Netflix teams up with Israeli film school in bid to discover next Shtisel or Fauda

Exclusive: Streaming giant is offering an intensive programme for creative applicants, with the chance to put ideas into action for the successful project

7 February 2022, 5:03 pm
Fauda.

Netflix has teamed up with a Jerusalem-based film and television school in a bid to nurture creators of the next hit Israeli series.

The streaming giant’s vice president for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, is looking to the find “up-and-coming local talent who will create the next Fauda, Shtisel, or Hit & Run”.

These Israel-originated shows have been among Netflix’s biggest global hits.

Writing exclusively for Jewish News and Times of Israel, Larry Tanz explained why Netflix is sponsoring a new project with Sam Spiegel Film and Television School, which has “over the past 30 years.. played a key role in nurturing some of Israel’s brightest lights and fostering its rich creative ecosystem.”

Applicants to the first annual ‘Series Lab’ can be writers or producers who have shown “extraordinary potential”. Tanz also said the initiative will represent a “broad range of cultures, perspectives and languages”, with Arabic, Amharic, Russian, Yiddish, and Hebrew, among languages allowed for submissions.

Successful applicants to the project will then participate in a three-month programme to develop their idea, where they will be mentored by industry experts, such as professor, writer and producer on Friends, Jill Condon.

At the end of the programme, one team will be selected for ‘Netflix Series Development Award’, giving them a financial boost to push their project further.

Tanz said: “Israel has long been a creative powerhouse when it comes to film and TV. Ultimately, we want the Series Lab to find up-and-coming local talent who will create the next Fauda, Shtisel, or Hit & Run — Israeli stories that have been embraced globally.

“At Netflix, we are committed to supporting the next generation of local creatives and ensuring the talent pipeline is truly inclusive. We’re proud to support this programme and be a small part of these creators’ journeys.”

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