Qatar- DFI Series Lab to build skills in serialised content

The Doha Film Institute (DFI) has opened submissions for the region's first-ever week-long Series Lab next month for directors, writers and producers working in serialised content in Qatar and other MENA countries.

Organised in partnership with 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 skills and talents on scripted and non-fiction series projects.

Talents associated with serialised content projects for distribution on any platform including television, digital media or App-based work, can apply for the Series Lab to be led by an international team of experts.

Based on the IFP Screen Forward Labs, the DFI Series 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.

Fatma Al Remaihi, Chief Executive Officer of DFI, 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. The proliferation of digital content intake is bringing alternative content to the forefront, with seemingly endless possibilities for creators and consumers alike.

'The Series Lab, the first in the region to promote Qatari and Arab talent and skills in serialised content will 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 DFI Series Lab is the participation of Julie Goldman and Christopher Clements, the producers of Humans of New York: The Series. Filmed over four years, and taken from 1200 interviews, it is a documentary series based on the photography blog by Brandon Stanton.

With the DFI and IFP staff to lead the workshops, the Series Lab will include insightful 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.

Susan Lewis, Head of Development at Alicia Keys' production company, is the mentor of the Series Lab. She will be joined by Ryan O'nan, TV Writer and Showrunner; and Bassem Breche, an Emmy-award winning scriptwriter.

To be held from January 29 to February 2, from 9.30am to 6pm, the lab is designed for digital creatives, producers, writers, directors, or anyone interested in scripted serialised projects for TV and web series, or app-based platforms. Candidates must have a fiction or non-fiction project in development with a director/screenwriter/producer associated to the project. They should also have produced at least one short or feature-length narrative or documentary film in the past.

The DFI Series Lab will have only 8 to 10 projects to ensure individualised attention with a maximum of two attendees per project. The deadline for receiving applications is January 6 and the Lab Fee is QR2,000. To apply, log on to: www.dohafilminstitute.com

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