Latest news with #TheMBSGroup
Broadcast Pro
08-05-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Film AlUla partners with MBS MENA Limited to run AlUla Studios
Through its newly launched regional arm, MBS MENA Limited, the company will exclusively manage and operate AlUla Studios Powered by MBStudios, marking the MBS Group's first operational footprint in the MENA region. Film AlUla, the film agency under the Royal Commission for AlUla, has signed a major agreement with MBS MENA Limited, the newly established regional arm of global studio powerhouse The MBS Group, to exclusively operate and manage the cutting-edge AlUla Studios in Saudi Arabia. This collaboration marks a first-of-its-kind partnership in the region, aligning Saudi Arabia's flagship production hub with one of the world's major studio operators. Operating under the new brand 'AlUla Studios Powered by MBStudios', the facility becomes part of The MBS Group's global network of more than 50 elite production campuses, which include Hollywood landmarks such as Manhattan Beach Studios—home to the Avatar franchise—as well as Culver Studios, Raleigh Studios, and top-tier facilities in London, Ireland and Canada. Jason Hariton, Chief Studio & Real Estate Officer at The MBS Group, said: 'We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our international presence into the growing MENA region. We see AlUla as a premier destination for global content creators. The city offers proximity to remarkable landscapes and first-class accommodation—and some of the industry's best financial incentives for filmmakers.' MBS MENA Limited will work in close collaboration with Film AlUla to develop a robust production pipeline and ensure smooth studio operations—maximising occupancy, streamlining production schedules, and managing leasing for both local and international projects. This partnership also marks The MBS Group's first operational presence in the MENA region, bringing its high standards in studio management and technical innovation to a market that is rapidly emerging as a global player in entertainment. Alongside its operational role, MBS will introduce advanced production technologies over time, including virtual production and volumetric stages, ensuring that AlUla Studios remains at the forefront of global filmmaking. The deal aligns closely with Film AlUla's mission to create a thriving, locally rooted film industry. MBS MENA Limited will prioritise hiring Saudi nationals, particularly residents of AlUla, for a range of operational and support roles at the studio. In addition, the partnership will deliver training and development programmes to help local talent acquire world-class skills in studio operations and film production. Local businesses and artisans will also benefit from the agreement, with sourcing and collaboration opportunities built into the operating model to reflect the region's cultural identity and economic goals. The newly operational AlUla Studios is a full-service, state-of-the-art facility designed to accommodate productions of all sizes. It features two soundstages of over 25,000 sqft each, supported by nearly 18,000 sqft of production buildings, prop shops, costume spaces and construction workshops. In addition to its core production infrastructure, the complex boasts world-class audio capabilities, including a recording studio designed to accommodate a 32-piece orchestra with advanced acoustic treatment. Complementary facilities include training and rehearsal spaces, administrative offices and event areas. Zaid Shaker, Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, added: 'Partnering with MBStudios to operate AlUla Studios is a strategic leap forward in our mission to position AlUla as the premier production hub in the region. Their unmatched global experience brings the operational excellence needed to anchor long-term industry growth, attract high-calibre productions, and build local capabilities. We're proud to mark this new chapter by welcoming the very first production into our state-of-the-art studios—an important step in realising our vision for AlUla as a global centre for film.'
Muscat Daily
07-05-2025
- Business
- Muscat Daily
Film AlUla partners with MBS group to operate AlUla Studios
Al Ula, Saudi Arabia – Film AlUla has signed an exclusive deal with global studio operator The MBS Group to manage and run its state-of-the-art AlUla Studios, marking MBS's first venture into the MENA region. The agreement establishes MBS MENA Limited, a new regional division that will oversee day-to-day operations, maximise studio usage, and attract international productions to Saudi Arabia. World-class facilities in historic Al Ula AlUla Studios features two 25,828 sq. ft. soundstages, production offices, set construction workshops, wardrobe and prop departments, a recording studio for a 32-piece orchestra, and extensive backlot space — all set against the backdrop of AlUla's dramatic landscapes and the UNESCO-listed site of Hegra. Boost for Saudi film sector This partnership supports Film AlUla's mission to position Saudi Arabia as a global production hub. It also aims to develop local talent, introduce cutting-edge technologies like virtual production, and draw top-tier international projects. Strategic leap forward Jason Hariton, Chief Studio & Real Estate Officer at The MBS Group, called AlUla 'a world-class destination for filmmakers.' Zaid Shaker, Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, said the partnership 'anchors long-term growth and puts AlUla on the global film map.'
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Saudi Arabia's Film AlUla Signs Deal With MBS Group, Home of James Cameron's ‘Avatar' Franchise, to Manage and Operate Its Studios
Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Yahoo is using AI to generate takeaways from this article. This means the info may not always match what's in the article. Reporting mistakes helps us improve the experience. Generate Key Takeaways Saudi Arabia's Film AlUla has signed a deal with The MBS Group, which comprises Manhattan Beach Studios – home to James Cameron's 'Avatar' sequels – which will exclusively manage and operate their state-of-the-art AlUla Studios. Under the deal MBS Group's newly established regional unit, MBS MENA Limited, 'will work in close collaboration with Film AlUla to develop a robust production pipeline and ensure smooth studio operations — maximising occupancy, streamlining production schedules, and managing leasing for both local and international projects,' MBS Group and Film AlUla said in a joint statement. More from Variety The partnership marks MBS Group's' first operational footprint in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, adding to its global network of roughly fifty facilities. Besides Manhattan Beach Studios, which are the company's namesake, these include Amazon's Culver Studios, Netflix's Raleigh Studios, Radford Studio Center, Kaufman Astoria Studios, Eastbrook Studios London, Vancouver Film Studios, and Ardmore Studios Ireland. Film AlUla is the film commission for the swathe of northwest Saudi Arabia roughly the size of Belgium that also comprises a lush oasis and vast sandstone canyons. Its filmmaking facilities include two large soundstages, each spanning 25,828 sq. ft., a backlot, and production support buildings. The AlUla complex also comprises a recording studio designed to accommodate a 32-piece orchestra, training and rehearsal spaces, administrative offices, and event areas. The statement underlined that The MBS Group's know-how will allow Film AlUla to scale-up as needed going forward. 'Their global experience positions AlUla Studios to integrate cutting-edge innovations over time — including future capabilities such as volumetric stages and next-generation virtual production infrastructure—ensuring the facility remains at the forefront of technological advancement,' it said. 'We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our international presence into the growing MENA region,' said Jason Hariton, chief studio and real estate officer at The MBS Group. 'We see AlUla as a premier destination for global content creators,' he added, noting that 'The city offers proximity to remarkable landscapes and first-class accommodation — and some of the industry's best financial incentives for filmmakers.' Commented Zaid Shaker, acting executive director of Film AlUla: 'Partnering with MBStudios to operate AlUla Studios is a strategic leap forward in our mission to position AlUla as the premier production hub in the region.' 'Their unmatched global experience brings the operational excellence needed to anchor long-term industry growth, attract high-calibre productions, and build local capabilities,' he added. The deal envisions supporting Film AlUla's core mission to develop a sustainable film ecosystem by creating economic opportunities and engaging and training the local workforce. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
