New Delhi: The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), in collaboration with Netflix India, has introduced a pioneering upskilling program named “The Voicebox” aimed at enhancing the capabilities of voice-over artists across India. The initiative, formally launched today at Shastri Bhawan, underscores NFDC and Netflix’s shared commitment to fostering talent and promoting Indian cinema within the Media and Entertainment sector.
The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Prithul Kumar, Managing Director of NFDC, and Kiran Desai, General Counsel and Senior Director of Business and Legal Affairs at Netflix India, marked the official commencement of the partnership. The event was graced by esteemed dignitaries including Sanjay Jaju, Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MoIB), Vrunda Desai, Joint Secretary (Films) at MoIB, and senior executives from Netflix and Pearl Academy.
“The Voicebox” program aims to provide Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) training for voice-over artists proficient in English, Hindi, Marathi, Bengali, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, and Gujarati languages. Structured workshops featuring guest lectures, mentoring sessions, and assessments will be conducted in seven major cities across India: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Chennai, and Kochi. Each workshop will accommodate up to 30 candidates, totaling 210 participants selected through a rigorous screening process, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity, aiming for at least 50% female participation.
Pearl Academy, renowned for its expertise in design education, joins as the Training Partner for “The Voicebox” program. Notably, the top seven participants from each batch will have the exclusive opportunity to contribute their voices to Netflix’s special project, “Azaadi ki Amrit Kahaniya,” narrating stories centered around India’s independence movement.
Speaking on the occasion, Prithul Kumar emphasized the program’s significance in nurturing talent and expanding opportunities for voice-over artists in India. He highlighted NFDC’s role in supporting creative endeavors and promoting cultural narratives through cinema.
Kiran Desai from Netflix India expressed enthusiasm about leveraging “The Voicebox” program to cultivate diverse voices and enrich storytelling capabilities within the industry. She noted that the initiative aligns with Netflix’s broader commitment to fostering creative equity and supporting underrepresented communities globally through initiatives like the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity.
“The Voicebox” program is open to experienced professionals in the media and entertainment sector, particularly women, who are eager to refine their skills in voice-over narration. The initiative is part of Netflix’s ongoing efforts to invest in diverse talent and ensure inclusive representation in television and film.
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