12-05-2025
People & Co expands with new film division Film x People
Abu Dhabi-based creative group People & Co has launched a standalone film production company, Film x People, expanding its suite of experience-led brands to meet growing demand for impactful, high-quality content.
The new division joins the group's existing brands: People, the creative events agency; Spaces+Places, specialists in temporary architecture; and Spectaculars, producers of large-scale cultural shows. With a focus on storytelling and social impact, Film x People is led by award-winning director Kieran Hodges and executive producer Rory McLoughlin.
The launch also coincides with the opening of a newly designed 2,153 sq. ft film office in Abu Dhabi's Yas Creative Hub. The space includes dedicated editing suites and a viewing room equipped with a L'Acoustics 5.1 sound system, strengthening People & Co's production capabilities in the UAE and beyond.
While film has long been part of the group's creative output, the move marks a strategic decision to formalise the offer and scale production. 'Film has always been an integral part of our work at People & Co, helping us to put human beings with powerful stories front and centre,' said Tim Elliott, CEO of People & Co.
'We make films because films make change – imaginative thinking and purposeful experiences are part of our DNA – and the launch of our own independent film studio demonstrates how deeply committed we are to this,' he added.
With creative teams in both London and Abu Dhabi, the launch of Film x People is expected to strengthen the company's international footprint and diversify its offering to new sectors and clients.
People & Co's recent film work includes Rising From The Slums – Muma Shamsa, a short documentary on Kenyan peace builder Ms. Shamsa Abubakar created for the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity. The film won a Silver Cannes Dolphin Award in 2024.
