Deadline: 08-Jan-2026
The TV Series and Web Series Grants support independent filmmakers from the MENA region to develop and produce original serialized fiction and documentary content for global audiences.
The programme offers up to USD 20,000 for TV series development and up to USD 30,000 for web series production, strengthening regional storytelling for television and digital platforms.
Programme Overview
The TV Series and Web Series Grants provide targeted support for independent filmmakers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to create high-quality serialized content.
The grants are designed to help regional creators develop culturally relevant stories and bring them to international audiences through television and online platforms.
By supporting both development and production stages, the programme responds to the growing global demand for diverse voices and innovative serialized storytelling.
Core Objectives of the Grants
The grants are guided by a commitment to creative originality, cultural relevance, and global reach.
Key objectives include:
- Supporting independent MENA filmmakers and creators
- Encouraging original serialized storytelling in fiction and documentary formats
- Strengthening the international visibility of MENA stories
- Supporting both traditional TV series and digital-first web series
- Enabling creators to access new distribution models and audiences
The programme prioritizes projects that combine strong narrative structure with meaningful connections to the MENA region.
Types of Grants Available
The funding is divided into two distinct grant streams, each addressing a different stage and format of serialized content.
TV Series Development Grant
This grant supports the early creative development of original television series projects.
It is intended for screenwriters, directors, and producers who are shaping serialized concepts and refining scripts, characters, and story arcs.
Web Series Production Grant
This grant supports the production of original serialized content created specifically for online platforms.
It recognizes the importance of digital storytelling and supports innovative formats designed for web-based distribution.
Funding Amounts and Support
Funding levels vary depending on the type of project and grant stream.
TV Series Development Funding
- Up to USD 20,000 per project
- Supports script development, series bible creation, and concept refinement
Web Series Production Funding
- Up to USD 30,000 per project
- Supports the production of completed, ready-to-shoot web series concepts
The funding is intended to help projects reach a professional and market-ready stage.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
The grants are open to independent filmmakers and creative teams from the MENA region.
General Eligibility Requirements
- Applicants must be nationals of, or have clear ties to, the MENA region
- Projects must demonstrate cultural relevance or meaningful connection to the region
- Projects may be original works or adaptations, provided all rights are secured
Promotional content, reality TV, talk shows, news programmes, and behind-the-scenes material are not eligible.
TV Series Development Grant: Project Requirements
Projects applying for TV series development funding must meet specific criteria.
TV Series Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum of three episodes
- Each episode must be at least 26 minutes long
- A MENA screenwriter and or director with previous credits must be attached
- A producer with a registered production company is strongly preferred
- Rights to the project must not be transferred to a broadcaster or streaming platform at the time of submission
These requirements ensure creative control and development flexibility during the early stages.
Web Series Production Grant: Project Requirements
Web series projects must demonstrate readiness for production and online distribution.
Web Series Eligibility Criteria
- Minimum of six episodes
- Each episode must be at least three minutes in duration
- A MENA director with prior credits is required
- A producer with a registered production company must be attached
- A completed pilot episode must be submitted
- Projects are encouraged to have at least 50 percent of financing secured at the time of application
Supported web series may apply for funding for only one additional sequel season.
How the Programme Works
The grants support serialized projects that are strategically positioned for development or production.
What the Grants Support
- Script and concept development for TV series
- Production of original web series content
- Strengthening narrative structure and episodic storytelling
- Professionalization of independent serialized projects
- Pathways to international distribution and audiences
Projects are assessed on creative quality, feasibility, and regional relevance.
How to Apply: What to Do
Applicants should prepare a well-structured submission that clearly reflects both creative ambition and production readiness.
Key Application Steps
- Select the appropriate grant stream: TV series development or web series production
- Ensure the project meets episode length, format, and eligibility criteria
- Secure all adaptation or underlying rights, if applicable
- Attach eligible creative and production partners
- Prepare required materials, including pilot episode for web series
- Submit the application according to the programme guidelines
Strong applications clearly articulate the project’s vision, audience, and cultural relevance.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid issues that can lead to disqualification or weak evaluation.
- Submitting ineligible formats such as reality or promotional content
- Applying without securing rights to adapted material
- Failing to meet episode length or minimum episode requirements
- Submitting TV projects with rights already transferred to broadcasters
- Applying with incomplete creative or production teams
Careful review of eligibility rules significantly improves application success.
Why These Grants Matter
The TV Series and Web Series Grants play a critical role in supporting long-form and serialized storytelling from the MENA region.
By investing in both television and digital content, the programme helps regional creators compete globally while preserving cultural specificity and creative independence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the main purpose of the TV and Web Series Grants?
The grants support the development and production of original serialized content by MENA filmmakers for global audiences.
How much funding is available for TV series projects?
TV series projects can receive up to USD 20,000 for development.
How much funding is available for web series projects?
Web series projects can receive up to USD 30,000 in production funding.
Are documentary series eligible?
Yes, both fiction and documentary serialized projects are eligible.
Can adapted works be submitted?
Yes, adaptations are allowed if all rights to the original material are fully secured.
Is prior experience required for directors?
Yes, both TV and web series projects require MENA directors with previous credits.
Can a funded web series apply again for another season?
Yes, supported web series may apply for funding for one additional sequel season only.
Conclusion
The TV Series and Web Series Grants offer a significant opportunity for independent MENA filmmakers to develop and produce original serialized content for television and digital platforms. By supporting culturally relevant storytelling and innovative formats, the programme strengthens the global presence of MENA voices and contributes to a more diverse and dynamic screen industry.
For more information, visit Doha Film Institute.