Netflix and Tokyo University of the Arts Launch First Joint Program for Next-Generation Creators

Netflix and Tokyo University of the Arts co-hosted their first joint training program, the Avid Assistant Editor Training Workshop, at Netflix’s Tokyo office on November 29 and 30. The two-day session was designed to give emerging creators practical experience with editing tools and workflows widely used in global productions.

Both organizations have long shared the goal of nurturing the next generation of creative talent. In 2025, Netflix brought the global program, the Netflix Creators Dojo, to Japan to share production expertise from its international studios with local creators. Tokyo University of the Arts similarly launched its Creators Fund Project in the same year, part of the Japan Arts Council’s broader effort to train young talent in film and the arts.

Shogo Yokoyama, who coordinated the workshop for the university, noted that the workshop reflected this shared mission. “It was impressive to see how enthusiastically the students approached learning professional editing techniques and workflows required in international production environments,” he said. “By continuing such hands-on programs, we can strengthen the foundation for Japan-born creativity to thrive globally. We hope to continue contributing to the development of the industry and the cultivation of creative talent through industry-academia collaboration.”

Guided by Tokyo University of the Arts instructors Ryuji Miyajima and Tomomi Kikuchi, the workshop introduced students to Avid Media Composer and walked them through editing fundamentals, assistant editor workflows, and best practices aligned with international standards. Around 20 film and video students from the university participated — many using Avid for the first time — making it a valuable opportunity to experience real-world, professional workflows in a production setting.

Sung Q Lee, who oversees Netflix’s creator development programs across Asia Pacific, emphasized the importance of these collaborations: "Developing talent with both a global outlook and practical expertise is crucial for the continued growth of Japan's content industry,” he said. “We are deeply honored to partner with Tokyo University of the Arts, Japan's premier institution for arts education, to cultivate the next generation of creators. We’re committed to supporting creators across Asia by sharing our global production knowledge and fostering an environment where diverse talent can flourish on the international stage."

Strengthening creative capability in Japan and beyond

The workshop builds on the first Creators Dojo Masterclass held on September 26 in the US Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai. That session featured Emmy Award–winning director Michael Lehmann, who spoke to 70 creators in the Kansai region about directing and production approaches shaped by the streaming era.

Looking ahead, Netflix plans to expand specialized training in areas such as music production and production accounting, virtual production and production health and safety, disciplines essential to sustaining high-quality production ecosystems. These efforts aim to address industry-wide challenges including digital skill gaps and growing demand for experienced behind-the-scenes talent.

Across Asia, Netflix is dedicated to empowering the next generation of creators through initiatives that reflect local cultures and the unique needs of each creative industry. Our key efforts include Reel Life in Southeast Asia, on-the-job training programs for emerging screenwriting, production professionals in Taiwan, the VFX Academy in Korea, and the recently launched Lumina initiative in Australia. Notably, through our flagship APAC program — Creative Asia — we collaborate with leading film festivals to nurture the next generation of storytellers.  From 2021 to 2024, these skills and talent development initiatives have made a significant impact, reaching more than 8,000 individuals throughout APAC.

Through initiatives like the Netflix Creators Dojo, Netflix remains committed to strengthening creative capability, enabling diverse local voices to reach global audiences, and contributing to the long-term growth of the content industry.