Netflix Launches “The Next Story” Initiative for Turkish Talent
Netflix has officially unveiled its latest initiative for the Turkish creative sector, titled “The Next Story: Netflix Project Presentation Day,” scheduled to take place in Istanbul in 2026. This ambitious program invites local creators to pitch their original projects directly to the Netflix Turkey and EMEA content teams. The initiative aims to discover fresh voices within the industry, offering selected participants the unique opportunity to receive professional development support and potentially move their scripts into the production phase. By bridging the gap between emerging talent and global platforms, Netflix intends to further enrich the Turkish storytelling ecosystem with authentic, high-quality narratives.
- The “Next Story” program invites experienced creators who have not previously collaborated with Netflix to submit original fiction projects.
- Selected participants will receive direct editorial and financial guidance from Netflix creative teams to prepare their projects for production.
- Applications are open between September 8 and October 6, 2026, through the official program website.
The Presentation Event Facilitates Professional Development
During the in-person event in Istanbul, creators will have the rare chance to present their concepts to a high-level selection committee. This stage serves as a gateway to the platform’s rigorous development process. Once a project is selected, the writers and producers involved will engage in a collaborative environment with Netflix’s creative experts. This phase involves refining character arcs, strengthening script dynamics, and optimizing creative materials to ensure the project meets global industry standards. Netflix takes responsibility for the financial and editorial roadmap, essentially guiding the creators from the initial concept to the final production greenlight.
Eligibility Criteria Define the Selection Process
The program is specifically designed for industry professionals who possess prior experience but have not yet worked on a Netflix Turkey original project. To maintain a high level of expertise, applicants must be at least 18 years old and provide evidence of having served as a director, screenwriter, or producer on at least one publicly released fictional production. The platform is currently seeking submissions in specific genres, including action-thriller, character-driven drama, comedy, and young adult fiction. It is mandatory that all original stories be written in Turkish, although submission materials must be provided in both Turkish and English to facilitate international review.
Netflix Continues to Expand Its Turkish Investments
With a track record of bringing over 90 local productions to a global audience, the streaming giant remains committed to strengthening the local media landscape. Prior to this initiative, the company invested heavily in human capital by organizing more than 40 free training programs focusing on screenwriting, visual effects (VFX), and directing. Furthermore, the “Turkey Talent Map” project has been actively scouting for regional talent in cities such as Çanakkale, Mardin, and Konya. By expanding this search to three additional cities in Anatolia this year, the company reinforces its dedication to fostering a diverse and sustainable production environment that reaches beyond Istanbul.
We are eager to hear your thoughts on this new initiative; which genres or untold stories from Turkey do you believe deserve a global spotlight on Netflix? Share your vision for the future of local storytelling in the comments section below.
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