Kommune & Netflix India launch 3rd edition of Voices of Tomorrow

Kommune and Netflix India have launched the third edition of Voices of Tomorrow (VOT), part of the Voice Equity Project.

VOT aims to diversify the dubbing industry by training and promoting voice talent from two underrepresented groups: adults over 45 and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

The programme offers comprehensive dubbing training, promotes voice acting as a viable career, and creates a safe, inclusive environment for participants. Through this initiative, Netflix India and Kommune are working towards a more diverse and representative future for the dubbing industry.

The 5-month programme is set to take place from September 2024 to January 2025 in collaboration with multiple Queer collectives and NGOs that work with senior citizens, along with Mumbai-based artist organisations and talent agencies. Through this partnership, it aims to test the voices of approximately 500 individuals, ultimately shortlisting 300 of them for in-person auditions.

Speaking on the third edition of the initiative, Roshan Abbas, Founder, Kommune India, said, “We're thrilled to have Netflix's support for the third edition of ‘Voices of Tomorrow’ an initiative that amplifies the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community and senior talents. Their backing is crucial in nurturing a diverse range of voices and experiences, offering a platform for stories that resonate with everyone. This partnership is a testament to the power of collaborative efforts in creating a more inclusive media landscape.”

Adding to this, Ashwini Kulkarni, Country Manager, International Dubbing, Netflix, said, “At Netflix Dubbing, we connect our members with stories from around the world. Bringing alive stories with local voices, creating dubbed and descriptive audio that is immersive and authentic to the original creative intent has played an important part in helping stories find a new audience. Voices of Tomorrow is a step towards fostering diversity in the talent pipeline. We are proud to support Kommune as they create & hold space for the dubbing community to ensure that our voices truly sound like its people.”

Commenting on their experience, Sanket Mhatre, Trainer, Voices of Tomorrow, said, “As a Voice Artist, I'm excited to return for the 2024 run of our Dubbing and Vocal training initiative. I'm thankful to Netflix and Kommune for their continued support and for welcoming me back. This initiative remains dedicated to the LGBTQIA+ community and senior citizens, focusing on enhancing dubbing skills while fostering inclusivity, breaking stereotypes, and amplifying unheard voices. Together, we’re creating a safe space for everyone- regardless of age or identity- to explore dubbing and express their authentic voices in this beautiful craft."

Adding to the same, Hetal Varia, Trainer, Voices of Tomorrow, said, “Voices of Tomorrow is a brilliant, one-of-a-kind initiative by Kommune and Netflix. This groundbreaking program celebrates diverse voices and talents, breaking stereotypes and redefining the voice talent landscape. I had the privilege of mentoring two exceptional cohorts—Senior Voices and Queer Voices—on a transformative journey of self-discovery, skill expansion, and stereotype-breaking. The journey has been full of aha moments. In our last run, the participants unlocked their unique vocal identities, explored and expanded skills across voice, speech, accents, and dialects, uncovering a remarkable aptitude for vocal versatility among many participants. This experience was truly magical, and I'm thrilled to be a part of yet another Voices of Tomorrow.”