If you have a story that cuts through – within the bracket of screenplays for documentaries, TV shows, short films and feature films – we can’t wait to read it. It doesn’t have to be a finished work either. We will help develop your ideas to the point of completion, after which, we will provide the funding and expertise to translate it to the screen.
What makes the Middle East fertile ground for filmmaking?
The region has changed so much in the last few decades. It’s a part of the world that has become a pioneer for innovation and technology and it’s something we see in our everyday interactions and experiences which is incredible. The infrastructure is cutting-edge, our access to high quality services is unparalleled and above all, the kindness and humility of the people from all walks of life make this place the unique melting pot that it is. But at times within that noise, the culture and history gets lost and what’s crucial about it is that these are very human-led narratives.
There is an incredible wealth of stories in the region’s history that needs to get documented and told in a way that is modern and relatable where people can see and feel their experiences being given meaning. There’s already a lot of well-placed fascination on the region for all of its merits, but now it’s time for the world’s gaze to turn its attention to fresh perspectives.
What are the challenges when running an independent film company in the region?
There’s this misconception that a film production – whatever its scale – is related to Hollywood as far as budget availability and access to resources. A lot of investors who have put money into the film industry and not made a profit, then perpetuate the idea that the arts is a charity and don’t further invest. That’s when essential stories that need to be told, fall through the cracks and never get to see the light of day. The challenge then is finding the right people to partner up with who believe in the story’s ability to transcend borders and touch people around the world, who have a vested interest in seeing a project come into fruition from start to finish.
What are the stages of film-making?
There are three main stages in the film-making process. Pre-production, production and post-production. This applies to all types of films, whether it’s a short film or a big-budget feature film.
What is pre-production?
What is production?
What is post-production?
Now you put everything together. Through back and forth cutting and editing, all the footage you got during production get ‘stitched’ together to tell the story. Once you’ve got the sound design, colour, and motion graphics the way you want, the film is good to go and ready to go through a marketing campaign to get audiences, like yourself to see it.
Who finances a film?
The long and short answer is anyone! It can be anything from banks, private investors, film distributors, major corporations or governments. It’s typically not one single person who funds a film but it’s a balance between multiple investments, debts, and deals.
How are independent films vs. studio films financed?
Technically, using the same tools. Usually the studio films have more leverage over the indie film. You’ve got another of specific avenues such as: pre-sales. This type of funding is when a production company sells the rights to distribute a film in a particular region or distribution format before the film is finished. Think of it as an advance.
Then there’s gap financing which is when a loan is taken out based on a movie’s unsold rights – a value that is limited to the rights to distribute the movie in foreign territories.
And then you have slate financing when hedge fund managers look for ways to tap into the film industry. It’s a form of private equity film financing where firms invest money into several films. As you can tell there are a number of ways both kinds of films get financed. It’s a complex system of practices that’s constantly evolving where money and creativity meet!
What are the opportunities when being part of an independent film company?
Filmmaking – especially with independent films – is a lot of hard work, time and emotional energy but it’s also a lot of fun and moving to be fully immersed in the truth of a story. From pre to post production, there is a sense of magic in the making. It’s when you start attending film festivals that the labour of love pays off in an exciting way. Films have the ability to stand the test of time so to be part of creating that legacy for future generations is something truly special. Filmmaking – especially with independent films – is a lot of hard work, time and emotional energy but it’s also a lot of fun and moving to be fully immersed in the truth of a story. From pre to post production, there is a sense of magic in the making. It’s when you start attending film festivals that the labour of love pays off in an exciting way. Films have the ability to stand the test of time so to be part of creating that legacy for future generations is something truly special.
What is the most important factor to creating a successful film?
Collaboration is the core of our community culture. We believe every single person who has made any kind of investment in a project is owed the opportunity to be part of the creative process. The film industry has a reputation of taking investor funds and then giving the silent treatment. But the film-making process is strengthened by the input of those who hold the most intricate details of a story.
We are telling the stories of a region that is largely under the hood of hardened misconceptions, therefore it’s our duty to do right by them through an inclusive process. That is the truest and most authentic way for a story to create the impact it deserves.
