The Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office launches a talent development program in cooperation with… "NFTS" and"Prime Video"

DUBAI, 22nd December, 2018 (WAM) – The Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office announced the launch of a new talent development programme, in cooperation with the British National Film and Television School (NFTS), which is one of the most important academic centers specialized in the field of film, television and electronic games in the United Kingdom, with a history extending for more than 50 years in this field, and “Prime Video”, the global digital broadcasting service affiliated with Amazon, as part of the office’s efforts aimed at accelerating the pace of preparing and refining the skills of a new generation of screenwriters and producers in Dubai.

The intensive program will be held during the period from January 26 to 30, 2026, and targets emerging writers and producers working in Dubai. It focuses on developing original written television projects, and supports participants at a pivotal stage in their career, by guiding them in the various stages of formulating and developing ideas, all the way to preparing presentations according to the highest standards for content creation.

The program combines specialized creative training with practical insights into market requirements, while providing opportunities for practical project development, enabling participants to hone their creative ideas and understand the commercial aspects of the TV series industry.

The program is supervised by Matt DeLarge, producer, screenwriter, and senior academic supervisor at NFTS, along with Adrian Bannerd, a senior executive at the British company Big Light Productions. Participants will receive direct training from an elite group of international creatives and specialized staff at Amazon MGM Studios, in addition to specialized teachers and trainers from the British National Film and Television School (NFTS), in training sessions, workshops, and screening sessions. Projects covering several topics, including concept and character development, narrative construction, audience attraction strategies, marketing, and international co-production models.

This program comes within the efforts of the Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office, affiliated with the Dubai Media Council, which aims to strengthen the film and television industry system in the Emirate of Dubai, develop creative competencies, expand film and television production capabilities at the local level, and consolidate Dubai’s position as a leading regional center for media and creative production, in close cooperation with international partners.

Hisham Al Olama, Executive Director of the Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office, said: Developing creative talent is an essential foundation for building a sustainable and globally competitive film and television industry, and this program reflects the Office’s commitment to supporting creatives in Dubai through world-class training, specialized expertise, and international platforms. Through cooperation with leading international institutions such as the British National Film and Television School and Prime Video, we seek to empower a new generation of storymakers and producers who are able to provide distinctive content that reflects Dubai’s culture and values, and reaches a global audience.

For his part, John Wardle, Director of the British National Film and Television School, said: In the UAE, there is a noticeable growth in demand for ambitious content with a global dimension, and this pioneering program is an opportunity to transfer our advanced training approach directly to the emerging talents in the region. We look forward, in cooperation with the Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office and “Prime Video”, to providing a new generation of creative talent with the tools, knowledge and confidence necessary to take their stories to the world.

“At Prime Video, we believe that great storytelling thrives when talent is supported, nurtured, and properly resourced,” said Nicole Clemens, Vice President and Head of International Content, Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios. We also believe in the importance of cooperation between the government and private sectors and academic institutions to build a strong local creative economy. Through this partnership, we aim to empower emerging talent in Dubai, and connect local stories with a global audience.

Aisha Bin Kalli, Head of Talent Development at the Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office, confirmed that the new program pays great attention to the creative process, in addition to the practical aspects of developing and presenting projects, noting that participants will receive direct feedback from distinguished experts in the industry, which will give them a clearer understanding of how to transform a creative vision into implementable projects that can find their way to the global market.

The program concludes with a final presentation session for the projects in front of a panel that includes executives from Amazon MGM Studios, teachers from the British National Film and Television School, and production partners from the Emirates, in addition to a discussion session on the future of series production in the Middle East and North Africa region, and a professional networking meeting to strengthen partnerships and build sustainable relationships.

The Dubai Film and Electronic Games Office expressed its welcome for any talent working in Dubai who specializes in this field to join the program, by sending applications to the email info@dfgc.ae, with all attachments in PDF format, and submitting them no later than five o’clock in the evening (Dubai time) on Monday, January 12, 2026.

The program targets professionals residing in Dubai who have previous experience in the film and television sector and are looking to take their career to an advanced level.

Eight teams will be selected, each team consisting of two people. At least one of them must be accredited or have previously worked with a broadcaster, and one of them must be the main producer. The second member can be the writer of the work (if there is one) or a creative producer if no writer has joined the team.

The application must include: a one-page statement explaining the vision behind the proposed television work, and including a brief description of the work; Expected format (such as a six-episode drama series that can be renewed, or a limited-episode series); Type of work (suspense, romantic comedy, etc.); A general summary of events; Examples of similar productions; The reasons why the team is passionate about the project and how it can benefit from the program.

In addition to a detailed summary of no more than two pages, it provides a comprehensive and detailed vision of the course of the story and a biography or introductory summary for each of the two applicants.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Related