News

‘PANDEMIC: COVID-19’ will premiere on Tuesday 31 March at 9pm (KSA) on Discovery Channel. The channel is part of the OSN bouquet.

MIPTV to launch online service for registered users tomorrow

It comes after the MPITV 2020 event was cancelled due to concerns over coronavirus pandemic.

Golden Globes changes eligibility rules in light of coronavirus pandemic ?

The HFPA association also said the members can consider films that have not screened first in a theatre, at least until April 30.

YouTube launches shelf on homepage for authentic coronavirus-related videos

The move is an attempt to curb the dissemination of rumours and hoaxes about the pandemic, YouTube said.

MGM launches new SVOD service in South Africa

March 28, 2020

It will be part of mobile operator Vodacom’s Video Play Premium service and will also be available as a standalone subscription Micro Pass.

DISCOP’s African content markets postponed due to coronavirus concerns

March 27, 2020

Both DISCOP Abidjan and DISCOP Johannesburg will return to their original May and July dates and to three-day editions in 2021, the organisers said.

Sharjah Art Foundation announces April 26 deadline for Film Platform submissions

March 27, 2020

All films, regardless of artistic approach, format, or themes, will be accepted for consideration and the competition is open for international applications.

Al Aan TV announces initiative for advertisers impacted by coronavirus crisis

March 27, 2020

The network has also launched campaigns targeting PR and advertising agencies, to help them counter the financial challenges created by the global lockdown.

Coronavirus concerns lead Bahrain TV to offer AV lessons on Channel 2

March 26, 2020

More than 145 lessons have been already recorded for students and work is being done to record the rest on the Bahrain 2 Sports Channel.

Sky News Arabia helps people get responses to coronavirus queries on Facebook ?

March 26, 2020

SNA has partnered with social media giant Facebook to launch a fact-checking show ‘Corona Question and Answer’, which will air daily at 7 pm local time.

ZEE5 announces new content on its platform to reiterate #stayathome measures

March 26, 2020

The lineup includes a number of films and original TV shows from ZEE5 including "Mentalhood" and "Rangbaaz".

Video: Behind-the-scenes footage from ‘Sonic The Hedgehog’ shoot in Abu Dhabi

March 25, 2020

Twofour54 Abu Dhabi has shared exclusive footage of 'Sonic The Hedgehog' which was shot in the Liwa Desert of the capital. The film is slated to get a digital release...

Twofour54 reveals behind-the-scenes footage from ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ shoot

March 25, 2020

Key scenes from the film were shot with a 25-member crew in the Emirate, capturing explosions and footage of the landscape using helicopters and drones.

Doha Film Institute cancels Qumra 2020, offers online mentorship program

This decision was part of the Institute’s contribution to the responsible management and prevention of the further spread of the virus in Qatar.

Federation Entertainment to co-produce Laila Marrakchi’s show ‘Casa Girls’

by Shifa Naseer

Federation Entertainment will also be handling international sales for the series and is presenting the project as part of Series Mania’s virtual co-production forum.

China reopens more than 500 cinemas as coronavirus threat recedes ?

Most films available currently are re-runs of popular recent Chinese and American films, with several new Chinese releases planned in the coming weeks.

APAC pay-TV to add 45mn subs by 2025: Digital TV Research

China and India together will account for 80% of the region’s 676m pay-TV subscribers by 2025.

Dailymotion scales down bandwidth

March 23, 2020

Dailymotion is a video platform focussing on topics like news, sports, music, and entertainment, as well as comedy skits, political debates, fashion shows, and gaming live-streams.

Sony BRAVIA 4K TVs to come embedded with Shahid app

March 22, 2020

Apart from that, the new Sony BRAVIA Android TV buyers will also get free Shahid VIP subscriptions.

Disney raises $6bn in debt offering as revenue diminishes due to coronavirus

March 22, 2020

The debt offering comes one week after Disney closed its domestic theme parks, and suspended production of many live-action films, resulting in financial loss.

Netflix to stream Saudi animation film ‘Masameer the Movie’

March 21, 2020

Following its success in theatres, Netflix is now streaming the film with subtitles in over 30 languages.

Cannes Film Festival postponed, tentatively scheduled for June ?

March 21, 2020

The festival, which was scheduled to take place from May 12 to 23, also expressed solidarity with all of those who are being affected by the pandemic.

OMNES Media appoints Lucian Sârb as new Chief Strategy Officer

March 20, 2020

Sârb, who is the former Chief Content Officer of Euronews, will streamline the services and add new solutions to bring out better results for the UAE-based company and clients.

Mena.tv to offer free services in solidarity with global content community

March 20, 2020

Producers, content creators and distributors will be able to list their content for free on the content hub.

MBC Group’s Shahid offers free VIP subscription for users

March 19, 2020

To avail the free month of Shahid VIP, users must sign up between March 20 and April 5 in the Middle East region.

Pierre Tabet on what makes 7 Production tick

March 19, 2020

7 Production, an Arab homegrown business working on high octane projects in the MENA region, is now competing on an international arena. We bring you some sound bites from Managing...

Amman International Film Festival postponed due to concerns over coronavirus

March 18, 2020

The AIFF was launched this year and spearheaded by the Royal Film Commission Jordan, with an aim is to highlight Arab and international films.

Fund launched for Saudi filmmakers financially impacted by coronavirus

March 18, 2020

The fund aims to help Saudi filmmakers who have sustained a financial loss resulting from cancelled/postponed events related to the coronavirus precautionary measures.

Cartoon Network announces success of African animated shorts on Sheesha Fest

March 17, 2020

The short block fest, launched on January 11, showcased 'Garbage Boy and Trash Can', 'Majitu' and 'Intergalactic Ice Cream', the three winning shorts from Cartoon Network Africa’s Creative Lab competition.

Apple may acquire Disney due to coronavirus stock crash, says analyst

March 17, 2020

Disney has been worst hit so far due to the coronavirus pandemic, as releases and production delays reduced the media company’s market cap by one-third last week.

Jordan Radio and TV Corporation to broadcast school lessons on sports channel

March 17, 2020

The move comes in response to the Jordanian government's decision to close schools across the Kingdom as a preventive measure to contain the coronavirus pandemic.

Sharjah Broadcasting Authority streamlines workflow with NOA

March 16, 2020

SBA is embarking upon a company-wide approach to organising archival assets through a WAN infrastructure that interconnects multiple locations. It will use NOA mediARC to drive the workflow from several...

Snapchat launches Lens Web Builder for AR-based advertisement

March 16, 2020

As a web-based AR Lens ad production tool, Lens Web Builder promises to eliminate the need for a standalone AR app.

Hollywood Box Office could lose $20bn due to coronavirus pandemic

March 16, 2020

As of now, the global box office has already taken a hit of at least $7bn due to the delays and precautions in place owing to the coronavirus outbreak.

OSN deploys Microsoft security framework for cybersecurity

March 15, 2020

The regional entertainment provider leverages the power of Microsoft Security Graph - Cloud to protect its endpoints, emails, identities, data and cloud apps from a range of threats.

VIACOMCBS Networks International reveals new content lineup for April

March 15, 2020

These include content from Comedy Central, Paramount Channel and Nickelodeon like 'Impractical Jokers', 'Forrest Gump' and 'SpongeBob SquarePants'.

EXCLUSIVE: Etisalat launches OTT service for UAE residents

by Vijaya Cherian

March 15, 2020

SwitchTV, which was announced to Etisalat customers last week, will be available to all UAE residents irrespective of whether they are Etisalat or du subscribers.

Disney to halt some film productions over growing coronavirus pandemic

March 14, 2020

The company has already postponed the release of 'Mulan', which was supposed to debut in theatres on March 27.

US dominates global SVOD revenues in 2019: Strategy Analytics

March 14, 2020

The US was followed by China (17%), Germany (4%), and the United Kingdom (4%) for the same time period, according to the research.

SDVI appoints Tom Evans to support growing business in EMEA

March 13, 2020

Evans will oversee SDVI's growth and development in the region as General Manager of EMEA.

Prime Focus Technologies appoints Andy Steele as VP Operations for EMEA

March 12, 2020

In addition to overseeing key customer accounts, Steele will play a pivotal role in managing PFT’s new Media Centre in the UK, which will act as the hub for centralised...

Sennheiser appoints Sarmad Riaz to drive expansion in Pakistan

March 12, 2020

Riaz, who is a broadcast and AV industry veteran of over 15 years, is coming from Dubai-based Advanced Media where he worked as a broadcast solutions sales manager.

NAB cancels April show amid coronavirus concerns

March 12, 2020

In light of the current public health emergency globally, NAB has decided not to hold the event in April as planned. NAB is evaluating a number of alternatives to the...

VIDEO: Hear it from Francesco Perta and Danny Bates on Dplay’s launch on StarzPlay

by Vijaya Cherian

StarzPlay and Discovery have partnered to debut the latter's VOD service Dplay in the MENA region. StarzPlay CCO and Co-founder Danny Bates and Discovery's Director of Business Development Francesco Perta...

SAWA Technologies adds new channels, renews partnership with MBC

SAWA Technologies, which offers more than 250 local, regional and International multi-lingual TV channels in the MENA region, also announced set-top box manufacturer Triax.

EXCLUSIVE: StarzPlay and Discovery join forces to bring Dplay to MENA

by Vijaya Cherian

Dplay, which is due to launch in Q2 on StarzPlay, will be available as an add-on for a monthly subscription rate of AED/SAR15 in the GCC. Rates for other markets...

Avid cancels Avid Connect 2020 event, withdraws from NAB Show

Avid’s new product introductions will take place online in April; Avid and Avid Customer Association’s (ACA) will host regional Connect events after public safety is assured.

Pixar’s ‘Onward’ banned in four countries in the Middle East

March 10, 2020

Onward launched with $2m in North America last week in preview shows and made $40m on its opening weekend.

Ross Video withdraws from NAB Show 2020

March 10, 2020

In a statement, Ross, which has been attending the NAB since 1974, said that they have a duty towards their employees, customers and families.

Avolites Ai lights up Cardi B’s show in Nigeria and Ghana

March 9, 2020

Avolites Ai was chosen as the media platform due to its claim of flexibility and rock-solid reliability.

CABSAT 2020 postponed, to be held in October

March 9, 2020

Earlier, the event was scheduled from March 31 to April 2 at Dubai World Trade Centre.

Films by Arab filmmakers to take part in Tales of the Silk Road in London

The films which will be screened are distributed by MAD Solutions in the Middle East.

Time to stop the pirates holding us to ransom!

The MENA Anti-Piracy Conference will be playing a critical role in the fight against broadcast piracy. Make no mistake – this battle is an absolute priority. This event helps in...

Inaugural VidCon Abu Dhabi event postponed to December

The convention was scheduled to take place from March 25-28 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre.

Sharjah International Film Festival announces March 15 deadline for submissions

The festival, scheduled to take place from October 11 to 16, is dedicated to enhancing the media literacy of children and youth, fostering creativity and showcasing films by children.

Spacetoon partners with TOEI Animation to bring Dragon Ball Super to MENA

by Staff Writer

March 7, 2020

The episodes will first premiere on streaming platform Spacetoon Go before it is broadcast on Spacetoon TV channel.

Ross Video appoints Karen Walker as VP of Camera Motion Systems

March 7, 2020

Previously, Walker held senior commercial and management roles in high-technology manufacturing organisations.

ConnecTechAsia 2020 postponed to September, venue changed

March 6, 2020

ConnectechAsia will be held from September 29 - October 1 at the Singapore EXPO & MAX Atria this year, Informa has announced in a statement.

GatesAir announces new appointment for MEA market

Net Insight acquires Aperi’s virtualised media production technology

March 6, 2020

With this transaction, effective immediately, Net Insight acquires the full product portfolio, IPRs, brand and inventory from Aperi Corporation for USD 1.2m in cash.

MIPTV 2020 cancelled; CanneSeries rescheduled to run alongside MIPCOM in October