The Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC) has forged a pivotal partnership with the UK’s National Film and Television School (NFTS) and Prime Video, Amazon’s global streaming service, to launch a specialized Talent Development Programme designed to cultivate the next wave of scriptwriting and production experts in the emirate. Scheduled as an intensive, week-long initiative from January 26 to January 30, 2026, the program aims to accelerate the professional growth of Dubai-based creatives by immersing them in the global standards of developing and pitching original, scripted television content. This collaboration underscores Dubai’s commitment to transforming its media landscape into a sustainable, competitive regional production hub capable of creating distinctive content that resonates globally.
The initiative is specifically targeting Dubai-based professionals who already possess industry experience. Participants will be guided through the crucial stages of shaping, developing, and ultimately pitching scripted TV ideas to the international market. The curriculum is meticulously structured to balance creative mastery with the practical demands and commercial realities of modern scripted television.
World-Class Mentorship and Industry Access
A key feature of the program is the opportunity for participants to learn directly from top global talent, including executives from Amazon MGM Studios and specialist NFTS tutors. Training will be led by celebrated producer and screenwriter Matt Delargy, an NFTS Senior Tutor known for his work on projects like Ripper Street, alongside Adrian Banyard, a senior executive at Big Light Productions.
Through a series of tailored masterclasses, workshops, and mentoring sessions, the curriculum will cover essential topics, including:
- Concept and character development
- Narrative structure and audience strategy
- Marketing and packaging scripted projects
- International co-production models
Hesham Al Olama, CEO of the Dubai Films and Games Commission, emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration, stating that developing creative talent is essential for building a globally competitive film and television industry. “By collaborating with leading global institutions such as the National Film and Television School and Prime Video, we aim to nurture a new generation of storytellers and producers capable of developing distinctive content that reflects Dubai’s culture and ethos while also resonating with global audiences,” Al Olama said in a recent statement.
Focus on Practical Pitching and Global Reach
The DFGC’s Head of Talent Development, Ayesha bin Kalli, highlighted the program’s emphasis on transforming creative visions into tangible, market-ready projects. The training provides participants with the necessary space to explore ideas and refine narratives while receiving direct, constructive feedback from industry experts.
Jon Wardle, Director of NFTS, noted the region’s rapidly growing appetite for ambitious, globally resonant storytelling. He affirmed that this pioneering program allows the school to apply its “industry-leading approach directly to emerging talent in the region.”
The week culminates in a high-stakes pitching session, where participants will present their developed projects to a panel comprising Amazon MGM Studios executives, NFTS tutors, and regional broadcasting partners. This crucial segment is designed to simulate a real-world, industry-standard pitch environment.
Nicole Clemens, Vice President and Head of International Originals for Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, reinforced the need for such partnerships, stating, “We recognize that the growth of a local creative economy requires collaboration between industry, government, and academia.” She expressed pride in partnering with the DFGC and NFTS to invest in Dubai’s emerging creative talents, underscoring the goal of connecting “richly diverse and rooted stories to audiences around the world.”
The initiative forms a crucial component of the DFGC’s strategy, operating under the Dubai Media Council, to expand local production capabilities and solidify the emirate’s position as a dominant regional production hub. Interested Dubai-based professionals must submit their applications via email by the deadline of 5:00 p.m. (Dubai time) on Monday, January 12, 2026. This timely program represents a significant investment in securing the future creative talent pipeline for the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) screen industry.