(From Maverickeye)
As negotiations continue to develop at the FILMART 2016, another delegation joins in and heads to Hong Kong as well. Dubai has attracted increasing numbers of international big budget films including Kung Fu Yoga and Star Trek Beyond over the past year. This is because of its iconic locations, cutting-edge infrastructure, and world-class facilities, particularly the high-tech Sound Stages of DSC. This week, Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC), Dubai Studio City (DSC), and Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) will showcase the emirate’s success as it becomes Middle East’s leading production hub to an international audience.
According to Chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission Jamal Al Sharif, “We have seen a significant increase in the number of productions selecting Dubai as a filming location since 2012. Dubai offers a serious competitive edge over its contemporaries in the region – the emirate is one of the best connected cities in the world thanks to its robust infrastructure and well-connected airlines, providing easy access for crews.”
“DFTC and DSC together serve as a one-stop shop for producers, crew and filmmakers to ensure a seamless filming experience in Dubai, and works to support the development of a sustainable media industry. Dubai is now capable of accommodating productions of all sizes, providing easy access for crew through visa facilitation, driving cost savings across all areas of production via unique incentives and ensuring speedy and efficient filming procedures across Dubai,” he added.
DIFF Managing Director Shivani Pandya also commented, “We have witnessed incredible growth of the cinema industry in the Middle East and the UAE is now recognised as one of the Middle East’s leading production hubs. Initiatives like the Dubai Film Market at DIFF, which brings together expertise from around the world with the best local talent, are an important contributing factor to this growth. Filmart is one of Asia’s most respected markets and through our involvement; we hope to create even stronger connections between the Asian and Arab film worlds ahead of the next DFM at DIFF this December.”
The Dubai delegation is a great addition to Asia’s largest entertainment market that certainly deserves international recognition; but the Hong Kong FILMART is not over yet. So, expect more exhibits of films and digital entertainment among other things.