The first three sound stages are currently operational as part of the first phase while an additional seven, including a high-tech volumetric production stage, are scheduled to launch by Q1 2023.
Neom, billed as Saudi Arabia’s futuristic and sustainable region, has announced the formal operational opening of Neom Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, which together comprise the country’s largest sound stages and film production support facilities, having supported some 25 productions over the course of the last 18 months.
Neom has also formally announced its 40%+ cash rebate production incentive scheme for feature films, TV (drama, reality, documentaries) and commercials, with producers able to secure a higher percentage based on their industry development contributions. As Neom operates independently from the rest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, this incentive is specific to those using Neom’s facilities.
“Clearly, production incentives play a vital role in terms of attracting productions but are best leveraged when the entire package is in place: infrastructure, on-the-ground international production expertise, crew depth and ease of doing business,” commented Wayne Borg, Managing Director for Media Industries, Entertainment and Culture at Neom.
“Neom is now in the position to offer this competitive package. This is an important milestone in realising our aim of becoming the epicenter of the regional media industry. Our team, facilities and diverse filming locations mean we can provide a seamless, world-class production experience and use our capacity and capabilities to become the focal point of collaboration among talent, creators and key contributors within the global media industry.”
Neom Media Village presently features one 2,400sqm, state-of-the-art sound stage, complete with back-of-house facilities comprising make-up rooms, green rooms and production offices, with three further stages under construction. At Bajdah Desert Studios, there are two 3,000sqm sound stages, with a further four scheduled to become operational by the end of 2022.
Borg added that all of the studios will have world-class production facilities, including set production offices, construction warehouses, prop shops, wardrobe, SFX facilities and backlot space to support complex set builds. Film and ancillary equipment including cameras; grip and lighting; shotover; heavy-lift drones, telehandlers, boom lifts, scissor lifts and trackway are available on both sites. The production facilities will also offer a total of 350 dedicated accommodation units for cast and crew, supported by a great offering of lifestyle facilities.
Complementing the physical sound stages and production facilities, Neom has assembled an experienced international production team that has a deep understanding of what producers and crew need, whether on stage or on location. This team supports incoming productions to provide a smooth and cost-efficient production experience.
The interim facilities already have a few productions underway including fantasy-adventure Rise of The Witches, the region’s biggest TV show to date, and Million Dollar Island, a new reality TV survival show that wrapped filming this July. In addition, Neom’s first local serial drama is scheduled to begin production this month.
During 2021, Neom hosted 20 major international productions, ranging from major large-scale international features such as Desert Warrior, helmed by Rupert Wyatt (director of Rise of the Planet of Apes) and starring Anthony Mackie, Sir Ben Kingsley and Aiysha Hart.
