Plans to Launch Five Month Advanced Film Programme in the UAE

Dubai: 5 November, 2007 - Dubai Studio City (DSC), a member of TECOM Investments, today announced its support of the Manhattan Film Academy (MFA) - Dubai Film Production Programme, a series of intensive hands-on film production workshops that will encourage aspiring film makers to play an effective role in the growth of the regional cinema industry.

The Manhattan Film Academy is a New York City-based collaborative of award winning Oscar and Emmy-nominated American and European filmmakers.

The workshops, to be held from November 16-25 at the Dubai Knowledge Village, will be conducted by acclaimed professional writers, directors, cinematographers, and editors. Sessions on screenwriting, directing, and acting will be included in the programme.

Through its support of the MFA-Dubai Film Production Programme, Dubai Studio City aims to develop an indigenous film industry, and provide freelancers and university graduates with an opportunity to pursue a career in the industry.

Jamal Al Sharif, Director, Dubai Studio City, said: "We keenly look forward to our association with the Manhattan Film Academy that will support Dubai's vision for the regional film industry. Apart from this workshop, we are also partnering with MFA to bring its five-month advanced film programme to the UAE.

"Dubai Studio City is keen to create the necessary environment for the growth of the emerging film industry. Our support of programmes such as this will significantly enhance the industry's prospects and give it the much needed fillip through interaction with pioneering figures in international film production."

Robert Tutak, MFA President, writer-director and Associate Professor of Film at Brooklyn College of the City University of New York will conduct workshops on the art, the craft, and the business of screenwriting. He will also lead a hands-on session in the direction of actors and the camera. Ella Slaboda, a graduate of the legendary Actors Studio in New York City will focus on the special techniques of acting.

A world-class infrastructure already exists at the Dubai Studio City to help create a pool of skilled film professionals. The new cluster also focuses on all segments of the film and broadcast value chain.

Dubai Studio City plays a pioneering role in supporting events related to the film and broadcast segments in the UAE and the region. Its association with the Dubai International Film Festival (DIFF) seeks to foster film production in the UAE, and lay the ground for global studios to establish base in the pan Arab region.

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About Dubai Studio City (www.dubaistudiocity.ae)
Launched in Feb, 2005, Dubai Studio City (DSC) will offer a complete technical and community infrastructure catering to the film, TV, radio production and broadcast industries. Being built on an area of more than 20 million square feet within Dubailand, DSC aims to attract production and broadcast companies, as well as a wide range of support services, including providers for animation, dubbing, makeup, costume design, set design and construction, casting, telnet agencies, telecine, and laboratory facilities. DSC will feature pre-built studios, sound stages, workshops, backlots and stage areas, post-production studios, a business centre for freelancers and satellite communication services. The cluster will also house film & television academies, commercial offices, entertainment & retail spaces, and hotels & residential facilities to accommodate crews and cast. DSC's Location Approval Services (LAS) provides a single window for applying for production permits and visas.

For further information on DSC, please contact:
Zeba Ahmad
Associate Account Manager
JiWiN  
The Exclusive Middle East Affiliate of Burson-Marsteller
Tel:+9714 361 3 333
Fax:+9714 388 8 001
e-mail: zeba.ahmad@jiwin.ae

© Press Release 2007