Deadline: 02-Jul-2026
The TV and Web Grant Program supports independent screenwriters, directors and producers from the MENA region in developing and producing original serialised audiovisual content for international audiences. The programme offers up to $20,000 for television series development and up to $30,000 for web series production.
The grant is divided into two strands: TV series development and web series production. Eligible projects must be culturally relevant to the MENA region and may include scripted drama, creative documentary series or adaptations with secured rights.
What is the TV and Web Grant Program?
The TV and Web Grant Program is a funding opportunity designed to support independent audiovisual creators from the Middle East and North Africa region.
The programme helps creators develop and produce high-quality serialised content that can reach international television, digital and streaming audiences.
It focuses on original storytelling, culturally relevant narratives and professional serialised formats that can compete in the global audiovisual market.
Main Purpose of the Programme
The main purpose of the TV and Web Grant Program is to strengthen serialised storytelling from the MENA region.
The programme supports creators who are developing or producing:
- Scripted drama television series
- Creative documentary television series
- Web-based serialised content
- Original series for international audiences
- Adapted works with secured rights
- Culturally relevant stories connected to the MENA region
Programme Strands
The grant has two main funding strands.
1. Television Series Development Strand
This strand supports the development of original or adapted television series.
It is intended for projects that are still in the development stage and need support to advance the concept, writing, production planning or market readiness.
Eligible TV series must include at least three linear episodes, with each episode lasting at least 26 minutes.
The project may be a scripted drama series or a creative documentary series.
2. Web Series Production Strand
This strand supports the production of web-based serialised content.
It is intended for projects that are further advanced and ready to move into production.
Eligible web series must include at least six linear episodes, with each episode lasting at least 3 minutes.
A completed pilot episode is required at the time of submission.
Funding Amount
The programme offers two funding levels depending on the project type.
- Up to $20,000 for television series development
- Up to $30,000 for web series production
The TV strand supports development-stage work, while the web strand supports production-stage work.
Who is Eligible?
Eligibility is open to independent creatives from the MENA region.
Eligible applicants may include:
- Independent screenwriters from the MENA region
- Independent directors from the MENA region
- Independent producers from the MENA region
- Production companies working with eligible MENA creatives
- Applicants developing original serialised content
- Applicants adapting works with properly secured rights
Projects must have cultural relevance to the MENA region.
Eligibility Requirements for TV Series
To qualify under the television series development strand, projects must meet the following conditions:
- The project must be an original concept or an adaptation with secured rights.
- The format must be scripted drama or creative documentary.
- The series must include at least three linear episodes.
- Each episode must be at least 26 minutes long.
- A MENA screenwriter and/or director with prior credits must be attached.
- A producer with a registered company is strongly preferred at submission.
- Project rights must remain with the applicants.
- Rights should not be transferred to a broadcaster or VOD platform at the time of submission.
Eligibility Requirements for Web Series
To qualify under the web series production strand, projects must meet the following conditions:
- The project must be original or adapted serialised content.
- The series must include at least six linear episodes.
- Each episode must be at least 3 minutes long.
- A MENA director with prior credits must be attached.
- A production company must be attached.
- A completed pilot episode must be available at submission.
- At least 50% of the project financing is strongly preferred to be secured.
- Funded web series may apply for only one additional sequel season.
Key Concepts Explained
Serialised Content
Serialised content refers to a story or documentary format told across multiple episodes. Each episode contributes to a wider narrative, theme or structure.
Scripted Drama Series
A scripted drama series is a fictional audiovisual work written and performed according to a script. It may include social, historical, cultural, political or personal stories connected to the MENA region.
Creative Documentary Series
A creative documentary series uses real people, places or events but presents them through a strong artistic, narrative or cinematic approach.
Web Series
A web series is serialised audiovisual content designed primarily for online platforms. Episodes are usually shorter than traditional television formats and are created for digital audiences.
Cultural Relevance to the MENA Region
Cultural relevance means the project should meaningfully connect to the people, stories, histories, languages, communities, landscapes or contemporary realities of the MENA region.
What Types of Projects Are Supported?
The programme supports projects that show strong storytelling potential, professional readiness and relevance to international audiences.
Supported projects may include:
- Original scripted drama series
- Creative documentary series
- Adaptations with secured rights
- Web series with completed pilots
- Stories rooted in MENA cultures and communities
- Projects designed for international audiovisual markets
- Independent productions with clear creative direction
What Projects Are Not Eligible?
The programme does not support promotional or non-serialised content.
Ineligible formats include:
- Game shows
- Talk shows
- Reality shows
- Behind-the-scenes content
- News programmes
- Reportages
- Promotional videos
- Content mainly created for marketing or publicity purposes
How the Programme Works
The programme provides financial support through two separate strands.
Applicants must first identify whether their project fits the TV series development strand or the web series production strand.
TV series applicants should focus on development needs, such as concept refinement, writing, research, treatment development, pitching materials or production planning.
Web series applicants should focus on production readiness, including the completed pilot, attached production company, financing plan and capacity to produce the full series.
How to Apply
Applicants should prepare a clear and complete submission that demonstrates the project’s eligibility, creative strength and production potential.
Suggested Application Steps
- Choose the correct strand: TV series development or web series production.
- Confirm that the project meets the minimum episode and duration requirements.
- Ensure that the project is culturally relevant to the MENA region.
- Attach an eligible MENA writer, director or producer with prior credits.
- Secure adaptation rights if the project is based on existing material.
- Prepare proof that project rights remain with the applicants.
- For web series, include the completed pilot episode.
- For web series, show secured financing if at least 50% is already available.
- Prepare a strong project description, creative vision and production plan.
- Submit the application according to the programme guidelines.
Why It Matters
The TV and Web Grant Program helps expand the international visibility of MENA storytelling.
It gives independent creators financial support to develop and produce serialised content that can reach global audiences.
The programme also strengthens the regional audiovisual sector by supporting professional writers, directors, producers and production companies.
By focusing on scripted drama, creative documentary and web series, the grant encourages diverse, culturally grounded and market-ready content from the MENA region.
Tips for Strong Applications
Applicants should clearly explain why the story matters and how it connects to the MENA region.
A strong application should include:
- A clear project concept
- A strong narrative structure
- A defined target audience
- Evidence of creative and production experience
- A realistic budget
- A clear production or development timeline
- Proof of secured rights for adaptations
- A strong case for international market potential
For TV series, applicants should show that the project has strong development potential and can grow into a complete serialised work.
For web series, applicants should show that the project is ready for production and supported by a completed pilot.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid submitting projects that do not meet the required format.
Common mistakes include:
- Submitting a one-off film instead of a serialised project
- Applying with fewer than the required number of episodes
- Submitting episodes that are shorter than the minimum duration
- Applying without an eligible MENA creative attached
- Submitting adaptations without secured rights
- Transferring rights to a broadcaster or VOD platform before submission
- Submitting promotional, reality, talk show or news-based content
- Applying to the web series strand without a completed pilot
FAQ
What is the TV and Web Grant Program?
The TV and Web Grant Program is a funding opportunity for independent MENA screenwriters, directors and producers developing or producing serialised audiovisual content for international audiences.
Who can apply for the grant?
Independent screenwriters, directors and producers from the MENA region may apply. Production companies may also be involved, depending on the strand.
What is the funding amount?
The programme offers up to $20,000 for television series development and up to $30,000 for web series production.
What types of TV projects are eligible?
Eligible TV projects include scripted drama or creative documentary series with at least three linear episodes of 26 minutes or more each.
What types of web series are eligible?
Eligible web series must include at least six linear episodes of 3 minutes or more each. A completed pilot episode and an attached production company are required.
Are adaptations eligible?
Yes. Adaptations may be eligible if the applicant has secured the necessary rights.
What projects are not eligible?
Game shows, talk shows, reality shows, news programmes, reportages, behind-the-scenes content and promotional projects are not eligible.
Conclusion
The TV and Web Grant Program provides targeted support for independent MENA creatives working on original or adapted serialised content. With funding of up to $20,000 for TV series development and up to $30,000 for web series production, the programme helps screenwriters, directors and producers advance culturally relevant stories for international audiences.
Applicants should ensure that their projects meet the required format, episode length, creative eligibility and rights conditions before applying. Strong applications will present a clear story, professional team, MENA cultural relevance and strong potential for international distribution.
For more information, visit Doha Film Institute.