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Abu Dhabi is becoming the go-to city to shoot the latest TV and film productions

Not long ago, in a desert not so far away, actors, directors and cameramen gathered to make dazzling television and film. Sand dunes were covered with crew and palaces packed with fast cars. But when ‘cut’ was called, it all disappeared faster than the snap of a clapperboard.

But this location is ready for more. Abu Dhabi is ready for more. The capital is quickly becoming an attractive filming destination not only for its stunning backdrops, but its production offerings too…

It’s widely known that Hollywood has visited the capital; Star Wars: The Force Awakens and Furious 7 were filmed across the emirate in locations such as Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, Emirates Palace and Al Ain. Other films including Bang Bang! – a Hindi movie – and the British television motoring series Top Gear have also been shot in the capital. So why is Abu Dhabi becoming such a popular filming location?

Well it’s safe to say there is plenty of desert, which can be used for a number of scenes in both production mediums. Abu Dhabi also offers an array of modern architecture as well as historical and religious sites. But one of the most attractive aspects about filming here is the initiative set up by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC).

Cashback

ADFC – which is part of the capital’s entertainment and media hub, twofour54 – is an organisation that has been designed to support the development of the TV and film industry, as well as promote the emirate as an enticing production location.

In a bid to attract international and regional filmmakers, ADFC set up the Abu Dhabi International Production Incentive Scheme, otherwise known as the 30 per cent cash rebate. Paul Baker, executive director of intaj, the TV and film services section of twofour54, explains: “The incentive scheme comes in the form of rebate on all qualifying spend in the Abu Dhabi.” In other words, if you make a production in the capital, you can expense 30 per cent of your costs to ADFC.

“This qualifies for those producing feature films, television dramas and series, commercials, music videos and post-production. It also applies to travel and accommodation fees.

“Regional and international production companies looking to produce content in the emirate and who work with Abu Dhabi-based registered companies are eligible,” Baker says.

The rebate has also made a positive impact on Abu Dhabi’s GDP (gross domestic product). “A report in 2014 by the business advice firm Pricewaterhouse Coopers confirmed that for every AED 1 provided as a rebate, it generated AED 4.50 for Abu Dhabi’s GDP,” adds Baker.

Abu Dhabi’s got talent

Producing television and film is an exciting process, but only when you know how it works. The New York Film Academy (NYFA) set up camp in 2007 thanks to the late HE Mohammed Khalaf Al Mazrouei, a man who believed Abu Dhabi could be a hub for film and television education.

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Photo credit: Farah Al Balooshi

Allan Nicholls, artistic director at NYFA, told us: “I’ve only been here since March 2014, but I can already see development in the film and television industry in the capital, especially from a grassroots level.”

NYFA’s courses offer a hands-on approach to film and acting. “You’ll have a camera in your hand after the first couple of days and you’ll be shooting a movie by the end of the first week,” explains Nicholls. “In the four-week course you’ll leave with three films in your portfolio, on the eight-week course you’ll have five and on the year-long course, you’ll produce seven movies.”

More importantly, the academy is educating filmmakers who want to stay in the capital to work. “Some of our recent students – who graduated in January 2015 – have discussed setting up a production company in Abu Dhabi,” says Nicholls. “We do have graduates who continue their studies and work in Los Angeles and other cities, but there is certainly a growing industry here that is attracting people.”

NYFA offers a variety of filmmaking courses which are attended by a mix of nationalities. From Americans coming over from the NYFA campus in Los Angeles, to Nigerians, Moroccans, Saudis and Singaporeans, there is a mix of cultures at the Abu Dhabi campus. There are also scholarships for Emiratis where all or most of the tuition fees are paid for. This is an incentive that is attracting many UAE citizens to the academy.

The four-week filmmaking course starts from AED 12,120 with two course dates available: 25th January to 19th February 2015 and 6th September to 1st October 2015. Places are still available, but if you sign up for the January course a few days late you can still catch up.

Interested in what NYFA has to offer? For more information contact: 02 446 6442 [email protected] www.nyfa.edu/abu-dhabi

Image Nation is one of the leading creators of film, television and documentary projects in the UAE, showcasing Emirati talent. The company’s first film Sea Shadow was released in 2011 and Djinn, a horror film, premiered at the 2013 Abu Dhabi Film Festival. Image Nation announced on 14th January that the psychological thriller, Zinzana, directed by Emirati filmmaker Majid Al Ansari, finished production.

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Al Ansari is the perfect example of local talent, and the 27-year-old is thankful to Image Nation for his training.

He says, “From an early age I was always passionate about films and dreamed about directing my own movies. I had no doubt that Image Nation would help pave the way for my career but I am overwhelmed with the support I have received from the company and my colleagues. I want to thank Image Nation for believing in me and supporting me wholeheartedly in my career.”

Four years ago, Al Ansari was an intern at Image Nation. He worked on Sea Shadow and also interned with its international partner, Participant Media. The intern-turned-filmmaker won a Golden Palm award for best short film at the Mexico International Film Festival in 2012 for his short film Intruder! – which also screened at numerous international festivals. Zinzana is due to be premiered later this year.

The Interview

Australian Jessica Radaza-Clark, a resident in Abu Dhabi, is an active filmmaker in the UAE. Jessica has already had a taste of the big screen after acting in From A to B, a 2014 feature film by the Emirati director Ali Mostafa. We sit down with the 28-year-old to find out more.

How did you get into film making/acting?

I studied film at the University of California and NYFA in Abu Dhabi. I also attended the Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica, US.

What was it like working on From A to B?

Ali is one of the best directors I’ve worked with. Everything is clear and he knows what he wants. I can say that there is plenty of talent here in the UAE and he is one of them.

Are you working on anything at the moment?

I’m directing a short film called A Beautiful World. It’s inspired by a story of a friend of mine, which is translated through my lead character, Michael, played by Abu Dhabi Week’s Jack Dignum. I want it to bring awareness to issues that are current in today’s society such as depression and unemployment. I’m working with a great team and a fantastic lead actor; I’m looking forward to shooting it.

Why are you filming it here?

As an independent filmmaker this is an impressive place. There’s a lot to show that many people from the outside world wouldn’t normally get to see: the backstreets downtown, Al Ain city. Opportunities for makers like me are presented to us in a way that makes filming here a pleasure.

What are your plans with the short movie?

I plan to put it through the short film circuit, starting with Cannes Film Festival. I’ll also submit it to many of the regional festivals such as the Abu Dhabi Film Festival and Gulf Film Festival.

How would you describe the film/television production scene in Abu Dhabi?

Compared to when I first came here six years ago, it has really grown and continues to. There is always room for expansion and with Abu Dhabi becoming recognised on an international level for film and TV, these opportunities are being taken up quickly.

Why do you think it is becoming such an attractive location for filming?

Firstly, you have the support from places like NYFA and twofour54, and secondly, there’s a strong passion to make films and TV. Another big factor is the price. Look at Los Angeles; it’s becoming so expensive, people are shooting elsewhere – filming New York City shots in Toronto, Canada. That’s why Hollywood is going international, to places such as Abu Dhabi. The other thing you have to remember is that high definition cameras are available on the market for everyone to buy. You can pick up a camera and shoot a film in great quality. That’s why the independent film industry is booming right now. Abu Dhabi is a platform for all.

What’s next?

I’m working on a feature film. I’m still in the process of writing the script and hoping to be in production later this year.

Jack Dignum

 

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