Neom’s media boss delineates plans for 2024

Neom’s media boss delineates plans for 2024

NEOM Studios, within a span of less than two years, has emerged as a prominent global production destination and industry hub for film and TV, transcending its influence beyond the Middle East and North Africa.

The Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, both interim facilities until the completion of the expansive 50-stage media hub within The Line, Neom's sustainable smart city project, have collectively hosted 35 productions.

 

Neom offers a sustainable media hub: Wayne Borg

 

Wayne Borg, the Managing Director for Media Industries, Entertainment, and Culture at Neom, highlights the rapid progress achieved in various sectors of the industry, attracting international executives impressed by the tangible results.

Leveraging Saudi Arabia's 40% cash rebate incentive, Neom has successfully hosted notable productions such as Rupert Wyatt's feature "Desert Warrior," the first Bollywood production "Dunki," and the acclaimed local feature "Within Sand." The 10-part fantasy series "Rise Of The Witches" and Abu Bakr Shawky's camel racing epic "Hajjan" further underscore Neom's impact as a thriving production hub. The current lineup includes the drama series "Exceptional" and the Saudi feature "Hobal," with upcoming projects like the historical drama "Antara" and Terry George's "Riverman."

 

Neom Media Industries named as Principal Sponsor for Red Sea International Film Festival

 

Neom's facilities, including Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, are expanding with additional soundstages and production support facilities. The Media Village will introduce a 1,200sqm virtual production stage in the second quarter of the upcoming year. Bajdah Desert Studios, with its impressive backlot and multiple soundstages, aims to enhance Neom's stage capacity to 10. The unique appeal of the Bajdah site lies in its combination of expansive locations and top-notch facilities, creating a compelling environment akin to a desert resort.

 

Neom offers a unique place for media, gaming and film production

 

Accommodating cast and crew, Neom presently provides 350 units across both sites, with an additional 200 units expected by mid-2024. Beyond its facilities, Neom boasts approximately a thousand hotel rooms within a 45-minute radius, ranging from five-star to three-star accommodations. Looking ahead, Neom aims to elevate its post-production and visual effects capabilities, evolving into a comprehensive, high-end facility within the next two to three years. This ambitious vision aligns with the broader goal of establishing an expansive media hub on The Line, covering over 1 million square meters and featuring 50 stages in a fully integrated creative campus. The objective is to pioneer a forward-looking offering for the future of the media and creative industries.

Source: https://www.screendaily.com/