The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) has released its annual report for 2013 / 2014, highlighting the key developments within the film and TV production industry. In Q4 2013, DFTC launched its automation project, which is designed to function as a service that streamlines the permit approvals process and simplifies the necessary procedures for […]
The Dubai Film and TV Commission (DFTC) has released its annual report for 2013 / 2014, highlighting the key developments within the film and TV production industry.
In Q4 2013, DFTC launched its automation project, which is designed to function as a service that streamlines the permit approvals process and simplifies the necessary procedures for all of the parties involved. The project includes an e-payment gateway and phase 1 was launched on 22nd June 2014. Moreover, DFTC also launched its Film Dubai Production Guide earlier this year, which provides a comprehensive guide to locations and production companies across Dubai.
DFTC has supported the growth of Dubais production industry and provided infrastructure and facilities for filmmakers to produce content across Dubai. DFTC has facilitated the production of some of the regions biggest blockbusters over the past two years including Happy New Year, and has provided infrastructure and support for international TV formats such as MasterChef Arabia, which was the largest MasterChef set to date.
The report also addresses the lack of Arabic content being produced globally, and estimates show that only 1%-3% of total global online content is in Arabic. According to a recent report by Booz & Co titled Understanding the Arab Digital Generation, nearly 40% of the GCC population aged between 15 and 35 years are technologically savvy web users, and 80% use the internet daily, with nearly a third of these users expressing their dissatisfaction at the limited nature of Arabic content in the digital world. However, the past year has seen an increasing number of local and Arabic content being produced, including Saraya Al Bait, Al Hob Fe Al Arbeen, Qabl Al Awan and Weash Rajjak, which are being viewed across the entire Arab world.
Commenting, Jamal Al Sharif, Chairman of Dubai Film and TV Commission and Managing Director of Dubai Studio City, said:
“The development of a vibrant and sustainable film and TV industry needs more than just financing; a healthy production ecosystem requires cutting-edge infrastructure and facilities, versatile filming locations, incentives as well as safety and access to talent.
Dubai offers a serious competitive advantage to production companies, with its robust and advanced infrastructure, facilitation of entry and exit for large crews, as well as its understanding of the importance of a diversified economy. Dubais government has made the development of a sustainable, vibrant media ecosystem a focal point of its strategic vision for the future, and Dubai has gone from strength to strength as a hub for film and TV production. Great strides are being taken by the government and by DFTC to accommodate international as well as local production companies, who are pioneering the creation of content and championing new technologies to create content of the absolute highest quality.”
DFTCs Annual Report also highlights the key films, series and TV programmes that were shot in Dubai in 2013 thanks to the support of the different government entities and authorities involved, which include Bollywood blockbuster Welcome Back, Ya Malik Qalbi and the Arabic version of The Cube. Other key projects supported by DFTC and shot in Dubai include The Moustache and Son of Alexander, among many others.
Over the course of 2013 and 2014 DFTC has also taken part in major international film events, such as Cannes Film Festival 2013, Shanghai Film Festival, MIPCOM and Dubai International Film Festival. DFTC has also become a member of the Association of Film Commissioners International, the official organisation for film commissioners who assist film, television and video production across the globe.
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