Netflix is organising a first-of-its-kind First Nations training workshop to encourage growth and inclusion in Australia’s screen industry.

The streaming giant has also committed to building a bank of First Nations content to add to its platform.

The First Nations Production Ready Bootcamp will take place over three days in late July and the workshop will support 10 First Nations participants who are interested in entering the screen industry.

The workshop promises to provide a “comprehensive overview of the ins and outs of screen production as well as prepare participants for trainee and attachment positions”.

“The Production Ready Bootcamp will focus on below the line crew roles, and applicants from the Northern Territory and South Australia are encouraged to apply,” Netflix stated.

After the bootcamp, five or six of the 10 candidates will be selected to continue as part of the company’s ongoing production attachment program.

The selected candidates will secure a working position on an untitled Netflix series that is shooting in and around Darwin and South Australia.

The Production Ready Bootcamp is part of Grow Creative Australia, Netflix’s local training program, a global initiative that “aims to expand and upskill local talent through investment in education and training, with a focus on fostering inclusivity”.

The bootcamp is also in partnership with Screen Territory, the Northern Territory Government’s screen agency.

“Growing and maintaining talented and experienced crew is essential to the success of our local screen industry,” Netflix said in a press release.

Preppers, featuring Nakkiah Lui and True Colours, with Rarriwuy Hick and Luke Arnold, are among the titles in Netflix’s inaugural First Nations content category. Photo: TND/Getty/SBS

“First Nations Australians hold a significant place in the cultural fabric of Australia, and their inclusion in the film and television industry is crucial for fostering diversity, authenticity, and representation.”

The bootcamp

The bootcamp is looking for First Nations people who are interested in multiple departments.

“In below the line (BTL) crew roles, First Nations Australians bring a unique perspective, lived experiences, and cultural knowledge that enriches the storytelling process by promoting greater cultural accuracy and respect in on-screen portrayals,” Netflix stated.

The departments of interest on the application include:

• Locations (location PA)
• Production assistant/runner (PA, office skills, events worker, driver)
• Unit assistant (unit assistant/driver)
• Camera assistant/truck loader (camera technician)
• Make-up and hair assistant 
• Costume assistant (designer, sewer, cutter)
• Extras casting and co-ordination (casting)
• Set builder (carpenter)
• Scenic artist (painter, brush hand)
• Assistant editor 
• Junior props 
• Junior grip (rigger, staging event work)
• Animal wrangler (stock person/stablehand)
• Stunt action person 
• On-set medic (registered nurse/remote first aid)
• Safety assistant (OHS certified safety officer).

Those interested in taking part need to apply by Friday, July 15 at 5pm AEST. The link to apply can be found here.

The First Nations Production Ready Bootcamp begins on July 25 and ends on July 29.

In addition to having an interest in BTL jobs, applicants must have a valid driver’s licence and be able to travel to Darwin from July 25 to 29.

Applicants must be over 18 years, an Australian citizen or permanent resident and of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent.

The applicants selected to continue with the program must be available to travel and work in the Northern Territory or South Australia from August 8 to November 10, this year.

However, Netflix did note that those dates might change.

“Expenses will be covered for the bootcamp and a nominal fee offered to accepted participants,” Netflix said.

“Those successful in being selected for the attachment program will be paid for the duration of their work.”

Netflix celebrates NAIDOC Week

In another media release to mark the start of NAIDOC Week, Netflix said it is committed to building an extensive collection of First Nations stories.

Netflix users will be able to view the ‘First Nations Forever’ page which includes 37 titles that are centred around the perspectives of Indigenous Australians.

Among those 37 titles isThe Last Daughter, which will debut exclusively on Netflix. The film received critical acclaim after it premiered at the Sydney Film Festival.

Tweet from @NetflixANZ

Other titles Netflix will stream include True Colours, starring Rarriwuy Hick and 2023 Logie nominees Miranda Otto and Luke Arnold; comedies Preppers and The Warriors and the feature documentary We are Still Here. 

As for children’s programs, Netflix will be adding Little J & Big Cuz to its line-up along with Barrumbi Kids, which was nominated for a Logie for Most Outstanding Children’s Program.

Netflix is also featuring the artwork from Luke Mallie, who is of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island descent.

“His artwork features the Rainbow Serpent which has appeared in Arnhem Land rock art dating back 8000 years ago,” Netflix said.

“The Rainbow Serpent is considered a powerful presence in traditional ceremonies and gatherings, symbolising unity and empowering heritage through traditional cultural practices.”