The Saudi Film Commission has unveiled a new a state-of-the-art production complex in the capital city of Riyadh that will complete construction later this year.
The sprawling facility, which is called Jax Film Studios and located in the heart of Riyadh, will feature two 16,000-square-foot sound stages as well as a virtual production stage equipped with Sony’s latest LED screen technology.
The new Saudi studios also include a private screening room, reception and meeting spaces, production prep areas, dining zones, and a dedicated VIP lounge.
Jax Film Studios, which were unveiled at the Cannes Film Festival, will “offer immediate access to the capital’s five-star hotels, international airport, high-end dining, and a growing ecosystem of creative and technical talent,” according to a statement. “Within a 20-minute radius, filmmakers can access everything required to support their work, from local crews to post-production services,” it added.
“Jax Film Studios represents a cornerstone in our strategy to develop a world-class film infrastructure in Saudi Arabia,” said Abdullah Al-Qahtani, CEO of the Saudi Film Commission, in the statement.
“As we become one of the region’s premier production hubs, this facility is built to meet the highest international standards – empowering local creatives while attracting global talent,” he noted.
Commented Abduljalil Alnasser, general manager of sector development and investment attraction at the Saudi Film Commission: “With Jax Film Studios, we are introducing one of the world’s most advanced and largest virtual production stages, powered by Sony’s latest innovations, unlocking limitless creative possibilities.”
The new Saudi studios announcement follows news earlier this month that Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla – the film commission for the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia that comprises a lush oasis and vast sandstone canyons – signed a deal with The MBS Group, which comprises Manhattan Beach Studios – home to James Cameron’s “Avatar” sequels – that will exclusively manage and operate their state-of-the-art AlUla Studios. Neom, which is the site of Saudi’s futuristic city in the making, also has spanking new film production facilities.
Saudi Arabia offers a 40%-plus cash rebate on international film and TV productions.
Ever since it lifted its 35-year-old religion-related ban on cinema in 2017, Saudi has been experiencing a boom in all aspects of film industry activity, becoming the Middle East and North Africa’s top-grossing territory in terms of theatrical box office returns. Attracting international film and TV productions is clearly a key part of this government-driven effort.
variety.com
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