Abu Dhabi’s burgeoning filmmaking industry and its position as a prominent production hub was highlighted at CABSAT in Dubai this week, which was attended by twofour54 executives Paul Baker, Issa Aghabi‎ and Yusuf Buti.

Paul Baker‎, Executive Director of Film and TV Services was a guest speaker on a panel discussion titled: “Challenges, trends, growth opportunities – how can the UAE continue to promote its self as a destination of choice for the film industry?” and was joined by Maxine DeVere, Unit Production Manager of Fast & Furious in Abu Dhabi; and Glenn Gainor, President of Physical Production at Screen Gems - Sony Pictures Entertainment. The panel reflected on the successes in the local filmmaking industry and mooted ways to continue to attract regional and international film projects to the UAE.

Paul Baker said: “twofour54 has really built its strength and reputation over the past few years. We have hosted blockbuster films from Hollywood and Bollywood including Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Fast & Furious 7, Baby, Bang Bang! and we kicked off this year by welcoming Abu Dhabi’s longest feature film project to date, the six week shoot for Dishoom. Our success has been a result of the solid ecosystem that we have cultivated - world class production services, a one-of-a-kind rebate scheme, diverse filming locations, and professional talent to support productions of any scale.”

Glenn Gainor commented: “twofour54 made shooting Deliver Us From Evil a very smooth process through facilitating the production and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission rebate. Although we were among the first who accessed the rebate scheme at its early stage, the process was seamless and we received excellent support in scouting for locations in Liwa Desert and script clearances. The infrastructure being set up in Abu Dhabi has successfully emerged as one of the best in the region within a short timeframe, making it one of the most sought after filmmaking destinations.”

Yusuf Buti, twofour54’s Acting Head of Engineering and Technology and Issa Aghabi, twofour54’s Head of Investments also participated in a private roundtable discussion during Day 2 of CABSAT. This was based on “Broadcast Innovation in a Multiscreen World” and was moderated by Joachim Bergman, Head of Playout and Media Management at Ericsson, a partner of twofour54.

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