In partnership with Red Sea Labs, part of the Red Sea Film Foundation (RSFF), the Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI) has invited emerging TV screenwriters from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to apply for a week-long TV writing and development program at the Red Sea International Film Festival taking place in Jeddah, in December.
The aim of the program is to develop narrative television formats set in or related to the Middle East, created by native Arabic speakers from the region. The selected participants will have the opportunity to develop their shows through a simulated writers’ room as well as in-depth pitch training, facilitated by Hollywood experts.
The Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI) is an innovative professional exchange program produced at the USC School of Cinematic Arts. Recognizing that television serves as a major influence in entertaining and informing audiences, MEMI seeks to support the current generation of Arab TV screenwriters and content creators in telling stories that entertain and engage audiences around local issues.
To enter, applicants are required to have uncontested ownership of their TV project and must submit a ‘one-pager’ treatment of their show, including a logline, tone, character profiles and synopsis; a paragraph or three-minute video answering the question ‘Why are you the only person, or at least the best person to tell this story?’ and a headshot. Co-writers are welcome to apply and all applicants may also optionally supply writing samples, a CV or resumé and links to previous work.
The RSIFF is now accepting applications, with a call for submissions opening on Monday, October 28.
Applications must be submitted via [LINK] before 7 November 2024 at 11:59pm (GMT+3). Terms and conditions, available at [LINK] apply to applications and applicants.