Writers’ Lab FAQs

What is the Writers’ Lab?

The Writers’ Lab is a professional development program that comprises a series of writing workshops for TV writers from across the region, to empower them to create and build original stories into TV series with strong global appeal.

It is a collaboration between Image Nation Abu Dhabi, the region’s award-winning film and entertainment company, and Candle Media’s Faraway Road Productions, the creators of the Netflix hit series, FAUDA and HIT AND RUN.

 When will the Writers’ Lab sessions take place?

The Writers’ Lab runs between October 2023 and March 2024. It consists of two one-week in-person workshops, both held in Abu Dhabi. There will be a guided online mentorship period between the two workshops, which includes a three-day group online meeting with a date still TBC, to enable participating writers to develop their original story ideas to presentations and pitches.

Where will the Writers’ Lab sessions take place?

The in-person workshops will both take place in Abu Dhabi. The mentorship period, between October 2023 and March 2024, as well as a three-day group meeting with a date still TBC, will be conducted virtually.

What is the duration of the Writers’ Lab?

The duration of the Writers’ Lab is four months from October 2023 to March 2024, inclusive of the two workshops and the four months of mentorship in between. It does not require full-time commitment except for the duration of the two in-person workshops in October 2023 and March 2024, and the online 3-day group meeting, which both require full time attendance.

Who can participate in the Writers’ Lab?

The Writers’ Lab is open to emerging UAE and Israel national and resident writers , aged 21 and above, with some writing track record.

A maximum of 12 writers will be selected for participation in the Writers’ Lab, 6 from each country.

Who are the mentors of the Writers’ Lab?

Regional and international writers and development executives with consistent track record in the industry

I am already an experienced writer; how can the Writers’ Lab benefit me?

We are seeking new voices of the region and therefore give priority to emerging writers.

Emerging writers may have some screenwriting experience and may have 1-2 productions to their credit, and yet benefit from the training we offer and our ushering into further development.

What is the time commitment needed to participate in the Writers’ Lab?

The Writers’ Lab does not require full-time commitment except for the duration of the two in-person workshops, held in Abu Dhabi, in October 2023 and March 2024, which both require full time attendance.  Participants should also commit to the online development process with mentors input, as well as

an online three-day group workshop.

How can I register and what documents are required?

There is an online application process, you can start here

You need to include the following documents in (in English) in your application:

• A work sample written for the screen (tv, feature, short films) even if it hasn’t been produced yet. Treatments and script formats are accepted while theatre plays, or novels/ short stories are not accepted
• A letter explaining why you would like to join the Writer’s Lab.
• A 5 or 6-page treatment of a fiction TV series you’d like to develop during the program (documentary projects are not accepted) containing:
• 1 or 2 pages with the overview, tone, and style
• 1 or 2 pages containing the characters’ breakdown and character’s description.
• 1 page containing the series arc (no episode breakdown required)
• Statement of artistic/ creative intent.
• A visual element representing the series.

Your submission must be an original work.

When will I be notified if my application was accepted?

Deadline to submit the application is on the 2^nd of July 2023. Shortlisted participants will be required to attend an online interview in July/ August 2023. Selected writers will be notified by September 2023.

What are the fees required to participate in the Writer’s Lab?

There are no fees required to take part in the program. In addition, the cost of economy flights Israel – Abu Dhabi for each Participant residing outside of the UAE, and half board accommodation for each Participant residing outside of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi will be covered by Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Faraway Road Productions.

I am writing my proposal with a writing partner, can we both apply?

Only one designated partner can participate in the whole program of the Writers Lab, therefore release of copyrights from all partners must be issued to enable participation and further development if selected.

May I submit a project already attached to a producer or broadcaster?

The TV series submitted are to be unattached to producers and/or broadcasters, in order to train the emerging writers and develop the series under the brand of the partnership formed between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Faraway Road Productions.

What writing targets are to be reached?

Our development intentions are for participants to complete a professional

Bible proposal with story overview, world and ton, characters’ journey, seasonal arc, professional pitch, and potentially the development of the pilot episode.