Netflix India and Kommune have announced the third edition of Voices of Tomorrow (VOT), an initiative under the Voice Equity Project aimed at diversifying the dubbing industry. This edition seeks to empower individuals from two under-represented groups: those over the age of 45 and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The five-month program, scheduled from September 2024 to January 2025, offers participants professional dubbing training, creating opportunities in voice acting while fostering an inclusive and supportive environment.
The initiative collaborates with queer collectives, NGOs working with senior citizens, and Mumbai-based artist organizations to identify and train approximately 300 shortlisted participants from a pool of 500 applicants.
Building on the success of the previous two editions, VOT focuses on breaking barriers within mainstream media. The programme not only enhances the dubbing industry by introducing diverse voices but also sparks conversations around inclusivity in entertainment. This year’s edition will continue to focus on training LGBTQIA+ artists and older adults, aiming to reshape the media landscape by promoting authentic voices.
With the global e-learning market projected to reach $325 billion by 2025, the demand for voice-over talent is increasing. Despite this, dubbing remains a lesser-known profession with limited entry points.
Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune India, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We’re thrilled to have Netflix’s support for the third edition of Voices of Tomorrow. Their backing is crucial in nurturing a diverse range of voices and experiences.”