Netflix announced an expansive array of creative development initiatives throughout the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region during its Creative Asia conference, held as part of the Busan International Film Festival. Executives underscored the company's steadfast commitment to cultivating local talent and elevating production benchmarks across the continent.

Karen Park, BIFF program director, highlighted the profound transformation occurring within Asian cinema. Park remarked that while Asian creativity has always existed, it was largely unseen until now. She attributed this shift to the advent of global platforms and evolving attitudes, noting that the Busan International Film Festival has become a crucial international stage for Asian films. Park specifically credited Netflix's global reach for dismantling cultural barriers, observing that the worldwide popularity of shows like 'Squid Game' has made subtitles less intimidating. She emphasized that this change signifies more than just increased consumption; it represents a growing recognition of Asian narratives as complex, emotional, and universally human stories, moving beyond previous 'oriental' or 'exotic' perceptions.

Minyoung Kim, Netflix’s APAC VP of content (excluding India), elaborated on the company’s partnership ethos. Kim asserted that authenticity is not a formula but is rooted in strong relationships. Achieving this, she explained, necessitates collaboration with local creators, local talent, and a diverse range of the best local production partners. Since initiating local productions nearly a decade ago, Netflix has forged partnerships with over 250 local production entities across the APAC region.

The company revealed several new and expanded programs designed to foster this talent. In Australia, Netflix is launching Lumina, an initiative created in partnership with Bus Stop Films to provide neurodiverse individuals with entry points into the visual effects industry. Participants in Lumina will receive specialized training and on-set work placements during the production of the upcoming local series “My Brilliant Career.” The Creative Asia conference itself is expanding its reach, set to be included in the Jogja-Netpac Asian Film Festival in Indonesia this December, offering emerging Southeast Asian creators access to masterclasses and valuable networking opportunities.

Netflix’s regional training programs have demonstrated significant impact. The VFX Academy in Korea, now in its fifth cycle, has successfully trained more than 330 students over two and a half years, with an impressive 70% securing industry positions through collaborations with studios such as Eyeline Studios, Westworld, VA Corp, Dexter Studios, and Gulliver Studios. Other ongoing efforts include the Reel Life program in Southeast Asia, which recently concluded its third annual event in Bangkok, engaging 100 participants. Additionally, on-the-job training programs are active in Taiwan, supporting emerging writers and production professionals working on Netflix Originals projects.

Sung Q Lee, Netflix’s APAC head of production, underscored the company's dedicated focus on improving working conditions within the industry. Lee articulated that Netflix’s mission extends beyond mere compliance with local standards; it aims to help establish new, higher benchmarks. He further emphasized the goal of ensuring production teams have access to cutting-edge skills training, enabling them to utilize the latest technology or forge entirely new career paths in roles that previously did not exist in their respective countries.

A production panel featuring Yongsu Lee (producer, Korea), Chartchai “Nat” Ketnust (CEO of Whitelight, Thailand), and Momoko Nishiyama (intimacy coordinator, Japan) showcased evolving industry best practices. Yongsu Lee, who is producing the upcoming Netflix series “Can This Love Be Translated?”, described the implementation of daily crew briefings to uphold stringent safety standards across various international production locations. Nishiyama highlighted the increasing acceptance of intimacy coordinators in Japan, a role that only emerged five years ago. She noted that this role contributes to a safer set environment, empowering individuals to voice concerns and fostering more open discussions. Nishiyama also pointed out that Netflix brings in specialized experts for crucial areas such as mental health support, harassment prevention, and respect training.

Cumulatively, from 2021 to 2024, Netflix’s skills and talent development initiatives across the APAC region have positively impacted over 8,000 individuals, unequivocally demonstrating the company's sustained commitment to building thriving and sustainable creative ecosystems throughout the Asia-Pacific.