DISCOP Dubai Presents Arab Format Accelerator

DISCOP Dubai is launching the inaugural edition of the Arab Format Accelerator, which will showcase 20 projects.

The Arab Format Accelerator is a joint initiative between Khulud Abu Homos, the CEO of the Arab Format Lab, and the organizers of the Dubai edition of the DISCOP film, television, online content and adaptation rights markets. The two-day Arab Format Accelerator initiative will provide 20 up-and-coming creators and established producers with the opportunity to “elevator pitch” original ideas as well as existing concepts for scripted and unscripted TV shows across a range of genres.

These pitches will be directed at key production, commissioning and marketing executives driving television business across the Middle East and seeking fresh ideas. Judges and mentors will include Fadi Ismail of O3 Productions/MBC Group (UAE), Yahya Sameh of PromOmedia (Egypt), Justus Verkerk of FCCE (the Netherlands); Jan Salling of Missing Link Media and FRAPA (Denmark) and Mai El Khalifa of Dubai TV (UAE).

Homos said, “We are amidst a positive transformation on the demand for socially relevant international formats. Lots of regional executives ask me, ‘Why do we need to imitate successful international TV concepts? Can’t we create our own?’ The value of shows that can be adapted resides in the benefit of training talent on success-proven concepts and shortening the learning curve. In the Middle East, specifically in the Gulf and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, we are witnessing a drastic positive change in both governments’ focus and solid investment in local content and talents, which is perceived as the most vital pillar to hold a valid media industry aimed at excellence, originality and financial viability.”

“We believe it is important to train and support a new generation of creators who are able to meet the growing demand of the industry,” Patrick Zuchowicki Jucaud, founder and general director of DISCOP Markets.