RIYADH: The Saudi Film Commission organized the virtual seminar “Stimulating film production in the Kingdom” as part of a series of open seminars for film enthusiasts and industry professionals.
The seminar touched on a number of themes, most notably the financing means available in Saudi Arabia to support the film industry. Participants reviewed their local and international experiences with government financing opportunities and attracting private sector investors inside and outside the Kingdom.
It also highlighted the financial recovery program launched by the Film Commission to support the local industry and attract major international production companies to film on Saudi soil, which will in turn improve Saudi filmmakers’ expertise through coordination with international filmmakers.
The seminar further discussed the sector’s role in strengthening the local economy since production projects require logistical support, including food, housing and transportation, which can all achieve outstanding returns.
Participants cited “Desert Warrior,” a large part of which was filmed in the city of Tabuk over a period of 11 months. During this time, most of the housing units were occupied, while the commercial activity in the city’s markets was revived by the large crew present in the area.
The participants also stressed the need to publish statistics on the local film production market and to study audiences’ behavior in order to create films in line with their tastes and ensure the film industry’s sustainability.
