested that this was a step towards fundamentally reshaping South Africa’s entertainment sector.
Fostering Creativity: A Platform for Development
Netflix’s reputation as a disruptor in global entertainment led to widespread interest in its ScreenCraft Pathway programme. Designed to support and empower thirty carefully selected participants, this initiative offers more than funding—it provides paid, immersive experience throughout every stage of film and television production. From the first brainstorming sessions to the complexities of post-production, trainees receive hands-on exposure.
The decision to collaborate with Tshikululu Social Investments for programme administration demonstrates a commitment to local context and expertise. By weaving international objectives with regional understanding, Netflix ensures the project addresses both global standards and community needs. This approach recalls the lasting impact of historical art movements, which thrived on partnerships between sponsors and creators. Much like the Renaissance and the Harlem cultural explosion, the ScreenCraft Pathway aims to nurture talent not just for entertainment, but for cultural renewal and preservation.
In this context, Netflix’s efforts go beyond surface-level involvement. The programme seeks to cultivate a new generation of storytellers, equipping them with practical knowledge and industry insights. By positioning itself as both mentor and benefactor, Netflix bridges the gap between aspiration and achievement—echoing the legacy of creative collectives that built lasting artistic communities.
Building Access: Partnerships and Pathways
The architects of the ScreenCraft Pathway articulated a vision rooted in both artistic and economic transformation. Shola Sanni, Netflix’s Director of Public Policy for Sub-Saharan Africa, emphasized the importance of investing in local voices. According to Sanni, supporting creatives is not just a philanthropic gesture; it is a business strategy that ensures Netflix remains relevant and connected to diverse audiences. By cultivating stories that reflect local realities, the platform strengthens its own future while contributing to broader cultural vibrancy.
Keitumetse Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission, highlighted the initiative’s potential to drive social and economic progress. She views the programme as a mechanism for individual empowerment, community cohesion, and industry growth. In a country where the arts often carry the weight of historical divisions and unrealized potential, such projects can help foster both healing and opportunity. Lebaka’s words underscored the belief that nurturing young professionals is vital to building a more inclusive, resilient cultural sector.
Sibusiso Gumbi, Interim CEO of the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, positioned the ScreenCraft Pathway as a direct response to youth unemployment. With internships and targeted upskilling, the programme aims to prepare participants for full entry into the mainstream film industry. For many South African youths who have struggled to find pathways into established creative circles, this hands-on experience offers a rare and meaningful chance to launch their careers.
Real-World Impact: Insights from the Pilot Programme
The ScreenCraft Pathway builds upon a successful 2024 pilot that provided on-the-job training to thirteen recipients of the Creative Equity Scholarship Fund. The experiences of these early participants bring the initiative’s promises to life, offering tangible evidence of its potential impact.
Viwe Mama, who trained as a Foley Editor and Artist, shared how the opportunity to transform everyday sounds into cinematic effects solidified her passion into a professional calling. Her reflections highlighted the irreplaceable value of practical learning and mentorship. Unlike theoretical study, this hands-on approach allowed her to master subtle skills and gain confidence in her craft.
Lwandle Kango’s journey began with an internship in Production Management. She described the experience as the “beginning of a career in motion,” capturing the excitement and momentum that practical engagement brings. For Tshepang Galane, working as a Production Assistant Trainee proved to be one of the most fulfilling chapters of her life. These personal stories share a common theme: real-world immersion fosters not only competence but also self-belief.
Cwenga Koyana summed up the transformative nature of the programme by contrasting classroom education with the unpredictable, collaborative energy of a night shoot. She emphasized that genuine expertise grows out of doing, not just observing. This philosophy aligns with historic art schools like Bauhaus and Black Mountain College, which championed experiential learning as the bedrock of creative excellence.
Broadening the Lens: Access and Inclusion
Applications for the next intake of the ScreenCraft Pathway open in August. Prospective candidates will apply through a designated partner platform, while the GFC and KZN Film Authority can also nominate individuals. Although specific selection criteria remain confidential, the structure suggests a commitment to inclusivity and merit-based advancement.
Netflix’s investment reflects a broader movement towards empowering local creators on a global stage. With an audience exceeding 300 million subscribers, Netflix commands considerable influence. Yet what distinguishes its approach is a willingness to nurture regional ecosystems rather than simply extract content. By cultivating untold stories and investing in grassroots talent, Netflix shifts away from historic patterns of cultural extraction and towards meaningful partnership.
This model, while undeniably commercial, draws inspiration from the values of artistic guilds and collectives. It recognizes that robust creative communities depend on mentorship, shared learning, and mutual support. The ScreenCraft Pathway aims to create not only skilled professionals but also networks of collaboration that can sustain the industry for years to come.
Nurturing Careers, Strengthening Communities
At the heart of this programme are the individuals whose ambitions and abilities shape the future of South African storytelling. For many, participation in the ScreenCraft Pathway means joining a lineage of filmmakers and television professionals who carry forward the nation’s evolving identity. As trainees move through the different phases of production, they not only acquire technical skills but also inherit a sense of belonging within a vibrant creative community.
The benefits extend beyond personal growth. Each graduate has the potential to become a mentor, future employer, or advocate for homegrown content on international platforms. The ripple effects include economic opportunity, cultural preservation, and social integration—demonstrating how film and television can serve as engines of transformation.
By channeling resources into practical training and fostering a sense of shared purpose, the ScreenCraft Pathway helps turn creative aspirations into tangible achievements. The programme’s ripple effects promise to enrich both the industry and the wider community for years to come.
Looking Forward: A New Era for South African Storytelling
Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway stands where tradition meets innovation, where business interests align with the dreams of local artists. By prioritizing hands-on learning, collaborative partnerships, and personal advancement, the programme draws on the spirit of history’s most influential creative movements while addressing today’s urgent realities.
As a new generation of South African filmmakers prepares to claim their place behind the camera and on the screen, the ScreenCraft Pathway offers not only a springboard but a supportive community. It is a testament to the enduring power of storytelling and the belief that, when given opportunity and guidance, local talent can shape narratives that resonate both at home and around the globe. The future of South African film and television is taking shape—and for many, the journey begins here.
What is Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway and how does it support South Africa’s creative industry?
Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway is a hands-on training program designed to empower young South African filmmakers and TV creators. It provides paid internships, close mentorship, and real-world experience throughout all stages of film and television production. By fostering local storytelling and boosting youth employment, the program helps build a sustainable creative community. Working alongside local film authorities like the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, Netflix aims to grow South Africa’s creative industry from the ground up.
Who can apply for the ScreenCraft Pathway and how are participants selected?
Applications for the program open annually (next intake opens in August) through a designated partner platform, with additional nominations made by the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) and KwaZulu-Natal Film Authority. While specific selection criteria are confidential, the program emphasizes inclusivity and merit-based advancement to ensure a diverse group of talented participants who can benefit from the immersive training and mentorship opportunities.
What kind of experience and training do participants receive during the program?
Participants gain paid, hands-on experience across every phase of film and TV production—from brainstorming and scripting to shooting, editing, and post-production. The program is structured to provide real-world immersion, allowing trainees to develop practical skills alongside industry professionals. Mentorship plays a key role, helping participants to not only master technical crafts but also build self-confidence and professional networks essential for career growth.
How does the ScreenCraft Pathway impact local communities and the broader South African film industry?
Beyond individual career development, the program fosters economic growth, job creation, and community cohesion. By empowering young creatives with skills and opportunities, it helps address youth unemployment and builds a more inclusive creative sector. Graduates often become mentors, employers, and advocates for South African stories on both local and international platforms, strengthening a sustainable ecosystem for film and television that enriches cultural preservation and social integration.
What partnerships support the success of Netflix’s ScreenCraft Pathway?
Netflix collaborates closely with regional film bodies such as the Gauteng Film Commission and the KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority, as well as Tshikululu Social Investments for program administration. These partnerships ensure the program is grounded in local expertise while aligning with global industry standards. This collaborative approach reflects Netflix’s commitment to nurturing regional talent and building infrastructure that sustainably supports South Africa’s creative economy.
What has been the impact of the ScreenCraft Pathway pilot program so far?
The 2024 pilot program successfully trained thirteen recipients of the Creative Equity Scholarship Fund in various roles such as Foley editing, production management, and production assistance. Participants reported transformative experiences, highlighting the value of practical learning and mentorship in developing both skills and confidence. Their stories underscore the program’s effectiveness in bridging the gap between education and professional achievement, setting a strong foundation for future cohorts and the long-term growth of South Africa’s creative industries.
