DFI to host region's first Series Lab

(MENAFN- Gulf Times) Directors, writers and producers working in serialised content in Qatar and other Mena countries will have the chance to take part in the region's first week-long Series Lab, organised by the Doha Film Institute (DFI).
In a statement yesterday, the DFI said it has opened submissions for the Series Lab which takes place from January 29 to February 2, 2018.
Organised in partnership with the Independent Filmmaker Project (IFP), the oldest and largest non-profit in the US dedicated to storytelling in all forms, the Series Lab will help build the skills of talents working on scripted and non-fiction series projects, according to the statement.
Talents associated with serialised content projects for distribution on any platform, including television, digital media or app-based work, can apply for the programme to be led by an international team of experts.
The collaborative programme in Doha will provide participants with the knowledge, resources and mentor support necessary for developing strong series, with a focus on taking a project from script to screen.
Based on the IFP Screen Forward Labs, the Lab will focus on strengthening the skills of the participants in preparing pitches, developing their project, securing financing, understanding the global marketplace, creating winning marketing strategies and finding unique avenues for distribution.
Every participant is assured of individualised attention, especially in developing pilots, scripting and sustaining their film careers for the long term, the DFI has said.
'Serial content is an increasingly important part of the audio-visual industry that is driving a revolutionary transformation in media consumption across the globe, DFI chief executive Fatma al-Remaihi said. 'The proliferation of digital content intake is bringing alternative content to the forefront, with seemingly endless possibilities for creators and consumers alike.
Al-Remaihi added that the Series Lab would add value to the region's creative industry and support the importance of producing quality content from the Mena region.
'By supporting the brainstorming development and execution of strategies of new creators, projects will be introduced to a world that has shown the desire to discover independent and diverse voices in storytelling.
A highlight of the Series Lab is the participation of Julie Goldman and Christopher Clements, producers of Humans of New York: The Series.
Filmed over four years, and taken from 1,200 interviews, it is a documentary series based on the photography blog by Brandon Stanton.
The series provides worldwide audience glimpses into the lives of strangers on the streets of New York City.
Participants will engage in a case study on the series, as well as that of Shankaboot, the world's first Arabic Web drama series.
With the DFI and IFP staff to lead the workshops, the programme will include discussions on 'Developing Your Series in the Digital and New Landscape, working on a pilot script, developing characters, story arc, episodes breakdown, tone and statements, and what to be aware of in the digital and TV landscape while developing a series project.
Through training exercises, group tutorials, tailor-made one-on-one meetings and master classes, participants will gain insight into various elements of film series development.
They will also fully understand the process of producing a film series.
A number of case studies will be presented throughout the sessions, enabling participants to address questions related to series development, funding, audience engagement and marketing, festivals and distribution and pitching.
Susan Lewis, head of Development at Alicia Keys' production company, is the mentor of the Series Lab.
She will be joined by TV writer and showrunner Ryan O'nan, and Bassem Breche, an Emmy-award winning scriptwriter.
To be held from 9.30am to 6pm on the above-mentioned dates, the DFI Series Lab 'will have only 8-10 projects to ensure individualised attention with a maximum of two attendees per project.
The deadline for receiving applications is January 6, 2018 and the lab fee is QR2,000.
To apply, one can log on to www.dohafilminstitute.com

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