Dubai is set to launch an intensive talent development program in January 2026, designed to identify and nurture the next generation of scriptwriters and producers in the Middle Eastern entertainment industry. The collaborative initiative brings together the Dubai Films and Games Commission (DFGC), the UK’s prestigious National Film and Television School (NFTS), and streaming giant Amazon’s Prime Video.
The five-day program, scheduled from January 26-30, 2026, will provide emerging creative professionals with comprehensive training in developing and pitching original scripted television concepts for the global market. Participants will engage in an immersive curriculum combining craft-focused workshops, industry insights, and hands-on project development under the guidance of established industry experts.
Leading the instructional team will be Matt Delargy, NFTS Senior Tutor and seasoned producer-screenwriter known for works including ‘Nowhere Boy’ and ‘Ripper Street,’ alongside Adrian Banyard, a senior executive from London-based Big Light Productions. The program will feature tailored masterclasses, mentoring sessions, and workshops covering essential aspects of television production including concept development, narrative structure, audience strategy, marketing, and international co-production models.
The initiative represents a strategic effort by the Dubai Media Council-backed DFGC to strengthen the emirate’s film and television ecosystem, expand local production capabilities, and position Dubai as a regional content creation hub through partnerships with global industry leaders.
The program will culminate in a dedicated pitching session where participants will present their developed projects to a panel comprising Amazon MGM Studios executives, NFTS tutors, regional commissioners, and UAE-based production partners. The final day will also include a panel discussion on the future of series production in the MENA region, followed by a networking reception to foster professional connections.
Application details require Dubai-based industry professionals with relevant experience to submit materials by 5 PM Dubai time on January 12, 2026, via email to info@dfgc.ae. The program will select eight two-person teams, with requirements including at least one broadcast credit per team and designated roles of lead producer and writer/creative producer.