The Middle East Media Initiative (MEMI), in partnership with the Red Sea Labs, invites television screenwriters to apply for a one-week TV writing and development program at the Red Sea International Film Festival, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

ABOUT MEMI:

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 and content creators 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 5th to December 9th, 2024 at the Red Sea International Film Festival. Program participants will develop their shows through a simulated writers’ room as well as in-depth pitch training. MEMI will cover travel and accommodation costs, catering, and access to the festival.

ELIGIBILITY & SELECTION:

• Eligible applicants are native Arabic speakers from the MENA region.
• TV projects must be set in or must be related to the Middle East. MEMI focuses on narrative TV shows, we do not accept anthologies, documentary series, or films.
• Ideal candidates exhibit a strong desire to learn new skill sets and 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.
• Applicants must have uncontested ownership of their TV project.
• Co-writers may apply. If you are applying with a co-writer, please submit one application only.
• Due to limited spaces, we can only accept one project per applicant.
• If you have previously completed MEMI’s regional workshop, you are eligible to apply. Having said that, preference will be given to those who have not completed any MEMI workshops.
• If you have previously completed MEMI’s summer regional workshop, you are not eligible to apply.

Applicants must have a working level proficiency of English. Our instructors are English-speaking. Therefore, to best benefit from the program, applicants must be comfortable speaking and expressing themselves in English. You are welcome to apply in Arabic if that is your preferred language. However, the program will be run in English.

For Arabic-preferred speakers: we are in the process of providing translation and interpretation services. Until that is confirmed, it remains a requirement that you are comfortable understanding and communicating in English with MEMI instructors.

KEY DATES:

• November 7th, 2024 at 11:59 pm (GMT+3): Application deadline: *Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.
• December 4th, 2024: Arrival in Jeddah.
• December 5th, 2024: First day of instruction.
• December 9th, 2024: Last day of instruction:
• December 10th, 2024: Departure from Jeddah.