ReelNow TV to launch 90-second mini-dramas in the Gulf region
With more than 500 million subscribers in Asia, a new short-form entertainment platform is launching in the Gulf Region from May 17th.
Created by ReelNow TV, the first mini-drama series of 50 episodes of 1.5 to 2 minutes each is titled A Name the isn't Mine. It stars Saudi Arabian actor Muhanad Al-Hamdi – known for his lead roles with Oscar-winning Jeremy Irons in The Cello and Netflix hit Hard Broken.
Initially targeting a viewer base of 250,000, the primary audience is female age 30-45 and young adults age 18-30. The financial model is based on subscription to the series following initial trial.
For brand partners, ReelNow TV has developed two distinct engagement models inspired by its success in Asia. Audiences can unlock episodes by viewing 30 to 60-second premium ads, or brands can co-create exclusive behind-the-scenes content with cast members—offering high-impact storytelling integration.
Mark Fiddes, creative brand strategist and advisor to ReelNow TV, added, 'This is not just content — it's a new storytelling architecture for a mobile-first generation. ReelNow TV has created a format that invites daily emotional engagement and keeps viewers coming back, without compromising on storytelling depth or artistic quality.'
Chinese- American Director Alex Zou has a string of award-winning short films to his name, including Honor of Kings, Dragon Courage and Benevolent Wind. He has also worked as screenwriter for Oscar-nominated director Cui Minghui.
The series will officially release on May 31, but will be available on the ReelNow app from May 17th when over 20 promotion video trailers will go out on ReelNow TV's official TikTok, SnapChat, Instagram and YouTube accounts.
Claire Xiong, Founder of ReelNow TV, said, 'What makes this format magnetic is its ability to deliver cinematic emotion and suspense in under two minutes—crafted by experienced filmmakers, built for social media-native viewers. Everything we've seen about the Gulf's appetite for next-gen content suggests this will strike a real chord. And we welcome brands who want to be part of that cultural connection.'
Two more series are already in pre-production for later in the year.
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