IllumiNative and Netflix Partner Up to Support Indigenous Producers

The newly-created IllumiNative Producers Program will provide seven early and mid-career Indigenous producers with a year-long training program to help advance their trajectories in the industry

Tulsa, OK (December 7, 2021) - Today, Native woman-led nonprofit organization IllumiNative and Netflix announced the launch of the IllumiNative Producers Program, a year-long program that will support a cohort of seven early and mid-career Indigenous producers. Throughout the program, the fellows will develop a current project, attend monthly workshops, and have access to network-building opportunities with their cohort as well as mentors and leaders in the industry. Fellows will also receive a $25,000 stipend to support their work, and creative feedback and mentorship as they develop their project.

The program will begin in April of 2022 with a digital intensive where the

Indigenous producers will attend an introductory session with Netflix executives as well as roundtable discussions with Indigenous creatives working in the industry. Fellows will also have the opportunity to attend meetings with major studios, as well as workshops with influential writers, directors, producers and casting agents.

Following the intensive, the Fellows will attend monthly virtual training sessions focused on different themes that take the participants on a trajectory of learning, including: project development, financing, distribution, and marketing. These monthly trainings will feature various guest speakers who will share their subject matter expertise and provide support and mentorship to the cohort. 

This partnership between IllumiNative and Netflix is part of Netflix’s Fund for Creative Equity, an effort to help create more behind-the-camera opportunities for underrepresented communities within the TV and film industries.

“We’re so excited to announce our partnership with Netflix in launching the IllumiNative Producers Program to ensure Indigenous creatives are empowered and uplifted in an authentic and powerful way. It is our hope to equip Indigenous creatives with resources and tools to advance their careers in the entertainment industry,” said Crystal Echo Hawk, Founder and Executive Director of IllumiNative. “The producers program is a direct and crucial investment in Indigenous producers and our community. By supporting the next generation of Native producers, we can increase Native representation and support authentic stories that showcase the talent and skill of Native storytellers.” 

“IllumiNative does tremendous work advocating for Indigenous representation in the entertainment industry.  Together we want to create more opportunities behind the camera that can bring authentic portrayals of communities that are underrepresented on screen. We are honored to partner with them on a program that will help create more opportunities for Indigenous decision-makers in the industry,” says Stephanie Shih, Manager of External Affairs at Netflix. 

Applications will be open to early and mid-career Indigenous producers working in television, film and/or documentary. To qualify for the program, each applicant must: (1) identify as Native American, (2) be attached to one or more current project/s as a producer with rights to intellectual property they are seeking to adapt, and (3) agree to participate in the program fully.

To learn more about the IllumiNative Producers Program, please visit: https://illuminatives.org/the-future-is-indigenous/