A youthful crowd of industry professionals filed into a bustling room at the Gropius Bau Saturday afternoon for the inaugural AfroBerlin symposium here at the Berlin Film Festival.
Among the speakers were outgoing Berlinale co-head Mariette Rissenbeek, Neom’s Wayne Borg, and Yolonda Ncokotwana, Head of Industry Development National Film & Video Foundation South Africa. The event also saw the first public discussion featuring the Schwarze Filmschaffende, the Black German Filmmakers Association.
The association first made waves following the conclusion of last year’s Berlinale after they published a lengthy open letter that criticized the festival for programming three films that it said “depict, amplify, or peddle anti-Black sentiments.” The group was also central to this year’s campaign against the festival’s controversial opening ceremony invitations to members of the far-right AfD political party. Despite its recent visibility, the group actually dates back to 2015.
“I started acting school in Vienna in a very white space.
Among the speakers were outgoing Berlinale co-head Mariette Rissenbeek, Neom’s Wayne Borg, and Yolonda Ncokotwana, Head of Industry Development National Film & Video Foundation South Africa. The event also saw the first public discussion featuring the Schwarze Filmschaffende, the Black German Filmmakers Association.
The association first made waves following the conclusion of last year’s Berlinale after they published a lengthy open letter that criticized the festival for programming three films that it said “depict, amplify, or peddle anti-Black sentiments.” The group was also central to this year’s campaign against the festival’s controversial opening ceremony invitations to members of the far-right AfD political party. Despite its recent visibility, the group actually dates back to 2015.
“I started acting school in Vienna in a very white space.
- 2/18/2024
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
The first-ever edition of AfroBerlin put Africa in the spotlight at the Berlin Film Festival and in one key session asked how festivals, streamers, and the wider industry can — and should — support films and filmmakers from the continent.
AfroBerlin took over the conference center next to the European Film Market with standing room only for some sessions at the event, which was organized by Prudence Kolong’s consultancy biz Yanibes and the EFM.
Jacqueline Nsiah, a member of the Festival’s Selection Committee, spoke in a slot about empowering local filmmakers. She started her work for the Festival last summer and has bolstered its connections with the African film community. African films including Abderrahmane Sissako’s Black Tea, Mati Diop’s Dahomey, and Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Aria’s Pepe are in competition, and Mamadou Dia’s Demba is in the Encounters strand. “I think it’s not bad,...
AfroBerlin took over the conference center next to the European Film Market with standing room only for some sessions at the event, which was organized by Prudence Kolong’s consultancy biz Yanibes and the EFM.
Jacqueline Nsiah, a member of the Festival’s Selection Committee, spoke in a slot about empowering local filmmakers. She started her work for the Festival last summer and has bolstered its connections with the African film community. African films including Abderrahmane Sissako’s Black Tea, Mati Diop’s Dahomey, and Nelson Carlos De Los Santos Aria’s Pepe are in competition, and Mamadou Dia’s Demba is in the Encounters strand. “I think it’s not bad,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Stewart Clarke
- Deadline Film + TV
Africa’s growing screen industries are making their mark on this year’s Berlin Film Festival, with three titles in the main competition, but how to unlock the continent’s still-untapped potential was a question on the minds of many at a conference hosted on Saturday by the European Film Market.
A partnership between EFM and Prudence Kolong’s Stockholm-based consulting firm Yanibes, AfroBerlin was launched to give a platform to filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora and “to find a place where they can share stories and experiences and be heard,” said Kolong, who also organizes the Cannes Film Festival’s AfroCannes industry showcase.
The event brought together industry professionals from the continent with their counterparts in Europe and beyond, underscoring the ways in which the often-marginalized African screen industries have elevated their international profile. “When we’re talking about the global film market…we are part of the discussion,...
A partnership between EFM and Prudence Kolong’s Stockholm-based consulting firm Yanibes, AfroBerlin was launched to give a platform to filmmakers from Africa and the diaspora and “to find a place where they can share stories and experiences and be heard,” said Kolong, who also organizes the Cannes Film Festival’s AfroCannes industry showcase.
The event brought together industry professionals from the continent with their counterparts in Europe and beyond, underscoring the ways in which the often-marginalized African screen industries have elevated their international profile. “When we’re talking about the global film market…we are part of the discussion,...
- 2/18/2024
- by Christopher Vourlias
- Variety Film + TV
While attending the third edition of the Red Sea Film Festival, Wayne Borg, managing director of media industries, entertainment and culture at Neom, sat down with U.S. producer Eric Hedayat and Variety‘s Italy and Middle East correspondent Nick Vivarelli to discuss Neom’s key role in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment industry boom.
Coupling state-of-the-art infrastructure with Saudi Arabia’s enticing 40% tax rebate, Neom has solidified itself as a major entertainment and media production hub not only locally to Saudi but internationally in the last two years.
“[Neom] is about critical mass of infrastructure, stages, support facilities and workshops,” said Borg about the fundamental principles of the company. “It’s about a competitive, super attractive production incentive scheme and ensuring the depth and breadth of workers to support the influx of productions we are experiencing now. And, finally, it’s about getting out of the way.”
With over 20 years of experience in the media sector,...
Coupling state-of-the-art infrastructure with Saudi Arabia’s enticing 40% tax rebate, Neom has solidified itself as a major entertainment and media production hub not only locally to Saudi but internationally in the last two years.
“[Neom] is about critical mass of infrastructure, stages, support facilities and workshops,” said Borg about the fundamental principles of the company. “It’s about a competitive, super attractive production incentive scheme and ensuring the depth and breadth of workers to support the influx of productions we are experiencing now. And, finally, it’s about getting out of the way.”
With over 20 years of experience in the media sector,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Rafa Sales Ross
- Variety Film + TV
Neom is a burgeoning production and creative hub in northwestern Saudi Arabia featuring the largest soundstages in the country.
It is also the biggest purpose-built production facility in the region, with four stages currently operational and six more scheduled to go online by mid-2024, including a volumetric stage that captures three-dimensional space and video that can be viewed on flat screens, as well as using 3D displays and VR goggles. Plus, the Neom hub plans to grow its currently 350 units of accommodation to 500 by mid-year 2024.
With 26,500 square kilometers, the semi-autonomous Neom region is nearly the size of Belgium or Massachusetts and is designed to showcase an alternative way of living and working. For example, it is set to become the home of a futuristic car-less city called The Line, envisioned to accommodate 9 million people, to be zero-carbon and powered by renewable energy, namely solar and wind energy. There won’t be roads or cars,...
It is also the biggest purpose-built production facility in the region, with four stages currently operational and six more scheduled to go online by mid-2024, including a volumetric stage that captures three-dimensional space and video that can be viewed on flat screens, as well as using 3D displays and VR goggles. Plus, the Neom hub plans to grow its currently 350 units of accommodation to 500 by mid-year 2024.
With 26,500 square kilometers, the semi-autonomous Neom region is nearly the size of Belgium or Massachusetts and is designed to showcase an alternative way of living and working. For example, it is set to become the home of a futuristic car-less city called The Line, envisioned to accommodate 9 million people, to be zero-carbon and powered by renewable energy, namely solar and wind energy. There won’t be roads or cars,...
- 12/8/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
The UK executive was previously director and CEO of the London Film School (Lfs).
Neil Peplow, the former director of international and industry affairs at the British Film Institute (BFI), has joined Neom Media Industries to spearhead talent development at the Saudi media hub.
As industry learning executive director, Peplow will lead efforts to train local talent at Neom and develop the Industry Vocational learning campus being established at the fast-growing production hub. The UK executive was previously director and CEO of the London Film School, which he joined in January this year.
The role is effective immediately and Peplow has relocated to Neom,...
Neil Peplow, the former director of international and industry affairs at the British Film Institute (BFI), has joined Neom Media Industries to spearhead talent development at the Saudi media hub.
As industry learning executive director, Peplow will lead efforts to train local talent at Neom and develop the Industry Vocational learning campus being established at the fast-growing production hub. The UK executive was previously director and CEO of the London Film School, which he joined in January this year.
The role is effective immediately and Peplow has relocated to Neom,...
- 12/2/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
The third edition of the market comes as Saudi emerges as an increasingly important player in the international industry
The Saudi industry is setting out its stall to local and international execs arriving at the Red Sea International Film Festival’s market, the Red Sea Souk, which opens today (December 2).
Many of the country’s leading players are exhibiting in the Souk, including exhibitor / producers muvi Cinemas and Vox Cinemas, media hubs Neom and AlUla, producers Telfaz11 and Mbc Studios, distributor CineWaves Films through to production services outfit Yellow Camel Studios, vfx specialist Hecat Studios and industry organisations the Saudi...
The Saudi industry is setting out its stall to local and international execs arriving at the Red Sea International Film Festival’s market, the Red Sea Souk, which opens today (December 2).
Many of the country’s leading players are exhibiting in the Souk, including exhibitor / producers muvi Cinemas and Vox Cinemas, media hubs Neom and AlUla, producers Telfaz11 and Mbc Studios, distributor CineWaves Films through to production services outfit Yellow Camel Studios, vfx specialist Hecat Studios and industry organisations the Saudi...
- 12/2/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Neom, the Saudi Arabian region on the Red Sea that is aiming to become a major film and TV production hub, has forged a strategic partnership with the Korean Film Council (Kofic) to set up training programs for young Saudi content creators.
The full-service Saudi production hub, which is becoming a major driver of the kingdom’s effort to build a film and TV industry almost from scratch, will be hosting courses held by The Korean Academy of Film Arts (Kafa), South Korea’s top national film school. The partnership will offer a wide range of types of training comprising workshops and masterclasses pertaining to key industry aspects such as production, direction, screenwriting, cinematography and sound design.
The program will kick off early next year with a directing masterclass and workshop conducted at the Neon media hub, which boasts the largest studio facility in the region.
After Saudi Arabia lifted...
The full-service Saudi production hub, which is becoming a major driver of the kingdom’s effort to build a film and TV industry almost from scratch, will be hosting courses held by The Korean Academy of Film Arts (Kafa), South Korea’s top national film school. The partnership will offer a wide range of types of training comprising workshops and masterclasses pertaining to key industry aspects such as production, direction, screenwriting, cinematography and sound design.
The program will kick off early next year with a directing masterclass and workshop conducted at the Neon media hub, which boasts the largest studio facility in the region.
After Saudi Arabia lifted...
- 10/13/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Director Simon West, best known for his work in the action film ‘Con Air’ will be shooting his upcoming historical drama ‘Antara’ in Saudi Arabia in the country’s growing production hub of Neom, a futuristic city being built in Saudi Arabia. The movie will be based on Arab history, and is the tale of Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave warrior who was propelled to mythical status in the sixth century after winning his freedom and becoming a beloved knight and a widely celebrated Bedouin poet in the region.
West, whose credits also include ‘The General’s Daughter’ and The ‘Expendables 2’, said: “The life of Antara is one of those relatively little-known true stories that prove that fact can be so much stranger than fiction.”
“The opportunity to film in the homeland of the Banu Abs tribe means we will keep true to the piece whilst helping to grow the emerging film industry in the region,...
West, whose credits also include ‘The General’s Daughter’ and The ‘Expendables 2’, said: “The life of Antara is one of those relatively little-known true stories that prove that fact can be so much stranger than fiction.”
“The opportunity to film in the homeland of the Banu Abs tribe means we will keep true to the piece whilst helping to grow the emerging film industry in the region,...
- 9/3/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
The feature will tell the story of a legendary Arabian warrior and celebrated poet.
Simon West, the UK director of Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, is set to film historic drama Antara in Saudi Arabia’s Neom.
Based on a true story, the feature centres on Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who won his freedom to become a knight and one of the most celebrated poets in Arabian history.
The film is co-produced by Irish writer and producer Alexander Amartei. Celtic Films Entertainment CEO Stuart Sutherland is also a co-producer through his Jeddah-based production company Celtic Arabia.
Simon West, the UK director of Con Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider, is set to film historic drama Antara in Saudi Arabia’s Neom.
Based on a true story, the feature centres on Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who won his freedom to become a knight and one of the most celebrated poets in Arabian history.
The film is co-produced by Irish writer and producer Alexander Amartei. Celtic Films Entertainment CEO Stuart Sutherland is also a co-producer through his Jeddah-based production company Celtic Arabia.
- 9/3/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
British director Simon West is set to direct Saudi Arabia-set epic “Antara” that will be shot in Neom, the sprawling production hub in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern corner.
The English-language blockbuster, based on Arab history, is the tale of Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave warrior who was propelled to mythical status in the sixth century after winning his freedom and becoming a beloved knight and a widely celebrated Bedouin poet in the region.
“Antara,” which was announced during the Venice Film Festival — where there is a strong Saudi industry presence — is co-produced by Irish entrepreneur, writer and producer Alexander Amartei. British producer Stuart Sutherland, CEO of Celtic Films Entertainment, is co-producing through his Celtic Arabia shingle. Sutherland, whose credits include “Killing Eve” and Saudi-set “Born a King,” co-produced recently released action thriller “Kandahar,” starring Gerard Butler, which was also shot in the kingdom.
The budget on “Antara,” which is bound to be substantial,...
The English-language blockbuster, based on Arab history, is the tale of Antara ibn Shaddad, a slave warrior who was propelled to mythical status in the sixth century after winning his freedom and becoming a beloved knight and a widely celebrated Bedouin poet in the region.
“Antara,” which was announced during the Venice Film Festival — where there is a strong Saudi industry presence — is co-produced by Irish entrepreneur, writer and producer Alexander Amartei. British producer Stuart Sutherland, CEO of Celtic Films Entertainment, is co-producing through his Celtic Arabia shingle. Sutherland, whose credits include “Killing Eve” and Saudi-set “Born a King,” co-produced recently released action thriller “Kandahar,” starring Gerard Butler, which was also shot in the kingdom.
The budget on “Antara,” which is bound to be substantial,...
- 9/3/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Con-Air and Lara Croft: Tomb Raider director Simon West will shoot his upcoming historic drama Antara in Saudi Arabia in the country’s growing production hub of Neom.
Based on a true story, the film revolves around Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who was propelled to stardom in the sixth century, both as a knight and a poet.
The film is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei and producer Stuart Sutherland. Sutherland has experience of working in Saudi Arabia, having been a co-producer on the Gerard Butler-starring action picture Kandahar, which also shot in the country.
The production is scheduled to spend 12 weeks at Neom in northwest Saudi Arabia from early 2024.
The film will tap into Neom’s 40% cash rebate for feature films, TV dramas, reality shows, documentaries and commercials. It will be based at Neom...
Based on a true story, the film revolves around Antara ibn Shaddad, an imprisoned warrior who was propelled to stardom in the sixth century, both as a knight and a poet.
The film is co-produced by writer and producer Alexander Amartei and producer Stuart Sutherland. Sutherland has experience of working in Saudi Arabia, having been a co-producer on the Gerard Butler-starring action picture Kandahar, which also shot in the country.
The production is scheduled to spend 12 weeks at Neom in northwest Saudi Arabia from early 2024.
The film will tap into Neom’s 40% cash rebate for feature films, TV dramas, reality shows, documentaries and commercials. It will be based at Neom...
- 9/3/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
The United Arab Emirates capital of Abu Dhabi has unveiled plans to build a major studio complex.
Announced by state-owned media hub twofour54, the project — entitled twofour54 studios and due for completion in 2025 — is set to span 400,000 square meters and will include 11 soundstages, a 3,000 square-meter exterior water tank and six standing sets, alongside 7000 square-meters of office space and other production facilities.
Abu Dhabi has already become a much-used backdrop for major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, with Dune, Star Wars and Fast and Furious all using it as an exterior location. More recently, major scenes from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 were shot in the Emirate. The building of soundstages, however, would suggest there are hopes it can now become major destination for international projects beyond it on-location shoots.
The move also comes just as Abu Dhabi’s neighboring Saudi Arabia has begun to emerge as a major global location, backed...
Announced by state-owned media hub twofour54, the project — entitled twofour54 studios and due for completion in 2025 — is set to span 400,000 square meters and will include 11 soundstages, a 3,000 square-meter exterior water tank and six standing sets, alongside 7000 square-meters of office space and other production facilities.
Abu Dhabi has already become a much-used backdrop for major Hollywood and Bollywood productions, with Dune, Star Wars and Fast and Furious all using it as an exterior location. More recently, major scenes from Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part 1 were shot in the Emirate. The building of soundstages, however, would suggest there are hopes it can now become major destination for international projects beyond it on-location shoots.
The move also comes just as Abu Dhabi’s neighboring Saudi Arabia has begun to emerge as a major global location, backed...
- 8/1/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saudi filmmaker Abdulaziz Alshlahei (“The Tambour of Retribution,” “Zero Distance”) is set to direct timely drama “Hobal,” about a Saudi family living in isolation in the desert during the early 1990s. The film will be shot in Neom, the sprawling production hub in Saudi Arabia’s northwestern corner.
“Hobal” will be Alshlahei’s third feature, segueing from his groundbreaking social issues drama “The Tambour of Retribution,” about the forbidden love between an executioner’s son and a wedding drummer’s daughter in turn-of-the-century Riyadh. “Tambour” scored two prizes at the Cairo Film Festival, was released on Netflix, and was Saudi Arabia’s submission for the 2022 best international feature film Oscar.
In “Hobal,” the Saudi family is following strict instructions from their grandfather to remain confined in the desert during the early 1990s, when a series of events shakes the family’s foundation and finds them in a struggle between life and death.
“Hobal” will be Alshlahei’s third feature, segueing from his groundbreaking social issues drama “The Tambour of Retribution,” about the forbidden love between an executioner’s son and a wedding drummer’s daughter in turn-of-the-century Riyadh. “Tambour” scored two prizes at the Cairo Film Festival, was released on Netflix, and was Saudi Arabia’s submission for the 2022 best international feature film Oscar.
In “Hobal,” the Saudi family is following strict instructions from their grandfather to remain confined in the desert during the early 1990s, when a series of events shakes the family’s foundation and finds them in a struggle between life and death.
- 7/17/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Production company agrees partnership deal with media hub.
Saudi Arabia’s Neom and leading local production company Telfaz11 have announced a partnership that will see up to nine TV and film productions filming at the media hub over the next three years.
Two feature films and one series are currently in development under the new arrangement.
Telfaz11’s comedy drama Sattar, set in the world of freestyle wrestling, became the highest-grossing Saudi film of all time following its release in December 2022. The company struck an eight-picture deal with Netflix in 2020.
Telfaz11 also plans to establish a physical presence at Neom...
Saudi Arabia’s Neom and leading local production company Telfaz11 have announced a partnership that will see up to nine TV and film productions filming at the media hub over the next three years.
Two feature films and one series are currently in development under the new arrangement.
Telfaz11’s comedy drama Sattar, set in the world of freestyle wrestling, became the highest-grossing Saudi film of all time following its release in December 2022. The company struck an eight-picture deal with Netflix in 2020.
Telfaz11 also plans to establish a physical presence at Neom...
- 6/1/2023
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Neom, the burgeoning production hub in northwestern Saudi Arabia, and Telfaz11, a studio specializing in content from the Middle East that was behind this year’s Saudi Oscar submission Raven Song, have struck a partnership for the creation of up to nine TV and film projects over the next three years.
“The collaboration between Neom and Telfaz11 will accelerate the growth of Neom’s media industries ecosystem, ensuring a rich pipeline of productions, including two feature films and one series currently in development under the new arrangement,” the partners said Thursday.
Telfaz11 recently debuted its latest theatrical feature Sattar, which has become the highest-grossing Saudi film of all time.
In addition to productions, the studio plans to establish a physical presence at Neom’s media hub by opening an office there this year, complementing its existing offices in the Saudi capital Riyadh and Dubai. “Neom will also leverage Telfaz11’s...
“The collaboration between Neom and Telfaz11 will accelerate the growth of Neom’s media industries ecosystem, ensuring a rich pipeline of productions, including two feature films and one series currently in development under the new arrangement,” the partners said Thursday.
Telfaz11 recently debuted its latest theatrical feature Sattar, which has become the highest-grossing Saudi film of all time.
In addition to productions, the studio plans to establish a physical presence at Neom’s media hub by opening an office there this year, complementing its existing offices in the Saudi capital Riyadh and Dubai. “Neom will also leverage Telfaz11’s...
- 6/1/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Saudi Arabia’s burgeoning production hub Neom has locked a partnership with the film and digital content production and finance company Telfaz11.
The new pact will see the two entities create up to nine TV and film productions over the next three years. In a statement today, the pair said two feature films and one series are currently in development under the new arrangement. In addition to the new projects, TELFAZ11 will also open offices this year in Neom’s media hub, adding to its physical presence in Riyadh and Dubai.
Situated in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, Neom has been dubbed as one of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega-projects and involves the construction of a hi-tech, smart city and global media hub. TELFAZ11 will join more than 30 productions to have shot in Neom over the last 18 months, including Desert Warrior, Dunki, and Rise of The Witches, the...
The new pact will see the two entities create up to nine TV and film productions over the next three years. In a statement today, the pair said two feature films and one series are currently in development under the new arrangement. In addition to the new projects, TELFAZ11 will also open offices this year in Neom’s media hub, adding to its physical presence in Riyadh and Dubai.
Situated in northwest Saudi Arabia on the Red Sea, Neom has been dubbed as one of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 mega-projects and involves the construction of a hi-tech, smart city and global media hub. TELFAZ11 will join more than 30 productions to have shot in Neom over the last 18 months, including Desert Warrior, Dunki, and Rise of The Witches, the...
- 6/1/2023
- by Zac Ntim
- Deadline Film + TV
Neom, the Saudi Arabian region that is aiming to become a major film and TV production hub, and prolific Middle East-focused studio Telfaz11, have revealed a partnership.
The deal will see the creation of up to nine television and film productions over the next three years and includes two feature films and one series that are currently in development. Telfaz11 will also open offices this year in Neom’s media hub, complementing its existing offices in Riyadh and Dubai. Neom plans to leverage Telfaz11’s new offices to diversify its industry learning activities and multi-disciplinary talent development programs in order to create a talent pool.
“Sattar,” on which Telfaz11 is one of the producers, has become the highest grossing Saudi film of all time. Neom has provided the backdrop for 30 productions in the last 18 months, including Rupert Wyatt’s “Desert Warrior,” starring Anthony Mackie and Sir Ben Kingsley; Rajkumar Hirani’s “Dunki,...
The deal will see the creation of up to nine television and film productions over the next three years and includes two feature films and one series that are currently in development. Telfaz11 will also open offices this year in Neom’s media hub, complementing its existing offices in Riyadh and Dubai. Neom plans to leverage Telfaz11’s new offices to diversify its industry learning activities and multi-disciplinary talent development programs in order to create a talent pool.
“Sattar,” on which Telfaz11 is one of the producers, has become the highest grossing Saudi film of all time. Neom has provided the backdrop for 30 productions in the last 18 months, including Rupert Wyatt’s “Desert Warrior,” starring Anthony Mackie and Sir Ben Kingsley; Rajkumar Hirani’s “Dunki,...
- 6/1/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli and Naman Ramachandran
- Variety Film + TV
Academy Award-winning Hotel Rwanda screenwriter and director Terry George is heading to Saudi Arabia for his upcoming film Riverman, to shoot in the country’s burgeoning film production hub of Neom.
Inspired by the war diaries, and true events of the war in Afghanistan over the course of 2001-2008, the film revolves around a highly decorated Royal Marine who is recruited by a private arms dealer to supply weapons to private armies around the world.
The production is lead produced by Future Artists Entertainment under Matt Williams with Camilla Storey (Bitter Harvest) of Tms Productions and Mark Foligno of Limelight Ctl.
“Riverman is an action-packed movie that explores ideas of heroism, corruption, and temptation within the dark and dangerous world of arms dealing and warfare. This is a powerful film and with George at the helm, we’re very excited to bring it to life,...
Inspired by the war diaries, and true events of the war in Afghanistan over the course of 2001-2008, the film revolves around a highly decorated Royal Marine who is recruited by a private arms dealer to supply weapons to private armies around the world.
The production is lead produced by Future Artists Entertainment under Matt Williams with Camilla Storey (Bitter Harvest) of Tms Productions and Mark Foligno of Limelight Ctl.
“Riverman is an action-packed movie that explores ideas of heroism, corruption, and temptation within the dark and dangerous world of arms dealing and warfare. This is a powerful film and with George at the helm, we’re very excited to bring it to life,...
- 5/18/2023
- by Melanie Goodfellow
- Deadline Film + TV
‘Mena 360’ will spotlight the production and film financing opportunities in the Arab world.
The Cannes Market has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Neom Media Industries and Arab Cinema Centre to host a conference on the fast-growing opportunities in production, finance and talent in the Middle East and North Africa.
Titled ’Mena 360: Accessing the Largest Untapped Market’ in the World, it will run as part of the Cannes Next programme and comprise three panels exploring the best ways for the international industry to secure financing, partners, locations and talent from the region.
Mena executives and talent due to speak on the panels include Wayne Borg,...
The Cannes Market has partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Neom Media Industries and Arab Cinema Centre to host a conference on the fast-growing opportunities in production, finance and talent in the Middle East and North Africa.
Titled ’Mena 360: Accessing the Largest Untapped Market’ in the World, it will run as part of the Cannes Next programme and comprise three panels exploring the best ways for the international industry to secure financing, partners, locations and talent from the region.
Mena executives and talent due to speak on the panels include Wayne Borg,...
- 5/11/2023
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Welcome to Deadline’s International Disruptors, a feature where we’ll shine a spotlight on key executives and companies outside of the U.S. shaking up the offshore marketplace. This week, we’re sitting down with Wayne Borg, Managing Director of Media, Entertainment and Culture and Fashion at Neom, and he tells us how the Saudi Arabia-based media hub, which recently housed $140M epic Desert Warrior, is quickly ramping up its offerings to the film and television sectors.
Wayne Borg is not one to say no to a challenge. When the industry stalwart was approached to set up the media efforts of Neom, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious futuristic city that is the beating heart behind the country’s efforts to diversify its infrastructure, he considered it a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
“To be part of the Neom vision and the scale of the ambition was something I just sort...
Wayne Borg is not one to say no to a challenge. When the industry stalwart was approached to set up the media efforts of Neom, Saudi Arabia’s ambitious futuristic city that is the beating heart behind the country’s efforts to diversify its infrastructure, he considered it a “once in a lifetime” opportunity.
“To be part of the Neom vision and the scale of the ambition was something I just sort...
- 2/23/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
Exclusive: Saudi Arabia’s Neom Media Village has officially opened the doors to its second soundstage, bringing the total number of operational stages in the Neom region to four (two sit in Neom’s Bajdah Desert Studios).
The second stage within the Media Village sits at the same 2,400 square meters capacity as its first stage and is equipped with state-of-the art technology and back-of-house facilities including make-up rooms, green rooms and production offices.
Neom says that it’s opened the new facility within its Media Village to cope with the “increased and growing demand” for facilities in the Middle East and North Africa and it comes just a few months after the first stage was completed. The latter is quickly booked out for a long-running drama series, which begins production early March. Neom wouldn’t disclose the name of the series.
A further six stages, including a volumetric stage, are...
The second stage within the Media Village sits at the same 2,400 square meters capacity as its first stage and is equipped with state-of-the art technology and back-of-house facilities including make-up rooms, green rooms and production offices.
Neom says that it’s opened the new facility within its Media Village to cope with the “increased and growing demand” for facilities in the Middle East and North Africa and it comes just a few months after the first stage was completed. The latter is quickly booked out for a long-running drama series, which begins production early March. Neom wouldn’t disclose the name of the series.
A further six stages, including a volumetric stage, are...
- 2/18/2023
- by Diana Lodderhose
- Deadline Film + TV
The event was held on December 8 in partnership with Screen and Kftv.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, hosted a roundtable event at the Rosewood London Hotel on Tuesday December 8, in partnership with Screen International and Kftv.
The breakfast event saw international industry stakeholders learn about the growing opportunities for filming there.
Michael Rosser, Screen International’s news editor, hosted a conversation with Wayne Borg, who is the head of media, entertainment, culture & fashion industries at Neom.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, hosted a roundtable event at the Rosewood London Hotel on Tuesday December 8, in partnership with Screen International and Kftv.
The breakfast event saw international industry stakeholders learn about the growing opportunities for filming there.
Michael Rosser, Screen International’s news editor, hosted a conversation with Wayne Borg, who is the head of media, entertainment, culture & fashion industries at Neom.
- 12/22/2022
- by NEOMSponsored by
- ScreenDaily
Red Sea panel discusses crew crunch in Mena.
Arabic countries cannot rely on servicing international productions alone to develop below the line talent, but must also look to local content to tackle shortages of skilled crew across the region.
Speaking on a panel at the Red Sea Film Festival titled ’A Region Full of Opportunities’, Rula Nasser, founder and producer at Jordanian production company The Imaginarium Films, stressed the importance of local productions in training up talent in the region who can then work in senior roles on both homegrown projects and international features.
“We are the one who can...
Arabic countries cannot rely on servicing international productions alone to develop below the line talent, but must also look to local content to tackle shortages of skilled crew across the region.
Speaking on a panel at the Red Sea Film Festival titled ’A Region Full of Opportunities’, Rula Nasser, founder and producer at Jordanian production company The Imaginarium Films, stressed the importance of local productions in training up talent in the region who can then work in senior roles on both homegrown projects and international features.
“We are the one who can...
- 12/4/2022
- by Tim Dams
- ScreenDaily
Neom, the Saudi Arabian region that is aiming to become a major film and TV production hub, has lured its first Bollywood shoot “Dunki,” starring Shah Rukh Khan, and booked 200-episode-a-year Saudi soap opera “Exceptional,” produced by Mbc, that will be keeping one of its new sound stages busy for a long stretch.
“Dunki,” which is set in various parts of the world, only did a second unit shoot in the sprawling area situated along Saudi’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk, in the northwest of the kingdom. But, “it was significant,” said Wayne Borg, who heads the nascent media media hub, both in terms of “the scale of production that it brings,” and as an “entree to start demonstrating to the Indian market what we can offer.”
Nearby Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, has in recent years turned into a prime destination to shoot Bollywood blockbusters, largely...
“Dunki,” which is set in various parts of the world, only did a second unit shoot in the sprawling area situated along Saudi’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk, in the northwest of the kingdom. But, “it was significant,” said Wayne Borg, who heads the nascent media media hub, both in terms of “the scale of production that it brings,” and as an “entree to start demonstrating to the Indian market what we can offer.”
Nearby Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates, has in recent years turned into a prime destination to shoot Bollywood blockbusters, largely...
- 12/4/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Neom, the Saudi Arabian region that is aiming to become a major film and TV production hub, has announced the opening of its Neom Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, comprising several sound stages and production support facilities.
Situated along the kingdom’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk, in the northwest of the kingdom, Neom is a sprawling area roughly the size of Belgium. Besides coral reefs and heritage sites, it also comprises mountains and generally has a cooler temperature than most of the region.
Aside from a futuristic megacity-in-the-making, the area now hosts what are being touted as the country’s largest sound stages.
The new Neom Media Village currently features one 2,400-square-meter sound stage, complete with facilities such as make-up rooms, green rooms and production offices, plus three more stages under construction.
At Bajdah Desert Studios, a separate facility, there are two 3,000-square-meter sound stages, with four more...
Situated along the kingdom’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk, in the northwest of the kingdom, Neom is a sprawling area roughly the size of Belgium. Besides coral reefs and heritage sites, it also comprises mountains and generally has a cooler temperature than most of the region.
Aside from a futuristic megacity-in-the-making, the area now hosts what are being touted as the country’s largest sound stages.
The new Neom Media Village currently features one 2,400-square-meter sound stage, complete with facilities such as make-up rooms, green rooms and production offices, plus three more stages under construction.
At Bajdah Desert Studios, a separate facility, there are two 3,000-square-meter sound stages, with four more...
- 9/14/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Saudi Arabian region Neom has formally unveiled its 40+ cash rebate production incentive scheme for feature films, TV dramas, reality series and docs, and opened the doors to Neom Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios.
In relation to the rebate, producers will be able to secure a higher percentage based on their industry development contributions.
“Clearly production incentives play a vital role in terms of attracting productions but are best leveraged when the entire package is in place: infrastructure, on-the-ground international production expertise, crew depth and ease of doing business,” commented Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture at Neom. “Neom is now in the position to offer this competitive package.”
Meanwhile, the new Neom Media Village and studios space comprise Saudi Arabia’s largest sound stage and film production support facilities. Combined, they have supported 25 productions over the course of the last 18 months, with the first three...
In relation to the rebate, producers will be able to secure a higher percentage based on their industry development contributions.
“Clearly production incentives play a vital role in terms of attracting productions but are best leveraged when the entire package is in place: infrastructure, on-the-ground international production expertise, crew depth and ease of doing business,” commented Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture at Neom. “Neom is now in the position to offer this competitive package.”
Meanwhile, the new Neom Media Village and studios space comprise Saudi Arabia’s largest sound stage and film production support facilities. Combined, they have supported 25 productions over the course of the last 18 months, with the first three...
- 9/14/2022
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
Click here to read the full article.
Saudi Arabia’s push to become a major production hub has taken another step forward.
Neom, the coastal region due to be home to a proposed 500 billion megacity, has announced the formal operation opening of its Neom Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, which together comprise Saudi Arabia’s largest sound stages and film production support facilities. Some 25 productions have already been supported there in the last 18 months.
Alongside the opening, Neom has formally announced its 40 percent-plus cash rebate production incentive scheme for feature films, TV (drama, reality, documentaries) and commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their industry development contributions. Although Neom is set to operate as its own semi-autonomous jurisdiction, the 40 percent incentives scheme put it on the same level as that announced by the Saudi Film Commission last year.
“Clearly production incentives play a vital role...
Saudi Arabia’s push to become a major production hub has taken another step forward.
Neom, the coastal region due to be home to a proposed 500 billion megacity, has announced the formal operation opening of its Neom Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, which together comprise Saudi Arabia’s largest sound stages and film production support facilities. Some 25 productions have already been supported there in the last 18 months.
Alongside the opening, Neom has formally announced its 40 percent-plus cash rebate production incentive scheme for feature films, TV (drama, reality, documentaries) and commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their industry development contributions. Although Neom is set to operate as its own semi-autonomous jurisdiction, the 40 percent incentives scheme put it on the same level as that announced by the Saudi Film Commission last year.
“Clearly production incentives play a vital role...
- 9/14/2022
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Some 25 productions have shot in the region in Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
- 9/14/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Some 25 productions have shot in the region in Saudi Arabia over the past 18 months.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
Neom, a futuristic megacity being built in northwestern Saudi Arabia, has announced its anticipated incentive for productions in the region that consists of a cash rebate of at least 40.
The rebate will apply to feature films, TV drama, reality series and documentaries as well as commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their “industry development contributions”.
These contributions include elements such as hiring of local production crew and investment in infrastructure, such as set building that can remain behind for use on future projects.
- 9/14/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
Film Saudi programme aims to grow the kingdom’s creative economy.
The Saudi Film Commission has announced a long-awaited incentive to attract film productions to the kingdom, comprising a cash rebate of 40.
The programme, which operates under the banner Film Saudi, is aimed at encouraging local, regional, and international film producers to base their creative projects in Saudi Arabia.
Announced today in Cannes, the incentives package was first openly discussed in December at the Red Sea International Film Festival where it was revealed that features, documentaries, and animation projects shooting in Saudi Arabia would be eligible for a cash rebate...
The Saudi Film Commission has announced a long-awaited incentive to attract film productions to the kingdom, comprising a cash rebate of 40.
The programme, which operates under the banner Film Saudi, is aimed at encouraging local, regional, and international film producers to base their creative projects in Saudi Arabia.
Announced today in Cannes, the incentives package was first openly discussed in December at the Red Sea International Film Festival where it was revealed that features, documentaries, and animation projects shooting in Saudi Arabia would be eligible for a cash rebate...
- 5/26/2022
- by Michael Rosser
- ScreenDaily
As Saudi Arabia diversifies from an oil-based economy, the kingdom is pinning a significant portion of its hopes of becoming a major media industry hub on Neom, a futuristic megacity in-the-making.
It is where the $100 million seventh century actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star international cast led by “Captain America” star Anthony Mackie, is currently shooting.
Situated along the kingdom’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk, in the northwest of the kingdom, Neom is a sprawling area roughly the size of Belgium that besides coral reefs and heritage sites, also comprises mountains and generally has a cooler temperature than most of the region.
Bankrolled by Saudi-owned Mbc Group, “Desert Warrior” — which stars Saudi-British actor Aiysha Hart (“Mogul Mowgli”) alongside Mackie and is being directed by Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) and produced by Jeremy Bolt (“Resident Evil”) — is the biggest Hollywood-style tentpole ever shot entirely in the Arab world.
It is where the $100 million seventh century actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star international cast led by “Captain America” star Anthony Mackie, is currently shooting.
Situated along the kingdom’s Red Sea coast in Tabuk, in the northwest of the kingdom, Neom is a sprawling area roughly the size of Belgium that besides coral reefs and heritage sites, also comprises mountains and generally has a cooler temperature than most of the region.
Bankrolled by Saudi-owned Mbc Group, “Desert Warrior” — which stars Saudi-British actor Aiysha Hart (“Mogul Mowgli”) alongside Mackie and is being directed by Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) and produced by Jeremy Bolt (“Resident Evil”) — is the biggest Hollywood-style tentpole ever shot entirely in the Arab world.
- 12/9/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
There is huge investment in the Saudi locations infrastructure but what is the reality on the ground?
If you build it, will they come? Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in creating a world-class locations hub. But what is the reality of shooting in this vast country of which little is still known?
Less than four years after it lifted its ban on cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s aim of becoming the Middle East’s foremost filming location seems to be bearing fruit with two major Hollywood movies shooting in the country. The cameras have just started rolling on Thunder Road’s...
If you build it, will they come? Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in creating a world-class locations hub. But what is the reality of shooting in this vast country of which little is still known?
Less than four years after it lifted its ban on cinemas, Saudi Arabia’s aim of becoming the Middle East’s foremost filming location seems to be bearing fruit with two major Hollywood movies shooting in the country. The cameras have just started rolling on Thunder Road’s...
- 12/9/2021
- by Mark Salisbury
- ScreenDaily
As the spread of the new Omicron Covid-19 variant prompts uncertainty around how the winter film festival calendar will play out, two events in the Arab world — the Cairo Film Festival and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea fest — have soldiered on, providing a measure of hope for the global festival circuit.
Cairo, which kicked off Nov. 26 and wrapped on Sunday, has pulled off a successful in-person edition, despite some last-minute industry and talent defections. Several Cairo attendees, including Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux and U.S. producer Lawrence Bender, segued directly from Cairo to Jeddah where the Red Sea fest on Monday held a historic gala opening with no shortage of regional and international stars strutting down the red carpet.
“I’m really happy that we haven’t heard of any [Covid-19] cases — at least not yet,” Cairo chief Mohamed Hefzy told Variety as Cairo came to a close, adding that he hoped things remained that way.
Cairo, which kicked off Nov. 26 and wrapped on Sunday, has pulled off a successful in-person edition, despite some last-minute industry and talent defections. Several Cairo attendees, including Cannes chief Thierry Fremaux and U.S. producer Lawrence Bender, segued directly from Cairo to Jeddah where the Red Sea fest on Monday held a historic gala opening with no shortage of regional and international stars strutting down the red carpet.
“I’m really happy that we haven’t heard of any [Covid-19] cases — at least not yet,” Cairo chief Mohamed Hefzy told Variety as Cairo came to a close, adding that he hoped things remained that way.
- 12/7/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
British director director Rupert Wyatt (“Rise of the Planet of the Apes”) is shooting Saudi Arabia-set actioner “Desert Warrior” featuring a top notch international cast led by “Captain America” star Anthony Mackie and Aiysha Hart.
Mbc Studios, the production arm of prominent Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group, has teamed up with U.S. producer Jeremy Bolt (“Resident Evil”) and Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios on the big-budget period epic set in 7th century Arabia.
Pic, which started filming in September in Neom, a futuristic city being built in the Tabuk province of northwestern Saudi Arabia, is being touted as the kingdom’s first tentpole movie and Saudi-owned Mbc’s biggest production to date. The shoot is expected to continue for three more months, a statement said.
Besides the two leads, the “Desert Warrior” cast also comprises Ben Kingsley, Sharlto Copley (“District 9”) and Ghassan Massoud (“Kingdom of Heaven”).
Zeinab Abu Alsamh,...
Mbc Studios, the production arm of prominent Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group, has teamed up with U.S. producer Jeremy Bolt (“Resident Evil”) and Stuart Ford’s AGC Studios on the big-budget period epic set in 7th century Arabia.
Pic, which started filming in September in Neom, a futuristic city being built in the Tabuk province of northwestern Saudi Arabia, is being touted as the kingdom’s first tentpole movie and Saudi-owned Mbc’s biggest production to date. The shoot is expected to continue for three more months, a statement said.
Besides the two leads, the “Desert Warrior” cast also comprises Ben Kingsley, Sharlto Copley (“District 9”) and Ghassan Massoud (“Kingdom of Heaven”).
Zeinab Abu Alsamh,...
- 11/15/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Production is underway on Desert Warrior, an action packed epic feature set in 7th Century Arabia. Anthony Mackie stars with Aiysha Hart, Sharlto Copley, Ghassan Massoud, Sami Bouajila, Lamis Ammar, Géza Röhrig, and Sir Ben Kingsley. The film is shooting in Neom and Tabuk in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The script is by Wyatt, Erica Beeney, David Self, and Gary Ross.
Mbc Studios, Jb Pictures and AGC Studios are teamed on the film, the first tentpole-sized picture to be shot at Neom.
It’s 7th century, when Arabia is made up of rival, feuding tribes, disunited and forever at each other’s throats. Emperor Kisra (Kingsley) has a fearsome reputation for being utterly ruthless. But when the Arabian Princess Hind (Hart) refuses to become the emperor’s concubine, the stage is set for an epic confrontation. It is a battle that, by its conclusion, will have changed the...
Mbc Studios, Jb Pictures and AGC Studios are teamed on the film, the first tentpole-sized picture to be shot at Neom.
It’s 7th century, when Arabia is made up of rival, feuding tribes, disunited and forever at each other’s throats. Emperor Kisra (Kingsley) has a fearsome reputation for being utterly ruthless. But when the Arabian Princess Hind (Hart) refuses to become the emperor’s concubine, the stage is set for an epic confrontation. It is a battle that, by its conclusion, will have changed the...
- 11/15/2021
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
More than 1,500 film professionals are already accredited for the Venice Production Bridge, which will run Sept. 2-10, and interest in new projects being unveiled is running high.
Pascal Diot, chief of the informal Venice market, said roughly 800 meetings have already been booked between producers and sales agents pertaining to the 30 projects — including seven docs — being unveiled at the Venice Gap Financing Market. Those projects must have at least 70% of their funding in place.
At this stage, the feature film project sparking most interest is female empowerment drama “The Year I Started Masturbating,” by Swedish filmmaker Erika Wasserman. Pic turns on an ambitious young woman and mother named Hanna who is unexpectedly dumped by her partner. She wants to win him back, but instead learns to win something much more important: love and desire for herself and who she is.
Another project eliciting interest at the Venice market is Swiss-Egyptian director...
Pascal Diot, chief of the informal Venice market, said roughly 800 meetings have already been booked between producers and sales agents pertaining to the 30 projects — including seven docs — being unveiled at the Venice Gap Financing Market. Those projects must have at least 70% of their funding in place.
At this stage, the feature film project sparking most interest is female empowerment drama “The Year I Started Masturbating,” by Swedish filmmaker Erika Wasserman. Pic turns on an ambitious young woman and mother named Hanna who is unexpectedly dumped by her partner. She wants to win him back, but instead learns to win something much more important: love and desire for herself and who she is.
Another project eliciting interest at the Venice market is Swiss-Egyptian director...
- 9/2/2021
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Spa president and Wildbear Entertainment managing director Michael Tear.
Ed Punchard, John Hughes, Jenni Tosi, Dan Read, Rebecca Summerton, Tracey Vieira and Suzanne Ryan will join the Screen Producers Australia (Spa) council for 2019-2020.
The new councillors were confirmed at Spa’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney on Friday.
Wildbear Entertainment managing director Michael Tear continues as president and Studio 100 International/Flying Bark Productions’ Barbara Stephen as vice president. Outgoing members including Marcus Gillezeau, Sean Meltzer, Wayne Borg and Tanya Cambers.
The council is designed to be comprised of producer members from across the feature film, television, documentary, immersive media and animation sectors, as well as members from service and facilities businesses.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected Councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our Councillors serve a vital role,...
Ed Punchard, John Hughes, Jenni Tosi, Dan Read, Rebecca Summerton, Tracey Vieira and Suzanne Ryan will join the Screen Producers Australia (Spa) council for 2019-2020.
The new councillors were confirmed at Spa’s Annual General Meeting in Sydney on Friday.
Wildbear Entertainment managing director Michael Tear continues as president and Studio 100 International/Flying Bark Productions’ Barbara Stephen as vice president. Outgoing members including Marcus Gillezeau, Sean Meltzer, Wayne Borg and Tanya Cambers.
The council is designed to be comprised of producer members from across the feature film, television, documentary, immersive media and animation sectors, as well as members from service and facilities businesses.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected Councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our Councillors serve a vital role,...
- 11/3/2019
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
Wayne Borg, who has headed the Fox Studios Australia operations in Sydney for the past four years, has been appointed president and general manager of studios at New Fox. He will relocate from Australia to Los Angeles.
Fox Studios Australia, which is to remain part of 21st Century Fox and will become part of Disney following the yet-to-be completed merger, has picked an interim managing director. It has not made the appointment public, but Australian local media sources have named him as John Hughes, head of commercial and operations.
Under the plans announced in December 2017 by 21st Century Fox executive chairman, Rupert Murdoch, 21st Century Fox will be sold to Disney in a deal then valued at $69 billion. The transaction is currently expected to close in March 2019.
Murdoch will also create a “New Fox” company which retains a portfolio of news, sports and broadcast businesses, including Fox News Channel, Fox Broadcasting...
Fox Studios Australia, which is to remain part of 21st Century Fox and will become part of Disney following the yet-to-be completed merger, has picked an interim managing director. It has not made the appointment public, but Australian local media sources have named him as John Hughes, head of commercial and operations.
Under the plans announced in December 2017 by 21st Century Fox executive chairman, Rupert Murdoch, 21st Century Fox will be sold to Disney in a deal then valued at $69 billion. The transaction is currently expected to close in March 2019.
Murdoch will also create a “New Fox” company which retains a portfolio of news, sports and broadcast businesses, including Fox News Channel, Fox Broadcasting...
- 2/19/2019
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
Wayne Borg (r) with Warner Bros’ Bill Draper (Photo credit: Ausfilm)
After running Fox Studios Australia for five years Wayne Borg has moved to Los Angeles to take charge of worldwide studio operations at 21st Century Fox.
Borg has been appointed as president and general manager, studio operations at Fox, one of the divisions which Disney is acquiring in a $US71 billion deal with Rupert Murdoch’s company.
The Fox-Disney deal is expected to close in early March. Thereafter Disney will reveal which Fox staffers will be offered positions at the enlarged company; the rest will be offered redundancy.
John Hughes, head of commercial and operations at the studios, has been named as acting MD. Hughes will provide “great leadership as the company transitions over the coming months to the Disney organisation,” Borg said in a note to stakeholders.
Borg added: “I want to thank you for all your support...
After running Fox Studios Australia for five years Wayne Borg has moved to Los Angeles to take charge of worldwide studio operations at 21st Century Fox.
Borg has been appointed as president and general manager, studio operations at Fox, one of the divisions which Disney is acquiring in a $US71 billion deal with Rupert Murdoch’s company.
The Fox-Disney deal is expected to close in early March. Thereafter Disney will reveal which Fox staffers will be offered positions at the enlarged company; the rest will be offered redundancy.
John Hughes, head of commercial and operations at the studios, has been named as acting MD. Hughes will provide “great leadership as the company transitions over the coming months to the Disney organisation,” Borg said in a note to stakeholders.
Borg added: “I want to thank you for all your support...
- 2/14/2019
- by The IF Team
- IF.com.au
Barbara Stephen.
Flying Bark managing director Barbara Stephen is the new vice president of the Screen Producers Australia Council, succeeding Tania Chambers who remains on as a councillor.
Fremantle’s head business and legal affairs Amy Noble also joins the council as a new member, while Janelle Landers, president Wbmc has departed.
Spa held its annual general meeting yesterday in Sydney.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our councillors are well recognised through the breadth and depth of their experience, achievements and contributions. I particularly recognise and pay tribute to all our office bearers past and present and our over 500 members who ensure our organisation is successful and our industry co-ordinates its industrial and government policy work for maximum impact.
Flying Bark managing director Barbara Stephen is the new vice president of the Screen Producers Australia Council, succeeding Tania Chambers who remains on as a councillor.
Fremantle’s head business and legal affairs Amy Noble also joins the council as a new member, while Janelle Landers, president Wbmc has departed.
Spa held its annual general meeting yesterday in Sydney.
“We’re pleased to announce the newly elected councillors who represent a significant cross section of the production industry in Australia across a wide range of genres, geographical areas and businesses structures,” said Spa CEO Matthew Deaner.
“Our councillors are well recognised through the breadth and depth of their experience, achievements and contributions. I particularly recognise and pay tribute to all our office bearers past and present and our over 500 members who ensure our organisation is successful and our industry co-ordinates its industrial and government policy work for maximum impact.
- 10/31/2018
- by jkeast
- IF.com.au
The $140m incentive is intended to draw in at least $260m in foreign investment to the local economy.
Fox Studios Australia is working on plans to expand its Sydney facility following the creation of a $140m Location Incentive Fund, confirmed Wayne Borg, managing director of the studios in Cannes on Saturday.
The extra money, which will be delivered over four years from 2019-23, is intended to draw in at least $260 million in foreign investment to the local economy. In practice, this will mean the present location incentive, a tax offset of 16.5%, will almost double to 30%. The incentive will be available...
Fox Studios Australia is working on plans to expand its Sydney facility following the creation of a $140m Location Incentive Fund, confirmed Wayne Borg, managing director of the studios in Cannes on Saturday.
The extra money, which will be delivered over four years from 2019-23, is intended to draw in at least $260 million in foreign investment to the local economy. In practice, this will mean the present location incentive, a tax offset of 16.5%, will almost double to 30%. The incentive will be available...
- 5/13/2018
- by Geoffrey Macnab
- ScreenDaily
(L-r) Pam Collis, Antony Szeto, Juju Chan, Janice Eymann, Wayne Borg,Tony Cheng and Kent Chen.
Chinese/American actress Juju Chan, hailed as a female Bruce Lee by her fans, is in negotiations to play the lead role in Pepper, an action-thriller scripted by Janice Eymann.
Australian-born, Hong Kong-based director/actor/producer Antony Szeto is set to direct the film, the saga of a secret agent who comes to Far North Queensland in search of her missing brother, a fellow agent.
Eymann and fellow producers Pam Collis and Paul O.Kane are developing the project with Tony Cheng, the chairman of Beijing Tong Fa Group, and Kent Chen, the group.s director/general manager. .
The aim is to shoot the film next year, possibly as a Chinese-Australian co-production, which would benefit from the favorable terms of releasing Chinese films in mainland cinemas.
Juju.s credits include Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon:...
Chinese/American actress Juju Chan, hailed as a female Bruce Lee by her fans, is in negotiations to play the lead role in Pepper, an action-thriller scripted by Janice Eymann.
Australian-born, Hong Kong-based director/actor/producer Antony Szeto is set to direct the film, the saga of a secret agent who comes to Far North Queensland in search of her missing brother, a fellow agent.
Eymann and fellow producers Pam Collis and Paul O.Kane are developing the project with Tony Cheng, the chairman of Beijing Tong Fa Group, and Kent Chen, the group.s director/general manager. .
The aim is to shoot the film next year, possibly as a Chinese-Australian co-production, which would benefit from the favorable terms of releasing Chinese films in mainland cinemas.
Juju.s credits include Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon:...
- 7/10/2017
- by Don Groves
- IF.com.au
Peter Scarlet is leaving Abu Dhabi Ff immediately and will be replaced by Fest colleague Ali Al Jabri, who has been declared the new festival director. Jabri was previously the director of the festival's Emirates Film Competition and has worked recently closely with Scarlet. Jabri will now run the festival for Abu Dhabi corporate media hub TwoFour54. He has been with the festival for five years and worked closely with Scarlet. The news comes after industry buzz last week that Scarlet had decided to quit - and other rumors that he had been fired.
Two of the three important Middle Eastern film festivals (Doha/ Tribeca and Abu Dhabi) seem to be taking the now developed festivals into their own hands rather than allowing outsiders to determine their future. This is what I heard from a source at Doha which is also rumored to be separating from Tribeca and Geoff Gilmore's "leadership". Dubai has always been in the hands of its native sons and daughters. It is interesting to note that the Dutch have also kept on the inside track for all of these festivals.
What Scarlet will do next has not been announced. Scarlet had left his role as creative director of the Tribeca Film Festival in early 2009, then served for a year as the director general of the Cinematheque Francaise, and then took over the Abu Dhabi fest. Before his seven years at Tribeca, he ran the San Francisco International Film Festival for 20 years.
The Festival is scheduled to take place in the emirate Oct. 11-20 this year. The Adff launched in 2007 with the goal of helping to create a vibrant film culture throughout the Mideast region. This year, it came under the control of TwoFour54, the government-backed media and creative industries hub in the Emirate, which has attracted media and entertainment companies to make Abu Dhabi a player in the industry and a key place for Hollywood companies looking for a presence or production location in the Persian Gulf region. That new situation perhaps led to Scarlet's leaving, although the festival didn't mention any conflicts between the management of TwoFour54 and Scarlet.
"The move to TwoFour54 is a positive for both organizations as they work to showcase regional and international cinema, support the development of emerging Arab cinema, Arabic media and entertainment content to establish Abu Dhabi as an international center of excellence," TwoFour54 said in announcing the news.
Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, said: “Today is a very important milestone in the event’s history. Ali has been instrumental in developing the Emirates Film Competition, and we are sure he will bring the same level of passion and enthusiasm to his new role.”
Jabrias the new festival director said he was "proud and excited about the new role,” adding: “This shows the tremendous opportunities that are now opening up in the media industry for United Arab Emirates nationals, and I hope that I can encourage a new generation to want to be a part of such an exciting industry as we position Abu Dhabi as a creative hub for film production in the region.
Wayne Borg, deputy CEO and COO of TwoFour54, during the Cannes Film Festival in May unveiled a 30 percent production tax rebate program, which starts in September and makes the emirate the first location offering such incentives in the region. The hub in Cannes also announced that Digital Domain would open a studio in Abu Dhabi.
Two of the three important Middle Eastern film festivals (Doha/ Tribeca and Abu Dhabi) seem to be taking the now developed festivals into their own hands rather than allowing outsiders to determine their future. This is what I heard from a source at Doha which is also rumored to be separating from Tribeca and Geoff Gilmore's "leadership". Dubai has always been in the hands of its native sons and daughters. It is interesting to note that the Dutch have also kept on the inside track for all of these festivals.
What Scarlet will do next has not been announced. Scarlet had left his role as creative director of the Tribeca Film Festival in early 2009, then served for a year as the director general of the Cinematheque Francaise, and then took over the Abu Dhabi fest. Before his seven years at Tribeca, he ran the San Francisco International Film Festival for 20 years.
The Festival is scheduled to take place in the emirate Oct. 11-20 this year. The Adff launched in 2007 with the goal of helping to create a vibrant film culture throughout the Mideast region. This year, it came under the control of TwoFour54, the government-backed media and creative industries hub in the Emirate, which has attracted media and entertainment companies to make Abu Dhabi a player in the industry and a key place for Hollywood companies looking for a presence or production location in the Persian Gulf region. That new situation perhaps led to Scarlet's leaving, although the festival didn't mention any conflicts between the management of TwoFour54 and Scarlet.
"The move to TwoFour54 is a positive for both organizations as they work to showcase regional and international cinema, support the development of emerging Arab cinema, Arabic media and entertainment content to establish Abu Dhabi as an international center of excellence," TwoFour54 said in announcing the news.
Noura Al Kaabi, CEO of twofour54, said: “Today is a very important milestone in the event’s history. Ali has been instrumental in developing the Emirates Film Competition, and we are sure he will bring the same level of passion and enthusiasm to his new role.”
Jabrias the new festival director said he was "proud and excited about the new role,” adding: “This shows the tremendous opportunities that are now opening up in the media industry for United Arab Emirates nationals, and I hope that I can encourage a new generation to want to be a part of such an exciting industry as we position Abu Dhabi as a creative hub for film production in the region.
Wayne Borg, deputy CEO and COO of TwoFour54, during the Cannes Film Festival in May unveiled a 30 percent production tax rebate program, which starts in September and makes the emirate the first location offering such incentives in the region. The hub in Cannes also announced that Digital Domain would open a studio in Abu Dhabi.
- 8/9/2012
- by Sydney Levine, Peter Belsito
- Sydney's Buzz
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