Dubai Studio City to build the largest sound stage in the region

To be built according high global standards, the first phase, with three sound stages, will create the nucleus of Dubai Studio City's massive production infrastructure. Phase I will also accommodate a range of facilities including a backlot, warehouses, workshops, and commercial and support offices.

Two sound stages, each providing 25,295 sq. ft of sound-proofed studio space are expected to be ready by Q1 2008 while the third sound stage providing 15,500 sq. ft. of space will be developed by Q4 2007. The two larger stages can be connected with large elephant doors to create a 50,000 sq. ft stage.

With redundant power and cooling, complete catwalk and rigging facilities, elephant doors to loading and unloading bays, attached support offices and warehouse and workshop facilities, the sound stages are equipped to meet the requirements of the most demanding big-budget productions.

Phase I of the infrastructure forms part of Dubai Studio City's core production area that will eventually have 14 sound stages ranging from 15,000 sq ft. to 50,000 sq ft.

Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Executive Director of Media for TECOM Investments said:

"Dubai Studio City's sound stage complex forms part of an infrastructure that is one of the critical building blocks for a vibrant film and television industry in Dubai. By combining it with support services, commercial, residential and educational facilities, Dubai Studio City will provide a unique one-stop-shop offering for film and broadcast companies."

Dubai Studio City's large production infrastructure responds to the surging interest from Hollywood, Bollywood and regional film centres in using Dubai as a shooting location and production base. The annual Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) has focused attention on Dubai's advantages as a film location while the expansion of Dubai Media City's broadcast community has created a huge need for studio facilities. Over 150 channels are looking for the right infrastructure to diversify their programming in response to viewer demand.

Dubai Studio City is creating a comprehensive range of infrastructure and services to respond to this huge demand. Part of the offering is the Location Approval Services (LAS) that facilitate all production and filming approvals, and provide location scouting, quick access to talent, processing of visas, airline bookings and affordable accommodation for crews. In 2006, DSC provided Location Approval Services to 28 film productions.

More than 25 companies from Egypt, Lebanon, India and the US have been licensed in 2006 to join Dubai Studio City. The increasing interest is testimony to the industry's confidence in Dubai Studio City's ability to provide a world-class infrastructure and quality ancillary services.

Launched in February 2005, Dubai Studio City aims to build a huge cluster of companies from across the film, broadcast and music production value-chain.

These include production companies, support service providers offering production and post-production facilities, animation studios and services like dubbing, makeup, costume designing, stage designing and building, casting, telnet agencies as well as telecine and lab facilities.

Dubai Studio City will house a film and television academy, entertainment and retail spaces, and hotels and residential facilities.

Dubai Studio City's offering has been designed not just to attract big-budget production ventures but also to support the fledgling local film industry that is increasingly making its presence felt.