Spearheaded by MBC Group Chairman, Waleed Al-Ibrahim, the Academy now welcomes applications for its 2020 programme.
MBC Group has announced the launch of MBC Academy, which will be headed by Jana Yamani, Executive Director of Talent at the broadcast network. The educational and training platform has been established to support the development of a fully integrated media production industry in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia by training and upskilling Saudi talent across various media sectors.
MBC Academy now welcomes applications from Saudis in TV, film, radio, theatre, content production, digital content, photography, music, lighting, editing or comedy.
The Academy’s programmes have been developed internally, and with leading international expertise, to cater to those aspiring to develop their skills, make progress in their career, and potentially win the opportunity to be involved in projects of global magnitude.
Leveraging on MBC Group’s experience in the MENA media industry, MBC Academy’s successful applicants will receive intensive media and production training. Prospects will acquire skills to the highest standards in line with international best practices.
Waleed Al-Ibrahim, Chairman of MBC Group, who is spearheading this initiative said: “Here at MBC Group, we believe in telling our own stories; bringing them to the rest of the world. MBC Academy is part of MBC Group’s mission to showcase the region’s potential, as well as create a more open space for exchanging dialogue and expertise between our region and international entities in similar fields. We believe in investing in our own youth and empowering them with the right skills they need to pursue a thriving and promising career.
“The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia is home to top-tier talent who has incredibly promising potential. What this talent is missing is a platform to help them reach their full potential, as well as offer them once-in-a-lifetime work experience opportunities not available anywhere else. We cannot wait to provide the space this year for more Saudi youth to achieve their goals and realise their potential. We also cannot wait to showcase to the world what our burgeoning Saudi youth in media is made of.”
The Academy will initially focus on three main pillars including inspiration and awareness, Skill development and talent management, Yamani commented.
While the first pillar focuses on improving the perception of careers in the media and creative industries in Saudi society, the second will aim at offering structured educational and training programmes while the last will connect talented individuals with local and global opportunities.
Yamani commented: “With the major developments occurring in the Saudi media space, as well as in the Kingdom overall, we are witnessing more interest from Saudi youth wanting to pursue a career in media or related creative industries.”
MBC Academy’s 2020 programme is scheduled to welcome its first raft of successful applicants later this year, with candidates scheduled to begin training on set at MBC locations – pending global conditions – from October 2020. This will be followed by a second phase focusing on e-learning courses in various disciplines, such as filmmaking, and screenwriting.
The final phase of the programme will see top-performing candidates offered job opportunities within the organisation.
At a later stage, the Academy aims to introduce new initiatives, such as online courses, non-degree programmes and work experience opportunities in Hollywood.
