Dubai Studio City invests AED1.2 billion in phase one

In an on-site meeting arranged for business partners and media, Dubai Studio City revealed 78 per cent of the infrastructure is already in place and the rest will be completed by year end.

Phase one of Dubai Studio City will feature 18 boutique studios, three mega sound stages, four six-level office buildings, a 15-storey tower, retail area, a warehouse and a workshop.

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

"The development we witness today is a testimony to our commitment to provide the local and international media communities with a reliable infrastructure that fulfils their creative and operational requirements. Guided by the clear understanding of various film and broadcast media requirements, DSC will have an enabling environment which maximises opportunities for these businesses."

"Dubai Studio City is determined to play a positive role in diversifying Dubai's economy by creating a unique cluster for the film and broadcast media. Although we aim to attract international production organisations, we would like to assure you that local talents will not be overlooked. Our optimum goal is to lay the foundation to enable a UAE film industry to grow and flourish. Fledgling film makers, as well as mega production companies will find Dubai Studio City the ideal location."

The event also marked DSC's Location Approval Services (LAS) department's completion of two years in operation. LAS is the dedicated operational arm of Dubai Studio City, mandated with facilitating government permits for all photography and filming activities in Dubai. It also offers a full bouquet of enabling services including location scouting, access to talent and weather forecasts, as well as arranging visas, travel and accommodation. LAS has supported around 400 production projects since its inception in 2005.

Jamal Al Sharif, Director of Dubai Studio City, said: "We are investing in developing state of the art facilities to help our partners proceed with their operations in a smooth and effective manner. Best global standards are being followed to ensure our offering matches industry requirements.

"More than 40 companies have been licensed by DSC so far, while eight more are in the negotiation stage. The increasing interest is a testimony to the industry's confidence in Dubai's ability to provide a world-class infrastructure and quality ancillary services."

Construction work at phase one of DSC's core production area is scheduled to start in June 2007. This will include three sound stages, starting with a 15,500 sq. ft. studio which will be ready by Q2 2008. The other two sound stages will provide each 25,295 sq. ft of sound-proofed studio space. These are expected to be ready by Q3 2008. The three studios will be supported by similar size of office space totalling 65,000 sq. ft. to cater administration and operational requirements to sustain production activities.

The two larger stages can be connected with large elephant doors to create a 50,000 sq. ft stage. They will be equipped to meet the requirements of the most demanding big-budget productions.

Building operations starting in June will also include a 130,000 sq ft warehouse dedicated to production companies to store their materials and equipment. A similar 130,000 sq ft. area will also be allocated for a workshop for producing interior and exterior decorations and shooting locations sets.

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.