Netflix is looking for a new generation of screenwriters in the Netherlands

New Voices Script Contest will be organised in partnership with Scriptbank

Amsterdam, 24 November – Netflix is on the hunt for screenwriters with a talent for creating compelling and inclusive content that can touch a wide audience. The New Voices Script Contest is organised in partnership with Scriptbank, Dutch accelerator programme for film and TV producers. After a thorough selection, up to 15 script writers in the Netherlands will receive a grant enabling them to focus on writing a first draft of a feature film script. Registration for the contest opens on November 24th at netflixnewvoices.nl

Netflix hopes the New Voices Script Contest will attract screenwriters who are able to tell stories based on their own unique perspective on society. The new generation of viewers is more diverse than ever and the movies and series that they watch should reflect the world they live in. Netflix and its partner Scriptbank intend for the contest to serve as a platform for these –as yet untold–stories. It’s the first time that Netflix looks  for film scripts in this way.

Janey van Ierland, Manager Acquisitions & Coproductions Benelux at Netflix, says: ‘This contest is about finding new voices who tell new stories. We don’t mean just average run-of-the-mill stories, but authentic, groundbreaking stories with the potential to engage a large audience. Netflix feels it is important that the audience can identify with the storyline and that a variety of voices is represented. We believe that great stories can come from anywhere, and be loved everywhere. That is why we are excited to see what the talented writers in the Netherlands have in store for us.’ 

Initiator of Scriptbank, Maarten Almekinders, says: ‘Writers who are new to the scene have a hard time attracting the attention of producers and TV channels, especially if they didn’t graduate from The Netherlands Film Academy. The contest gives writers from all backgrounds the chance to get noticed by Netflix simply by submitting a feature film proposal and completing a writing assignment. We hope to see many unfamiliar faces step into the limelight. The writers will receive coaching to help them create their first draft of a feature film script.’  

About New Voices Script Contest

Netflix invites writers from all backgrounds to submit their feature film proposal and complete a writing assignment. Up to fifteen talents will be selected to write a first draft of a feature film script in the first months of 2021. The five most promising scripts will receive a prize. The top two scripts will be optioned to be developed for consideration as a Netflix Original Film for the service. Netflix is planning to partner with Dutch producers and others in the local creative industry in the different phases of the contest.

About Netflix

Netflix is the largest subscription-based streaming service worldwide with more than 195 million members in over 190 countries. Netflix offers an array of series, films and documentaries in a range of languages and genres. Members can consume an infinite amount of content on practically any internet-connected device, whenever and wherever they want. TV shows and movies can be watched, paused and replayed without commercials or contractual obligations.      

About Scriptbank

Scriptbank aims to stimulate market access for and progression of both starting and more experienced script writers by offering coaching services and forging contacts with producers and TV channels.