Netflix India opens writer program for emerging storytellers

Netflix launched a two-month program for Indian screenwriters with up to three years of experience, the company said Tuesday. The NextGen India Writers' Program combines virtual and in-person sessions with mentorship from industry professionals. Participants will develop original series concepts into detailed show bibles. Applications open July 1, 2026.

The program targets storytellers who have worked on one or two projects but lack the network to pitch directly to a streaming platform. Netflix said it wants to surface voices that reflect India's regional and linguistic diversity, though it did not specify how many participants it would select.

A similar initiative in 2023 produced two series that went into development, though neither has aired. The company has invested roughly $3 billion in Indian content since 2018, according to public filings, and faces growing competition from Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and local streamers like JioCinema.

India's streaming market is expected to reach $7 billion in revenue by 2027, consulting firm PwC estimated in a June report. Netflix holds about 6% of the subscription market, trailing Disney and Amazon, per Media Partners Asia data.

The program's hybrid format lets writers based outside Mumbai and Delhi participate without relocating. Netflix will cover travel costs for the in-person workshop weeks, a spokesperson said.

Applications close August 15. Selected participants will be notified by September 30.