Realness Institute has launched its call for submissions for their latest offering, Episodic Lab, a series development lab presented in partnership with Netflix.

Episodic Lab will be looking for writers from Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa with authentic and original stories of all genres.

The initiative is only open to writers from the 3 countries where Netflix is currently focusing its African Originals strategy.

Applications are open here: www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application 

The Lab will take place remotely from 1 June 2021 – 31 August 2021 where selected writers will work on developing pitch documents for their story concepts.

6 writers will be chosen to spend 3 months in a ‘writers room’ format where they will work with a script consultant and a creative producer to fully develop their story concepts into an episodic pitch. Along with creative training, writers will receive feedback from Netflix Originals’ development team.

A stipend of $2000 per month will be paid to the participants to cover living expenses as they dedicate their time to the process. 

At the end of the lab, each writer will have an opportunity to pitch their finished product to Netflix and have their series developed for production.

If Netflix does not commission further development and/or production, the rights to the developed material default to the authors.

Creators should not be committed to a producer or director to participate in the lab.

The Writer’s Lab submission is open to writers from Kenya, South Africa and Nigeria with Film and TV experience in any genre (fictional or factual) or language.

“Series give writers the space to make bigger worlds and more layered stories,” says Asanda Biyana – Partner and Project Manager of the Episodic Lab at Realness Institute.

Adding, “There is no limit for what can be submitted, and I trust, with the pool of talent in our continent, that we will be blown away. I’m excited and looking forward to the tough job of choosing the first cohort.”

To apply, potential applicants must take note of the following:

 Eligibility Criteria:

• Writer/writing team* with either Film or Television experience. Only one writer will be able to participate if selected
• Any genre of fiction
• Language: English and/or local language
• Concept must be set in South Africa, Kenya OR Nigeria
• No producers or directors attached
• Payment of submission fee

TO APPLY:

Applicants must fill out the online application on the Realness Institute website at www.realness.institute/episodic-lab-application. Applicants are advised to read through the form before submitting. The deadline for submissions is the 31 January 2021 at midnight SAST.

Applicants will be required to pay a submission fee of 30 Euros via Paypal or 55 Euros via international wire transfer to cover the banking charges.