As a seasoned film enthusiast with a soft spot for the Middle East and its burgeoning cinematic scene, I am nothing short of thrilled about the new chapter being penned at Film AlUla under the stewardship of Zaid Shaker. With over two decades of experience in the film, tourism, and creative industries, this dynamic executive is poised to take Film AlUla to unprecedented heights.
Zaid Shaker can’t wait for what’s coming next. As the temporary Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, he’s eager to further develop AlUla’s aim to establish itself as a significant international center for film production and creative industries in Northwest Arabia, following in the footsteps of Charlene Deleon-Jones.
We’re nearly ready to finalize significant agreements for projects, and we’re currently negotiating with various studios and productions regarding their future plans. We’ll reveal these developments at an appropriate time.” This is a paraphrased version of the original statement that aims to be more conversational and easier to understand.
Additionally, we will persist in backing films through our programs. These initiatives involve a collaborative effort with the Red Sea Film Fund, aiming to offer grants. This collaboration benefits filmmakers from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region by providing them with financial aid for production and enabling them to shoot part of their films in AlUla.
Prior to assuming his present position, Shaker significantly contributed to designing Film AlUla’s strategic blueprint. Serving as the head of strategy and performance management, he ensured the agency executed its strategies effectively by implementing initiatives aimed at enhancing both short-term productivity and long-term success. With a background of 20 years in film, tourism, and creative industries, Shaker has experience working with organizations like PwC, Chemonics, Abt Associates, Global Communities, and Jordan’s Royal Film Commission.
As the chance presented itself to take on this position, I felt thrilled to have the chance to help shape our company’s future,” the executive explained further. “This is a significant milestone for us, as our newly constructed studios are set to debut towards the end of this year.
During Shaker’s tenure, one of the most significant tasks was to further enhance Film AlUla’s reputation as a premier location for film productions and a cutting-edge creative center. The remarkable amenities already provided include two large soundstages spanning 26,000 square feet each, a building dedicated to hair and makeup rooms, wardrobe facilities, offices, boardrooms, and dressing rooms. Moreover, the facility boasts workshops of 15,400 square feet for each stage, parking areas for RVs on each stage, an administrative building, a recording studio for sound, a kitchen and event space, and a backlot of 61,500 square feet for temporary infrastructure and set construction.
More recently, Film AlUla has made a notable move beyond just filmmaking by launching a recording studio, complete with a control room and rehearsal spaces for musicians and choirs. This new facility will be utilized for rehearsals, production of film scores, music videos, and orchestral work. Additionally, the agency is looking to expand its film studios over the next two years.
As a resident of AlUla, I’m thrilled to be part of this extraordinary journey. While AlUla has always been renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and unique travel experiences, we are taking it to the next level. We’re building cutting-edge filming facilities, opening up opportunities for a whole new wave of productions. The excitement for growth here is palpable, and I can’t wait to see what the future holds.
Ever since its debut in 2020, Film AlUla has been a bustling hub of film production, particularly after Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year ban on cinemas in 2017 and started to emerge as a significant player in the film industry. Over the past three years, it has attracted numerous productions, including high-profile projects like “Kandahar,” directed by Ric Roman Waugh and starring Gerard Butler, as well as “Cherry” with Tom Holland in the lead role, directed by the Russo brothers. Notably, “Norah” marked the first Saudi feature film to be filmed at AlUla and boasted an all-Saudi cast and a production crew that was more than 40% Saudi.
Norah” signified a significant milestone in Saudi cinema history as it became the first Saudi film ever showcased at the Cannes Film Festival. Regarding festive appearances, Shaker expressed his excitement about the premiere of American artist Anderson .Paak’s debut movie “K-PopS” at the Toronto Film Festival. This movie, which was partially filmed in AlUla, represents another prestigious festival appearance for the agency.
This truly showcases our commitment as a hub for film, and it’s a moment of immense pride for us. ‘K-POPS’ and ‘Norah’, two unique films by exceptional directors, have discovered inspiration and backing in AlUla. From a commercial standpoint, it underscores both our ambition and our potential that we’ve contributed to such remarkable projects. It’s essential for us to have concrete evidence of our achievements and, naturally, for others to witness the greatness that can be accomplished when they collaborate with us.
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2024-09-07 20:18