Dubai Launches NFTS-backed Talent Program wiht Prime Video to Boost Local Screenwriting
Table of Contents
- 1. Dubai Launches NFTS-backed Talent Program wiht Prime Video to Boost Local Screenwriting
- 2. what’s happening
- 3. Program structure and leadership
- 4. Partnerships and goals
- 5. Key voices
- 6. Who can apply and how it works
- 7. How to apply
- 8. Program timeline and outcomes
- 9. key facts at a glance
- 10. What this means for Dubai and beyond
- 11. Engagement for readers
- 12. />
- 13. Program Overview
- 14. Key Objectives
- 15. Curriculum & Mentorship Structure
- 16. Eligibility & Application Process
- 17. Participant Benefits
- 18. Prime Video’s Role in the Ecosystem
- 19. NFTS contribution
- 20. Impact on Dubai’s Media Landscape
- 21. Real‑World Example: pilot “Desert Echoes”
- 22. Practical Tips for Aspiring Applicants
- 23. Frequently Asked questions
dubai’s Film and Electronic Games Office unveiled a high-profile talent growth initiative in collaboration with the British National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Prime Video. The program, designed to fast-track a new generation of writers and producers, runs January 26-30 and targets Dubai-based talent ready to elevate original television concepts to the global stage.
what’s happening
The intensive five-day program aims to turn emerging Dubai producers and writers into project-ready creators. It guides teams through shaping ideas, crafting presentation-ready pitches, and aligning projects with top industry standards for content development.
Program structure and leadership
The initiative blends creative training with market-oriented insights and hands-on project development. Participants will work under the guidance of NFTS veteran matt DeLarge and Adrian Banerd of Big Light productions, with mentorship from international creators and Amazon MGM Studios personnel.
Sessions cover idea development, character creation, narrative construction, audience strategies, marketing, and international co-production models. Training will draw on NFTS instructors, workshops, and project-presentation sessions to sharpen both creative and commercial skills.
Partnerships and goals
The program sits within the Dubai film and Electronic Games Office, affiliated with the Dubai media Council. Its aim is to strengthen Dubai’s film and television ecosystem,broaden local production capabilities,and position the emirate as a regional hub for media and creative production,in cooperation with international partners.
Key voices
Hisham Al Olama, Executive director of the Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office, underscored that developing creative talent is essential for a enduring, globally competitive industry. He noted that collaborating with NFTS and Prime video reflects a commitment to world-class training and international platforms that can showcase Dubai stories worldwide.
John Wardle, Director at NFTS, highlighted rising demand in the UAE for globally oriented content and described the program as a chance to bring advanced training directly to regional talent. Nicole Clemens, Vice President and Head of International Content at Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, emphasized that strong storytelling thrives when talent receives robust support and cross-sector partnerships help reach global audiences.
Aisha bin Kali, Head of Talent Development at the Dubai Office, said the program balances the creative process with practical project development and presentation, with experts providing direct feedback to translate visions into market-ready projects.
Who can apply and how it works
Eight teams will be selected, each consisting of two people. At least one member must be a credited professional or have prior broadcaster experience, and one must be the primary producer. The second member might potentially be the writer or a creative producer if no writer is involved.
Applications should include:
- A one-page statement detailing the vision, format (e.g., a six-episode series or limited run), genre, a high-level summary, comparable works, and why the team is pursuing the project.
- A detailed two-page synopsis outlining the story’s path.
- CVs or introductory summaries for both applicants.
How to apply
Dubai-based professionals with prior industry experience are invited to apply. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. dubai time on Monday, January 12. Interested candidates should email their materials in PDF format to [email protected].
Program timeline and outcomes
The program culminates in a final project presentation before a panel that includes executives from Amazon MGM Studios, NFTS educators, and UAE production partners. The event will include a discussion on the future of series production in the Middle East and north Africa region, followed by a networking session to foster ongoing collaborations.
key facts at a glance
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Program | Talent development for television projects |
| Partners | Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office, NFTS (UK), Prime Video |
| Dates | January 26-30 |
| Format | Intensive workshops, mentoring, and final project presentation |
| Participants | Eight two-person teams (two people per team) |
| Application deadline | January 12, 5:00 p.m. Dubai time |
| Contact | [email protected] |
What this means for Dubai and beyond
Industry observers see the program as a significant step toward expanding local storytelling with a global reach. By pairing Dubai’s talent pool with NFTS expertise and Prime Video’s international platform, the initiative aims to produce distinctive content that resonates both regionally and worldwide-while strengthening cross-border collaboration and talent pipelines.
Engagement for readers
How do you think Dubai’s stories could travel best to global audiences in today’s streaming era?
Which genres or formats should Dubai-focused creators prioritize to maximize international appeal?
Share your thoughts in the comments and tell us which local stories you’d like to see adapted for a worldwide audience.
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Dubai Film Office × NFTS × Prime Video: A Ground‑Breaking Talent Development Program for Emerging TV Writers & Producers
Program Overview
- Strategic Alliance – Teh Dubai Film Office (DFO) has joined forces with the UK‑based National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Amazon’s Prime Video to launch a year‑long talent incubator aimed at nurturing the next generation of television writers and producers in the UAE and wider MENA region.
- Launch Date – Officially announced on 15 May 2025,with the inaugural cohort beginning on 1 September 2025.
- Core Mission – Accelerate high‑quality scripted TV content that can compete on global streaming platforms while strengthening Dubai’s reputation as a media hub.
Key Objectives
- Skill Elevation – Provide hands‑on workshops in scriptwriting, story‑editing, budgeting, and production management.
- Cross‑Cultural Collaboration – Pair emerging Emirati talent with NFTS alumni and Prime Video executives to foster international storytelling standards.
- Pipeline Creation – Generate a ready‑made slate of original TV pilots for Prime Video’s regional catalog.
- Industry Employment – Connect graduates with production houses, broadcasters, and streaming services operating in the Gulf.
Curriculum & Mentorship Structure
| Phase | Duration | Focus | Deliverables |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundations | 4 weeks | Narrative fundamentals, character arcs, episode structure | 2‑page treatment & logline |
| Advanced Storycraft | 6 weeks | Multi‑episode arcs, genre‑specific conventions, writer’s room dynamics | Full‑season outline |
| Production Mechanics | 5 weeks | Budgeting, scheduling, crew management, on‑set protocols | Production bible & budget sheet |
| Pitch & Distribution | 3 weeks | Pitch deck design, data‑driven pitching, Prime Video acquisition criteria | Live pitch session to Prime Video commissioning team |
– mentor Pool – NFTS faculty (e.g.,Dr. susan Handley, specialist in scripted drama), DFO senior producers, and Prime Video commissioning editors.
- Masterclasses – Alex Reed sessions with internationally renowned showrunners such as “the Crown” head writer Peter Morgan (via virtual workshop).
Eligibility & Application Process
- Who Can Apply
- Emirati nationals or residents (including GCC citizens) aged 21‑35.
- Demonstrated experience: at least one short film, web series, or written script (minimum 5 pages).
- Application Steps
- Step 1: Submit an online profile on the DFO portal (deadline 30 June 2025).
- Step 2: Upload a 5‑page script excerpt and a 1‑minute video pitch.
- Step 3: Short‑list interview via Zoom with DFO talent scouts.
- Step 4: Final selection panel (NFTS faculty + Prime Video execs) announces 12‑person cohort (by 15 July 2025).
- Selection Criteria
- Originality and cultural relevance of concept.
- Storytelling craft and narrative coherence.
- Potential for multi‑episode development.
Participant Benefits
- Full Scholarship – Tuition-free access to NFTS‑led workshops, covering travel and accommodation in London for a 2‑week intensive module.
- Production Grant – Up to AED 200,000 (≈ US $54k) for pilot development,allocated on a merit basis after the curriculum.
- Prime video Exposure – Guaranteed pilot pitch to Prime Video’s MENA commissioning team; shortlisted projects receive a dedicated slot on Prime Video’s “Emerging Voices” banner.
- Industry Network – Membership in the DFO Alumni Circle, providing ongoing mentorship and job‑placement support.
Prime Video’s Role in the Ecosystem
- Content Acquisition – Prime Video will pre‑emptively license top‑rated pilots for exclusive streaming, ensuring creators receive royalties and residuals.
- data‑Driven Feedback – Access to regional viewership analytics allows participants to refine scripts based on audience preferences.
- Marketing Boost – selected projects receive a cross‑platform promotional campaign (Prime Video homepage, social media, and DFO events).
NFTS contribution
- Curriculum Design – NFTS adapts its award‑winning “Screenwriting & Development” module for a Middle‑East context, integrating arab storytelling traditions with western structure.
- Live Production Lab – Participants shoot a 10‑minute proof‑of‑concept episode on NFTS’s state‑of‑the‑art soundstage,supervised by award‑winning cinematographers.
Impact on Dubai’s Media Landscape
- Talent Retention – By providing a clear pathway from script to screen, the program curbs brain‑drain of Emirati writers to Europe or the US.
- Economic Growth – Estimated AED 12 million boost in local production spend per cohort (equipment rental, post‑production services, location fees).
- Cultural Export – Successful pilots become part of Prime Video’s global catalog, showcasing Arab narratives to an international audience.
Real‑World Example: pilot “Desert Echoes”
- Background – Selected in the pilot batch of 2024 (DFO + Netflix partnership) and served as a proof‑of‑concept for the current program.
- Outcome – After a 12‑episode season, the series ranked in Prime Video’s Top 10 MENA titles for three consecutive weeks, earning AED 3 million in streaming revenue and spawning a spin‑off comic series.
- Lesson Learned – Early mentorship on cultural authenticity and tight episode pacing proved decisive in securing Prime Video’s greenlight.
Practical Tips for Aspiring Applicants
- Start with a Strong Logline – A concise, hook‑filled logline (max 30 words) is the first impression for selectors.
- Showcase Cultural Nuance – Embed regional motifs (e.g., Gulf heritage, contemporary urban life) without relying on cliché tropes.
- Leverage Existing Footage – Include a short sizzle reel or storyboard to visualize your vision.
- Network Early – Attend DFO’s “Screenwriters’ Mixer” events (held quarterly) to meet potential mentors.
- Prepare data‑Ready Pitch Deck – Highlight target demographics, streaming potential, and budget breakdown-Prime Video favors data‑backed proposals.
Frequently Asked questions
| question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Is prior TV experience mandatory? | No. The program welcomes writers with short‑film or digital‑series backgrounds; the curriculum is designed to bridge any skill gaps. |
| Will the NFTS module be in English or Arabic? | Core sessions are delivered in English; supplementary workshops provide Arabic translation and cultural context support. |
| Can non‑UAE residents apply? | residents of GCC countries (e.g.,Saudi Arabia,Oman) are eligible,provided they meet the age and experience criteria. |
| What happens after the pilot is produced? | Projects are reviewed by Prime Video’s acquisition team; successful pilots secure a streaming deal and potential series order. |
| Is the production grant refundable? | no.The grant is a non‑repayable seed fund, allocated based on the pilot’s quality and feasibility. |
Key Takeaway: The collaborative venture between Dubai Film Office, NFTS, and Prime Video creates a unique, end‑to‑end pipeline that equips emerging TV writers and producers with world‑class training, industry mentorship, and a direct route to global streaming distribution-positioning Dubai as a powerhouse for original scripted content in the MENA region.