Representatives from Amazon Studios, Apple TV, Mandalay Pictures, Media Res Studio and Amblin Partners were among those who participated in the tour.
The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) hosted Hollywood film and television executives as part of the RFC’s annual familiarisation (FAM) tour last week.
The delegation included members of major American studios and prominent production companies: Jeremy Guzowski, Senior Production Manager, Amazon Studios; Carol Dunn-Trussell, Head of Production Worldwide, Apple TV; Patrick Raymond, Creative Producer, Mandalay Pictures; Reid Shane, Head of Production, Media Res Studio; and Kelly Helstrom-Maxwell, freelance producer, former Senior Vice President of Production at Amblin Partners.
The FAM Tour aims to introduce the guests to Jordan’s filmmaking infrastructure, as well as to familiarise them with the diverse filming locations that the Kingdom offers. The delegation had the chance to visit some of the most well-known landscapes and famous sites, such as Petra, Wadi Rum, and the Dead Sea; which all served as shooting locations for numerous local, Arab and international productions. The tour included also a visit to the Salt Film Center, King Abdullah II Special Operations Training Center (KASOTC), Madaba (Madaba Institute for Mosaic Art & Restoration and Mt. Nebo), Azraq (Wetland Reserve Castle), and the Jordan Heritage Revival Company.
The delegation was pleased and honoured to meet Princess Rym Ali, Member of the Board of Commissioners at the RFC; Dr. Raji Muasher, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State;. Jumana Suleiman Ali Ghunaimat, Minister of State for Information Affairs; Dr. Abdul Razzaq Arabiyat, Managing Director, Jordan Tourism Board; Nayef Al Bakheet, President, Aqaba Special Economic Zone (ASEZA), and Dr. Emad Hijazeen, Environmental and Regional Affairs Commissioner; in addition to members of the RFC’s Board of Commissioners and professionals within the local film industry.
Reid Shane commented on his visit saying: “Jordan’s ability to double for most Middle Eastern countries and the tax incentive attracted me to explore this destination for filming.” He added: “I was impressed with the depth of the crew, their experience and most of all the warmth and friendliness of the people. I look forward to returning with a production in the not so distant future.”
Sharing Shane’s sentiment, Patrick Raymond, remarked: “With the recent big-budget films coming to the region and having met with members of the local film industry and production services companies, it feels there is a real pulse and passion in bringing content to the world. The experience of the crew and the infrastructure solidify the confidence I have and I welcome the opportunity to work in Jordan.”
The tour is part of the RFC’s continuous efforts to position the country on the global map of filming locations, in addition to promoting the comprehensive production services, financial incentives and tax exemption offered by the Commission.
