press releases

twofour54,, the media & creative industries hub and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (part of twofour54), have launched the region’s first incentive scheme as it looks to accelerate Abu Dhabi as the first choice for international and regional producers needing location, production and post-production services. The scheme will be operational from September 1st.

The incentive, in the form of a rebate of up to 30% of qualifying spend in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, will be available for feature films, TV, documentary, advertising and music video production. The qualifying spend relates to goods and services sourced from Abu Dhabi and for relevant expenditure on location or studio filming and post-production.

It will also cover costs relating to the contracting of any UAE registered crew and services for activities in Abu Dhabi. Temporary accommodation costs in Abu Dhabi, as well as airline tickets and freight booked on Etihad Airways, will also qualify for the rebate.

With easy and direct access from all major destinations, modern efficient infrastructure, abundant world class accommodation, bi–lingual workforce and a global banking system, Abu Dhabi is ideally placed to support international and regional producers and their productions.

twofour54’s position as the hub for the creative and production industries in the region also ensures that Abu Dhabi can deliver key industry infrastructure; a great range of diverse  urban locations and landscapes, one stop shop providing prompt government services for all visa/permit requirements, experienced crew and equipment hire supported by state of the art facilities. These include 10 fully-HD studios up to 1,000m², 23 post-production suites and the region’s only Baselight colour grading facility.

Already a number of recent productions have successfully shot with twofour54. The summer blockbuster The Bourne Legacy starring Jeremy Renner and Rachel Weisz and directed by Academy Award nominee Tony Gilroy for Universal as well as big budget Bollywood production, Oru Maru Bhoomi Khatha, by legendary Indian director Priyadarshan, Oru Kal Oru Kandadi a Tamil film by Manickavasagom and the BBC’s Wild Arabia.

“Our new incentive scheme is unique in the MENA region and focussed on attracting international and regional productions to Abu Dhabi,” explained Wayne Borg Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer of twofour54 at the Cannes Film Festival where the scheme was launched. “This initiative reflects the culmination of our efforts to put in place all the key ingredients to reinforce our position as the regional hub and first choice, go-to place for producers.  This is our commitment to the Film and TV production industry. We expect to accelerate production activity and in doing so fulfil our objective to further fuel the development of the regional media industry by providing the opportunity for Arab filmmakers, crew and production support companies to work alongside their international counterparts.”

To learn more please visit www.film.gov.ae