Doha: The new cycle of Doha Film Institute’s (DFI) Series Lab, which is dedicated to screenwriting, developing scripted series project created for distribution on all platforms, including television, digital and web is back and the institute is accepting applications from people who want to enhance their writing skills, specifically for the said types of media.
The Series Lab also provides participants with the scriptwriting tools and industry access to move their projects and careers forward. The programme is an opportunity for emerging screenwriters and writer-directors from the region to complete the treatment/script of the pilot or the first season, produce the general concept presentation of the project, exercise writing and pitching skills, and understand the global series landscape and the entire process of creation of a series.
“Over the past three years, Doha Film Institute has started nurturing a space for series projects from the MENA region through its labs and financial support mechanisms — and now through Qumra as a mentoring and industry meeting event, as well as the Series Lab,” DFI said on its website.
There will be three sessions for the lab wherein two sessions will be online, and one in-person. Session 1 will be held from July 3 to 7 online; Session 2 from September 29 to October 3 will also be held online and Session 3, set in January 2023, will be in-person. Deadline for applications is June 15.
Among the mentors for the Series Lab are Ryan O’nan as the Lab Leader, he is a TV Writer and Showrunner; Bassem Breche, Writer/Director; Neerja Narayanan and Gabrielle Capolino, both are Industry Advisor; and Frédéric Pittoors d’Haveskercke, International Production and Distribution Advisor at Series Mania.
The DFI said the programme will include customised one-on-one advising session with mentors, group work session with mentors and other participants, simulation of a “writer’s room,” group tutorials with selected industry experts, pitch training, and final projects presentation and feedback.
“Participants work in small groups with the support of experienced mentors. The lab consists of three online sessions of five-day workshops, which take place intermittently over a period of six months. During each five-day session, participants are expected to work on all agreed assignments and reach key milestones as they build toward their screenplays. Strict deadlines must be followed, and participants will be asked to read and engage in the other lab attendees’ work,” the institute explained.
English is the language for the Series Lab and individuals who want to participate must settle QR1,800 as the lab fee. If the participant is a Qatar Museums Culture Pass member, he will receive a 10 percent discount on the fee. To register, visit the DFI website.
