The biggest sound studios in Saudi Arabia opened in the Neo region

Saudi Arabia’s bid to become a major manufacturing hub has taken another step forward.

Neom, the coastal region that will be home to a $500 billion megacity, has announced the official opening of Neom Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios, which together include Saudi Arabia’s largest sound studios and facilities supporting film production. In the last 18 months, 25 works have already been supported there.

In conjunction with the grand opening, Neom officially announced a 40% cash back production incentive scheme for feature films, television (drama, reality, documentaries) and commercials, with producers eligible to earn a higher percentage based on contributions. industry. Although Neom operates as its own semi-autonomous jurisdiction, the 40% incentive scheme puts it on par with what the Saudi Film Commission announced last year.

“Obviously, manufacturing incentives play an important role in attracting production, but they are best used when the whole package is in place: infrastructure, international on-site manufacturing experience, depth of staff, and ease of doing business,” Wayne said. Borg, manager. Director of Media, Entertainment and Culture Industry at Neom. “Neom can now offer this competitive package.”

In addition to Neom’s three operating studios, seven more will open by the first quarter of 2023.

Currently, Neom Media Village has a 2,400 square meter soundstage, complete with indoor facilities comprising makeup rooms, green rooms and production offices, in three more phases of construction. There are two 3,000 square meter sound studios at Bajdah Desert Studios, with four more scheduled to launch in late 2022.

“This is an important milestone towards achieving our goal of becoming the epicenter of the regional media industry,” added Borg. “Our team, facilities and diverse filming locations mean we can deliver a world-class production experience and leverage our capabilities and capabilities to become a hub for the top talent, creators and contributors in the global media industry.”

Among the performances already filmed in Neom desert warrior A big-budget epic directed by Rupert Wyatt and starring Anthony Mackie, Sir Ben Kingsley and Aisha Hart.