The Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI) is an innovative professional exchange program produced at the USC School of Cinematic Arts and funded by the U.S. Embassy in Saudi Arabia. Recognizing that television serves as a major influence in entertaining and informing audiences, MEMI seeks to support the current generation of Arab TV screenwriters in telling stories that entertain and engage audiences around local issues.
MEMI’s regional TV writing program will be hosted by The Red Sea Labs from December 4th to December 9th, 2025 at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Participants will develop their shows through a simulated writers’ room and masterclasses.
We look forward to reviewing your application! If you have any questions, please contact memi@cinema.usc.edu
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
Language:
Our instructors are English-speaking. Therefore, to best benefit from the program, you must be comfortable speaking and expressing yourself in English. Unfortunately, no translation or interpretation services will be provided.
Travel, Accommodation, and Catering:
MEMI will cover all travel, accommodation, and catering costs. We will also provide access to the festival.
ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION
Ideal candidates exhibit a strong desire to learn new skill sets in a collaborative environment as well as a commitment to improving their craft. MEMI welcomes writers of all levels, as our Alumni range from notable professionals in the industry as well as beginners who are just starting out. Due to limited spaces, we can only accept one project per applicant.
To apply, you must meet all the following criteria:
- You are of Arab origin and a native Arabic speaker.
- You are available in person to participate for the full duration of the program.
- You have uncontested ownership of the TV show you apply with.
- You have a working level proficiency in speaking and writing English.
Co-writers may apply and must also meet the above criteria. If you are applying with a co-writer, please submit one application only. Unfortunately, producers are not eligible to apply.
Your TV show must be a character-driven narrative that is set in or related to the Arab World. Unfortunately, MEMI will NOT accept anthology TV series, documentary series, or films.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Applications must be submitted in English.
Required materials:
- TV show treatment (3 pages max). Elements of a strong treatment might include a series logline, synopsis, tone, character profiles and arcs, etc.
- It is crucial to create rich and layered character profiles to be seriously considered for this program. As a guide, consider your characters’ desires, motivations, and goals. How do the character(s) or protagonists change over the course of the series?
- Why are you the only/best person to tell this story? One short paragraph OR a short video (3 minutes max).
- Your headshot.
- Contact information, including city of residency.
Optional materials:
- Writing samples.
- CV/Resume.
- Links to previous works.
KEY DATES
Sunday November 9th11:59pm (GMT+3)
Applications due. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
Thursday December 3rd
Arrival in Jeddah and hotel check-in
Friday December 4th to Tuesday December 9th
Program days
Wednesday December 10th
Hotel check out
