How Netflix Transformed Asia's Creative Ecosystem: "Job Growth and Improved Production Environments"

"Collaboration with 250 Production Partners in Asia-Pacific Over the Past Decade"
"Continued Expansion of Talent Development and the Content Ecosystem"

"Since the arrival of Netflix, the role of 'intimacy coordinator' has become the standard in Japanese content production. This has brought about tangible effects, such as improved communication between directors, actors, and staff." (Momoko Nishiyama, Japanese intimacy coordinator)

As Netflix has become integrated into countries across the Asia-Pacific region, new professions have emerged and production environments have improved, according to positive feedback. It is evaluated that Netflix has not only strengthened the expertise of the content ecosystem but also fostered a culture of respect.

On September 20, Netflix held a special press panel titled 'Netflix Creative Asia' at the Centum Campus of Dongseo University in Haeundae-gu, Busan, as part of the 30th Busan International Film Festival, presenting support measures for the sustainable development of the Asian content industry. The panel included producer Lee Yongsoo (Korea), coordinator Momoko, and Chatchai Ketnust, CEO of White Light.

Producer Lee stated that with the advent of Netflix, not only has the production environment improved, but the qualitative stability of works has also been secured. He explained, "There is no longer a clear distinction between films and dramas, and new content that combines the strengths of both is emerging. We commit to a production schedule and do our best to keep it. With stable budgets and timelines, safety is no longer compromised." He also mentioned that when filming overseas, Netflix's global network enables faster access to information and provides assistance when issues arise.

In Thailand, the way people work has changed, with post-production teams participating from the pre-production stage. CEO Ketnust said, "Everything changed with the arrival of Netflix. By applying technologies such as dubbing and Dolby Atmos, the creative field has expanded, and by collaborating from the pre-production stage, the quality of works has improved."

In Japan, new professions are gaining popularity. Coordinator Momoko said, "In Japan, it has always been important to read the room, so actors tended to follow the director's instructions without question. Now, with the coordinator, it has become possible to have more open conversations. This profession has spread more rapidly in Japan than in other countries."

Netflix has pledged to continue its support for the Asian content industry, including Korea. Kim Minyoung, Netflix's Vice President of Content for Asia-Pacific (excluding India), emphasized, "Netflix's success has come from stories that capture the unique authenticity of each region. Over the past ten years, we have expanded the creative ecosystem by collaborating with more than 250 local production partners in the Asia-Pacific region."

Netflix also expressed pride in its 'talent development' programs, which have led to job creation. From 2021 to 2024, more than 8,000 people across Asia have benefited from these programs. Lee Sungkyu, Netflix's Senior Director of Asia-Pacific Production, said, "The 'VFX Academy,' which we operate in partnership with the Korea Creative Content Agency, has produced about 330 graduates over the past two and a half years. Seventy percent of graduates have found employment at major domestic VFX studios such as Dexter and Westworld. Based on the belief that 'there is no single right answer,' we are contributing to the next generation's capacity building by tailoring our approach to the production environments and needs of each country in the Asia-Pacific region."

In practice, Netflix has been running the 'Reel Life' program for several years in places like Bangkok, Thailand, and Indonesia to enhance the technical skills of emerging creators. In Taiwan, a six-month hands-on training program is offered for new writers and production professionals. In Australia, a new program called 'Lumina' has been launched to provide people on the autism spectrum with opportunities to enter the visual effects industry. In December this year, the 'Creative Asia' event will also be held at the Jogja-NETPAC Asian Film Festival in Indonesia.