Doha Film Institute (DFI) will hold a Screenwriting for Beginners Lab to help aspiring writers on their way to achieving their goals. The programme will run from August 18 to 22 and would be held online for two hours daily. Applications close on August 7.
In an announcement on its website, the DFI stated, “This fascinating lab will include the foundations of screenwriting, with mentors covering the ‘architecture’ of screenplays (storytelling, screenplay guidelines, non-verbal storytelling, and characterization) and the ‘formatting’ of a screenplay (visual grammar and Celtx/Final Draft).”
The virtual classes would be offered in English, blending online lectures, assignments, and group discussions to give participants a comprehensive and well-rounded understanding of screenwriting.
According to the DFI, the Lab’s aim is for participants to produce a minimum of one scene for their screenplay. They will also have the opportunity to continue their filmmaking journey with the DFI development team, working towards further education and grants.
The programme would cost participants QR300. However, Qatar Museums Culture Pass members will receive a 10 percent discount on the fee.
Culture Pass members can include a copy of their Pass to enjoy the discount. To apply, applicants must be 18 years and above and should submit an email to [email protected] with the following information: original short film logline and synopsis, applicant’s CV or short bio, copy of applicant’s ID, and a short paragraph explaining your interest in this Lab.
A group consisting of 8 to 10 participants would be selected per session. The schedule would be Introduction to stories (August 18), Building your character (August 19), Story architecture (August 20), Visual storytelling (August 21), and Writing for the screen (August 22).
Meanwhile, Anthea Devotta and Amna Al Binali would mentor the students. Devotta has over ten years of experience in the film industry. Now with Doha Film Institute’s Training and Development team, she works in filmmaking workshops and labs focusing on feature film and series in development.
On the other hand, Al Binali, a QU graduate, has been working with the development team at Doha Film Institute since 2013. She directed her first short film, ‘Doctor’s Office,’ at the La Fémis Gulf Summer School in 2015. ‘The Notebook,’ her second short film, showed at the Ajyal Youth Film Festival in 2015.
