This marks the debut project in a slate of four films planned for AlUla Studios.
Film AlUla has confirmed that principal photography on the romance feature Chasing Red will begin in December. The film is the first project to emerge from Film AlUla’s partnership with Hollywood studio Stampede Ventures and will bring actors Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno to AlUla’s dramatic desert landscapes and state-of-the-art studios.
Petsch stars as Veronica, while Casalegno plays Caleb. The movie is based on Isabelle Ronin’s bestselling young-adult novel, which rose to international fame online and became one of Wattpad and Webtoon’s most widely read romance titles. Director Mackenzie Munro will lead the production, with Stampede Ventures CEO Greg Silverman producing alongside Grant Torre, and Webtoon Studios executives David Madden and Jason Goldberg. Executive producers include Gideon Yu, Jim Meenaghan, Elizabeth Bell, Michael Rifkin, Bjorn Hovland and Aron Levitz.
The production marks a significant stride for Film AlUla’s long-term goal of positioning the region as a major global filmmaking destination. Its collaboration with Stampede Ventures covers a slate of four films to be shot at AlUla Studios and includes a comprehensive training and mentorship initiative to develop local screen talent.
Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer at the Royal Commission for AlUla, highlighted the broader cultural and economic impact, noting that projects like Chasing Red help generate employment, enhance local expertise and elevate the region’s international profile. He added that hosting global crews strengthens workforce development and supports both the creative sector and the tourism economy.
As part of this collaboration, Stampede Ventures and Gateway Entertainment will deliver a training programme for 50 participants, offering classroom sessions, on-set experience and departmental rotations to prepare them for future industry roles. The initiative aligns with Film AlUla’s mission to build a sustainable creative sector in northwest Saudi Arabia.
The film will take full advantage of AlUla’s striking natural scenery, complemented by work at the newly constructed AlUla Studios. Operated by The MBS Group, the facility features two soundstages of over 25,000 sqft each, nearly 18,000 sqft of production buildings and a full ecosystem of workshops, wardrobe and prop spaces, set offices, catering areas and an extensive backlot for large-scale sets.
The complex also houses an advanced audio suite, including a recording studio capable of hosting a 32-piece orchestra—an uncommon feature for an emerging production hub. Additional rehearsal, training, administrative and event spaces are integrated to support productions throughout the year.
Zaid Shaker, Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, said the arrival of Chasing Red underscores the effectiveness of the region’s expanding infrastructure. He noted that the film demonstrates how international partners can leverage AlUla’s full-service capabilities while contributing to the development of local talent.
Silverman praised both the location and the film’s creative direction, saying Munro brings a refined vision to Ronin’s beloved story and that Petsch and Casalegno are the ideal pairing to bring Veronica and Caleb to life for audiences worldwide.
