Brief
Dubai Academy Pays Content Creators During Three‑Month Training Programme
The Dubai‑backed Beautiful Destinations Academy covered living costs for four creators while they completed a three‑month filmmaking course.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Four content creators say the Beautiful Destinations Academy in Dubai, supported by the emirate’s Department of Economy and Tourism, paid them while they completed a three‑month filmmaking training programme, according to Khaleej Times.
What happened
The academy ran a three‑month course that combined practical workshops, mentorship and project work. Participants included Renata Reschetizka, a former geothermal‑energy researcher; travel creator Mira de Winter; and Jimmie Lin Stollmeier, a creative from a Utah ski resort. Each received a stipend that covered living expenses, allowing them to focus entirely on learning.
What the reports add
Reschetizka said the training helped her understand how shot choices, framing and editing shape audience perception, and gave her confidence to work on set when plans shift. De Winter explained that being paid let her stop taking freelance gigs merely to pay bills, so she could concentrate on storytelling and decide what emotions she wanted viewers to feel. Stollmeier noted that the stipend gave him room to experiment with editing rhythm, music and colour, and that he plans to bring those skills back to his Utah job.
What was said
"Being paid during the Academy meant I could stop taking on work just to get by," de Winter told Khaleej Times. "I came here thinking I was going to create stories about Dubai, I’m leaving feeling like I’ve actually become part of one," she added.
How it came about
The programme is part of Dubai’s broader effort to position the city as a hub for creative industries, building on earlier initiatives such as the Dubai government’s Emirati‑job fair and regional creator‑skill programmes covered by Felo News.
Key facts
- The Beautiful Destinations Academy paid four creators a stipend during a three‑month filmmaking course. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Renata Reschetizka left a geothermal‑energy research job to join the programme. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Mira de Winter used the funding to stop taking freelance gigs and focus on storytelling. (khaleejtimes.com)
- Jimmie Lin Stollmeier applied lessons on editing rhythm and colour to his work at a Utah ski resort. (khaleejtimes.com)
Sources
- [1] khaleejtimes.com — originally reported as “'Left my scientific researcher job': Dubai academy pays content creators while they train”
