Doha Film Institute is calling on emerging screenwriters as the institute’s Series Lab is accepting applications until June 1

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) is accepting applications for its Series Lab until June 1st, so aspiring screenwriters looking to polish their craft are encouraged to apply. According to DFI's website, the Series Lab is devoted to screenwriters creating scripted and documentary series for distribution on all media, including digital, web, and television. Participants will receive industry access and scriptwriting resources to help them progress their projects and careers.

Emerging screenwriters and writer-directors in the area can finish the treatment/script of the pilot or first season, develop a general concept presentation for the project, polish their writing and pitching abilities, and learn about the global series landscape and the entire process of creating a series through this program. 

To come up with ideas and organize their content, participants will work together with seasoned mentors and narrative editors. Customized one-on-one mentoring sessions with mentors, group work sessions with mentors and other participants, a "writer's room" simulation, group tutorials with chosen industry experts (producers, showrunners, labs and markets, funding and distribution platforms), pitch training, and the presentation and feedback of final projects are all included in the program.

The lab will be held virtually over the course of three full-day sessions. The first session will take place on July 10–15, the second on September 11–16, and the third on January 29–February 3, 2025. 

The first session will begin with a quick introduction and idea pitching, followed by comments and suggestions from the instructor and the other group members. A summary of the materials to be prepared for the upcoming sessions will be covered, along with character and theme development. The first scene-by-scene analysis, a prolonged treatment, or a review of newly added and updated material will all be covered in this session. 

The updated scene-by-scene breakdown, revised character documents, a first draft, and a few written scenes from the adjustments will all be reviewed in the second session. 

The premise, pitch, and other materials will be evaluated in addition to visual research. Additionally, scene analysis and group and tutor input on initial drafts will be covered in the final session. This will set the stage for the rest of the production, including casting and financing. 

A final project presentation to an outside panel of industry guests is a requirement of the Series Lab. Over the course of three sessions, participants will present the project they worked on and turn in written work to the panel members. 

Interested candidates may apply via DFI's website, dohafilminstitute.com, for a lab cost of QR1,800.