Realness Institute and Netflix Present the Rich and Exciting Line-up for the 2022 Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship Programmes
After receiving over 200 applications from Nigeria, Kenya and South Africa for the Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship (DET), Realness Institute in partnership with Netflix, have officially begun training the selected participants, in a bid to cultivate original and authentic African stories.
Through the rigorous selection process, 12 talented candidates emerged, 6 for the Episodic Lab and 6 for the DET. The group have eagerly set out on the extraordinary journey of unearthing the treasure of their voices through story.
The cohort have been afforded the opportunity to spend 3 months working with Story Experts, Selina Ukwuoma and Thandeka Zwana, and Creative Producers, Elias Ribeiro, and Mehret Mandefro, to fully develop their story concepts into both a professional pitch deck, and a formal pitch, on which they will receive feedback from the Netflix African Originals team.
The Realness Institute and Netflix are excited to present a programme that features international guest speakers who offer their wealth of knowledge and experience:
Allison Triegaardt Manager of Grow Creative Africa, Netflix
Anneke Villet Associate & Creative Producer, Script Editor, Writer, Director & Commissioning Editor
Christopher Mack Director, Creative Talent Investment & Development, Netflix
Femi Odugbemi Founder & CEO, Zuri24 Media Lagos
Frank Spotnitz Founder, Big Light Productions
Jason George Creator & Executive Director of Into the Night
Kethiwe Ngcobo Producer, Fuzebox Entertainment
Lacey Schwartz Delgado Co-Founder Truth Aid Media, Producer, Writer & Director
Layla Swart Executive Producer, Yellowbone Entertainment
Mmabatho Kau Script Consultant / Producer, Raindrop Media
Nimrod Geva Executive Producer & Head of Development, Quizzical Pictures
Thati Pele Director & Writer
The participants, already immersed in the story development process, have to date sat under informative and engaging teachings from Christopher Mack, Allison Triegaardt, Mmabatho Kau and Femi Odugbemi.
"Never has there been more opportunity for stories and storytellers from Africa to prosper and to offer the world compelling and iconic characters and imagery. The Realness Institute is doing vital work, building the necessary capacities in the development process so that this opportunity can multiply and build impact." - Femi Odugbemi, Founder & CEO, Zuri24 Media Lagos
Due to the raving success of the first edition and how invaluable the pearls of wisdom from Guest Speakers have proven to be, many seasoned professionals like Kethiwe Ngcobo have been brought back to sharpen and inspire the writers.
“The African film and television industry is growing fast, and now more than ever, we need creative voices that can tell our African stories. The Netflix Episodic Lab is an important tool to develop those voices.” – Kethiwe Ngcobo, Producer, Fuzebox Entertainment
The participants will receive a monthly stipend of 2000 USD for the duration of the programme, to cover living expenses as they dedicate their time to the process. At the end of the programme, each writer will have an opportunity to pitch their project to Netflix for possible further development.
The Episodic Lab and Development Executive Traineeship programmes kicked off on 1 May 2022 and will run until 31 July 2022.
To learn more about these programmes and other opportunities from Realness Institute, visit https://www.realness.institute/.