As a seasoned movie buff with a penchant for tracking filming locations across the globe, I can’t help but feel a surge of excitement upon hearing about Abu Dhabi’s enhanced incentives for film and TV productions. Having witnessed the stunning visuals of “Dune,” “Star Wars,” and “Fast and Furious” unfold on screen, it’s fascinating to imagine the behind-the-scenes magic that transformed Abu Dhabi into these iconic landscapes.
As I traverse the bustling realm of global cinema, it’s evident that Abu Dhabi, a beacon in the Middle East, is elevating its incentives for film and television productions. Amidst the vibrant Mipcom TV market, this dynamic city is subtly wooing more creative ventures to its capital and surrounding territories of the United Arab Emirates, eager to expand its role as a premier hub for both Hollywood and Bollywood magic.
The Abu Dhabi Film Commission has revealed plans to boost their current 30% rebate to over 35%, starting in January 2025, on eligible below-the-line expenditures. This is an initial action within a larger strategy aimed at improving various aspects of the creative sectors across Abu Dhabi’s capital, stated Mohamed Dobay, acting director general of the Creative Media Authority (CMA), which governs the film commission. He explained that this move aims to make Abu Dhabi an even more appealing destination for a flourishing film industry.
In a recent conversation with EbMaster, Dobai stated that twofour54 Studios, Abu Dhabi’s world-class studio facility previously announced, which features soundstages, an exterior water tank, and six adaptable standing sets, will be completed within the next year. Additionally, they are considering expanding their team, as there are over 1,000 freelancers licensed by the CMA to work in production.
Beginning in 2013, Abu Dhabi introduced a groundbreaking rebate program that simplified paperwork and offered logistical aid. This initiative has since backed over 150 film projects, serving as an exterior setting for various Hollywood franchises like “Dune,” “Star Wars,” and “Fast and Furious.” In addition to hosting Hollywood productions, the city and its surrounding Liwa desert and oasis have also lured Bollywood blockbusters such as “Bharat” and “Tiger Zinda Hai.
In economic terms, the money allocated for the rebate over the last ten years has had approximately three times its value in impact on our economy, according to Sameer Al Jaberi, head of Abu Dhabi Film Commission. He further explained that this investment not only stimulated local media production but also served as a magnet for Hollywood and Bollywood film productions, which in turn benefited the tourism sector.
Al Jaberi mentioned that specifics about the enhanced rebate, including its exact percentage and whether there will be a limit, will be revealed as we approach the start date of January 1, 2025.
The strong delegation from Abu Dhabi, who have traveled to Mipcom, includes Dobai, Al Jaberi, high-ranking officials from twofour54 Abu Dhabi, a state-owned media and production company, as well as other collaborative partners in the media industry.
Dobai and Al Jaberi emphasized that, despite heightened security concerns because of escalating tensions in the region, Abu Dhabi continues to hold its position as one of the world’s safest cities, according to various reports. They mentioned that numerous film productions, both regional and international, are being filmed there at present, although they did not name any particular projects due to confidentiality agreements.
The latest movie project from Hollywood, titled “Dune: Part Two,” was recently announced. This film has been filming for nearly a month in the Liwa Oasis, which serves as a significant part of the barren desert planet Arrakis’s landscape, a place teeming with colossal sandworms.
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2024-10-21 11:16