Saudi Arabia's AlUla Studios Hosts First Hollywood Film Amid Expanded Incentives
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Film AlUla, the commission for Saudi Arabia's northwest region, is expanding its production facilities and incentives to attract international filmmakers. The first Hollywood movie made entirely in Saudi Arabia, 'Chasing Red', was filmed there in January. The country has increased its rebate for productions from 40% to 60%.
Facts First
- Film AlUla currently has two 25,000 square foot stages and a state-of-the-art recording studio as part of its initial development phase.
- Stampede Ventures' 'Chasing Red' is the first Hollywood movie made entirely in Saudi Arabia, filmed in AlUla in January.
- Saudi Arabia has increased its rebate for film and TV productions from 40% to 60%, enhancing its appeal to international projects.
- The Red Sea Fund is one of the largest film funds in the Middle East, and projects submitted to it are given the option to be shot in AlUla.
- Saudi Arabia entered the global film arena in late 2017 following the removal of a 35-year ban on cinema.
What Happened
Film AlUla is expanding its production capabilities and partnerships to attract international filmmakers. Its current facilities, described as phase 1-A, include two 25,000 square foot stages and a state-of-the-art recording studio, which can handle high-budget productions. In January, Stampede Ventures filmed 'Chasing Red' in AlUla, marking the first Hollywood movie made entirely in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia has also increased its financial incentive, raising the rebate for film and TV productions from 40% to 60%. Film AlUla maintains a partnership with the global studio MBS Group, which includes Manhattan Beach Studios and AlUla Studios, and a relationship with the Red Sea Film Foundation.
Why this Matters to You
If you are a filmmaker or work in the global entertainment industry, you now have access to a new, fully-equipped production hub with significant financial incentives. The increased 60% rebate could make filming in Saudi Arabia more financially viable for your projects. As a consumer of film, you may begin to see more international productions featuring the landscapes and culture of AlUla, expanding the diversity of stories and locations on screen.
What's Next
Film AlUla's current phase 1-A facilities are already operational for high-budget productions, and further expansion of the studio complex may be likely. The success of 'Chasing Red' and the enhanced rebate could attract more international projects to shoot in AlUla. The growing profile of Saudi cinema, evidenced by films like 'Norah' and 'Hijra' reaching major festivals, suggests the country's film industry may continue to develop its global presence.