An epic weekend at Netflix Grow Creative x Tatino Lab

The past few days have been truly incredible as I served as a development executive mentor for the Netflix Grow Creative x Tatino Lab here at Netflix Thailand. This initiative is a vibrant platform aimed at nurturing the next generation of storytellers, empowering them to share their unique voices with a global audience.

The Netflix Grow Creative x Tatino Lab in Netflix Thailand aims to nurture the next generation of storytellers. PHOTOS BY LIZA DIÑO-SEGUERRA 

Netflix Grow Creative Lab has been on an incredible journey, expanding its reach from the UK to Australia, New Zealand, and now to Thailand. Its mission is clear: to bridge the skill gaps in the film industry, both above and below the line, through education and training. I’m thrilled to be part of this movement, which is not only about filling jobs on Netflix productions but also about building a sustainable, inclusive creative ecosystem in the regions it touches.

Our most recent stop was Bangkok, Thailand, where we gathered for the Netflix Accelerator Lab Residential Workshop — a five-day immersion designed by Tatino Films. This workshop was an intensive experience packed with one-on-one consultations, script development sessions, case studies, lectures, and project presentations. It was a creative boot camp, and I could see the passion and drive in every participant.

Being able to sit down with these emerging talents, listen to their stories, and help them shape their projects has been incredibly rewarding. There’s something special about seeing a writer’s eyes light up when they discover a new angle or unlock a piece of their narrative that they hadn’t seen before. It’s moments like these that remind me why I’m so passionate about storytelling and mentorship.

I’ve always been passionate about championing Filipino and Southeast Asian stories on the global stage. From my time as Chairperson of the Film Development Council of the Philippines to co-founding Fire and Ice Media and Productions, I’ve believed in the power of local narratives to resonate with international audiences. That’s why being part of Netflix Grow Creative Lab feels like a natural extension of my mission. It’s an opportunity to give back, share what I’ve learned, and help other storytellers find their voice.

I’m not alone in this journey. Alongside me are industry experts like Lukasz Maciejewski and Satyanshu Singh, each bringing their own wealth of experience and unique perspectives to the table. It’s a diverse team, united by a shared commitment to nurturing talent and pushing creative boundaries.

Lukasz, for instance, has penned screenplays that have earned accolades at major film festivals, while Satyanshu, a National Award-winning filmmaker and educator, has shaped countless aspiring filmmakers in India. Their contributions to the workshop were invaluable, and I found myself learning from them as much as I was mentoring others.

Tatino Films, under the leadership of Matthieu Darras, has been a driving force behind this initiative. Matthieu’s vision for Tatino Films aligns perfectly with Netflix’s goal of building a diverse, vibrant pipeline of creative talent. “We are humbled that Tatino Films’ know-how in nurturing film talents and projects is recognized by Netflix,” Matthieu shared. “Our approach to fostering creative frameworks that are both safe and challenging while embracing diversity wholeheartedly is something we take great pride in.”

Tatino Films, under the leadership of Matthieu Darras (leftmost) has been a driving force behind this initiative. 

I couldn’t agree more. This partnership with Netflix and Tatino Films is a testament to the power of collaboration in creating meaningful opportunities for emerging creatives. And the impact isn’t limited to just one region. Writers from Europe, Brazil, India, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and beyond are all part of this initiative, bringing their unique perspectives and stories to the table.

For me, this experience goes beyond professional development. It’s a chance to contribute to a larger, global narrative that celebrates diversity and creativity. I want to help shape a world where filmmakers from all backgrounds feel empowered to share their stories — stories that can inspire, challenge, and connect us all.

As Tatino continues this commitment to expand the Netflix Grow Creative Lab to more regions, I look forward to seeing how these budding storytellers will evolve and what amazing projects they will create. Being part of their journey, even in a small way, is an honor I cherish deeply.

This is just the beginning. I am grateful to have been a part of building something truly special — a creative community that crosses borders, breaks barriers, and brings fresh, compelling narratives to audiences around the world. I can’t wait to see where these stories will take us next.