The Series Lab will continue the rich experience gained from the successful Sam Spiegel International Film Lab allowing Israeli creators, who in the past few years have brought to the world groundbreaking series, both art and entertainment- to continue to make a meaningful mark. The Series Lab aims to construct a creative bridge between Israeli talent in the field of scripted series and the international TV industry and to assist in voicing the diverse and unique stories of our region. JSFL Series Lab takes place in Jerusalem and will culminate in an international celebratory closing event.

The JSFL Series Lab will be open to outstanding Israeli creators, making their initial steps in the world of international TV. The Lab is seeking teams of producers and writers who are developing a promising scripted project- either series or limited series.

Diversity will be at the heart of the program, with creatives whose first language is Arabic, Amharic, Russian, Yiddish, and Hebrew are all strongly encouraged to apply. Creatives with projects originally written in these languages are eligible. The Series Lab will promote the development of the selected projects through mentorship and artistic guidance by some of the leading figures in Israeli and world television. The participants will advance from proposal to pilot, professional graphic pitch deck, and verbal pitch preparation for the international event that will end the Series Lab.

Among the creative minds the participants will meet is artistic advisor to the Series Lab Hagai Levi- TV creator & producer (Scenes From a Marriage, Our Boys, The Affair, In Treatment).  Through Grow Creative, Netflix’s flagship global training and development programme, producer and screenwriter Jill Condon (Friends) will lead workshops on script development and mentor the participants in the first session.

Israeli mentors will guide the process throughout: Daphna Levin, TV creator (Euphoria, Eagles, Miguel) writer (In Treatment) director (Fifty, Euphoria) and Noah Stollman, TV creator (Our Boys, Pillars of Smoke, The Exchange Principle, The Malevolent Bride) head writer (Fauda).Ronit Weiss-Berkowitz, creator and head writer of several award-winning Drama series (The Girl From Oslo, A Touch Away) TV creator, script editor and literary editor. Keren Margalit, TV creator (All I've got (kolma), Yellow Peppers 1+2, The A word, Sleeping Bears, Eliezer) , Writer (All I've got, in treatment, Yellow Peppers 1+2, Sleeping Bears, Eliezer) , Director (All I've got , Yellow Peppers 1+2, Sleeping Bears)

The Series Lab is constructed of 3 sessions. Each session will include intensive one-on-one mentorships, group masterclasses, personal writing time in a supportive environment with the mentors, both Israeli and international. 

In between sessions, participants will progress with bi-weekly meetings with mentors as well as making headway with their graphic pitch deck. Each project will benefit from the art direction of Elad Sonego and receive graphic assistance in preparing their final pitch deck, courtesy of Ananey Studios and the Lab.

Participants will receive guidance and mentorship in preparation of a professional verbal pitch.

Selection criteria will include proposal overall quality and originality, feasibility, as well as creators’ profile and team. The Lab will be looking to highlight projects bringing an authentic local voice, in the belief that an honest, unique story can resonate internationally regardless of language and cultural differences.

As part of the program, Netflix will sponsor the new Series Development Award for one exceptional project. The award will provide a stipend to allow creatives to concentrate on developing their project. Netflix will also cover entry fees for all participants. 

The award recipient will be announced at the closing session, where projects will be revealed to industry players.

The Lab is open to teams of writers and producers, with a scripted series in development, which is writers first or second series as a creator/head scriptwriter/director. Project must not have secured a broadcaster for writing/production agreement, but can be supported for development. Teams must be citizens/residents of Israel with either writer or producer having proven experience as detailed. For all eligibility criteria, selection process, and program information please see rules and regulations.

Alon Aranya- International Emmy winning producer & writer (Tehran, Your Honor, Hostages)

Assaf Bernstein- Writer/director (Fauda, The Debt, Warrior)

Craig Emanuel- Entertainment lawyer, Paul Hastings- chair of Global Entertainment and Media

Osnat Saraga – SVP, Development & Productions, Ananey Studios

Danna Stern – Producer, Founder- Yes Studios

24.02| Submission opens - 08.03| Submission closes

01.05| Selected projects announcement 

28.05- 02.06| 1st development session in Jerusalem -mentorship, masterclasses, writing time

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Between Sessions

Personal advancement with mentors

Packaging process - preparing your pitch deck with professional designers

23-28.07| 2nd development session in Jerusalem- mentorship, masterclasses, writing time 

Between Sessions

personal advancement with mentors

pitching process-  preparing your verbal pitch with a professional pitching trainer.

19-22.09| 3rd session Lab participants and projects meet the industry

**Schedule changes may occur

For all eligibility criteria, required materials and selection process please click: Rules and regulations

Please contact us with any questions : lab@jsfs.co.il