Changes Unveiled in Abu Dhabi TV, Film Initiatives

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ABU DHABI: Media Zone Authority—Abu Dhabi (MZA) is streamlining its content investment initiatives, with Image Nation Abu Dhabi set to take the lead in supporting TV and film projects from the Emirate.

MZA was established in 2007 to position Abu Dhabi as a Middle Eastern media and content hub. With this realignment, Image Nation Abu Dhabi will be the only platform through which MZA provides support for Emirati and Arab film productions. This support was previously split between Image Nation Abu Dhabi and SANAD Film Fund. As previously announced, Image Nation has committed to investing AED 400 million ($109 million) in the local film and TV industry over a five-year period. Its TV slate includes the legal series Qalb Al Adala. It is also a partner in Quest Arabiya with Discovery Communications.

Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) will continue to offer a 30 percent rebate to attract regional and international productions to the Emirate. At twofour54, the focus will continue to be on developing infrastructure and local talent.

“Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a film and television production hub is thriving as a result of MZA investments in the industry and we see huge commercial potential for Abu Dhabi’s growing media industry to capitalize on this,” said Maryam Al Mheiri, CEO of MZA. “With Image Nation now part of MZA, we are able to streamline our efforts in a manner that will stimulate the industry and create opportunities for media companies based in the capital. Working together is the best way to move closer towards our shared goal of a sustainable media industry that contributes culturally as well as economically to the capital and wider region.”

Image Nation CEO Michael Garin added, “Our role as part of MZA is to encourage the growth of the local film and television industry, and supporting regional talent and storytellers is one of our most important tasks. Through our robust film slate and increased television production we are offering jobs and opportunities to a host of talent across the region, both in front and behind the camera. We look forward to working even more closely with our partner entities at MZA as Abu Dhabi continues to emerge as a vital media hub in the region.”