Filmworks and Dubai Studio City Ink MoU for land lease

Filmworks will consolidate its current facilities in Al Quoz and Dubai Media City and shift them to the new base to be built in the Dubai Studio City cluster within the Dubailand complex.

"The Dubai Studio City initiative promises to galvanise the production industry in Dubai and the region," said Tim Smythe, CEO of Filmworks. "We are keen to support this initiative by creating a one-stop-shop for film production services. Our venture in Dubai Studio City will comprise of a big studio complex housing a number of independent companies that can complement each other. It will also have a dividable sound stage / studio built to international specifications. At present, we are negotiating with partner companies to finalise overall capacity and size," he added.

"We in the industry believe Dubai Studio City will provide the perfect impetus for the development of Dubai as a destination for film production" said Smythe. "We expect Dubai Studio City to create new opportunities and harness new synergies in the industry," he added.

Dubai Studio City, announced on February 20, 2005, offers a complete technical and community infrastructure for companies from the film, TV and music production industry to flourish. The latest initiative of Dubai Holding, Dubai Studio City, aims to build a large cluster of companies from across the industry value-chain. The infrastructure for the first phase of the project will be completed by the first quarter of 2006. Companies can build their own studios and facilities in custom-sized plots in the City.

Apart from world-class technical infrastructure, Dubai Studio City will provide support services such as location management services and a business center for freelancers.

"We are delighted to welcome Filmworks to Dubai Studio City," said Dr. Amina Al Rustamani, Director of Dubai Studio City. "The company has been at the forefront of developing Dubai's film and TV production industry. Its efforts have contributed immensely in creating interest in Dubai as an international production location. Filmworks will add tremendous value to the Dubai Studio City cluster," she added.

Recently, Filmworks was commissioned by Warner Brothers (WB) to facilitate the production of the feature film "Syriana", starring George Clooney and Matt Damon. Warner Brothers chose Filmworks to produce the Dubai leg after a lengthy evaluation process. Production of the Dubai leg of the film started in October, 2004. A local cast of over 1000 extras were featured in the film.

Filmworks has just started pre-production on a new Egyptian feature film to be shot in Dubai, starring the popular actor Adel Imam.