Latest news with #VijayaCherian
Broadcast Pro
18-06-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
All eys on AIUIa
Saudi Arabia is grooming AlUla into a premier global destination for film production, combining state-of-the-art facilities with its unique cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. In conversation with Vijaya Cherian, Zaid Shaker, Acting CEO of Film AlUla, talks about how this ambitious vision is nurturing local talent, attracting international projects and advancing the goals of Vision 2030. How has AlUla evolved to support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030? Film AlUla was established in 2020 to help realise Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by positioning AlUla as a central hub for film and entertainment. Our goal is to attract and support local and international productions, advancing economic diversification and cultural development. With its rich heritage, AlUla embodies the Kingdom's past, present and future. By bringing in regional and international projects, Film AlUla drives investment, generates employment and boosts the local economy, directly supporting Vision 2030. Sustainability is also at the heart of our efforts. While developing world-class film infrastructure, we are committed to preserving Film AlUla's landscapes and cultural heritage. Additionally, we invest in upskilling the local community, ensuring that the benefits of this growth are felt at the grassroots level and contribute to long-term, sustainable development. What's the status right now in terms of studio infrastructure in AlUla? Film AlUla Studios is set to welcome a leading global studio services provider as its operator, a first-of-its-kind partnership in the region. Film AlUla Studios is a cutting-edge, full-service production facility designed to meet the needs of today's global film and TV industry. The studio boasts two 25,000sqft soundstages, the latest technology and a 61,500sqft backlot designed for set builds and temporary infrastructure. Each soundstage is paired with its own production building, offering 17,761sqft of space that includes everything from communal areas to dressing rooms, hair and makeup rooms, executive offices and catering for up to 300 guests. These buildings form part of a larger Creative Production Hub which also includes four workshops totalling 16,146sqft, ideal for set construction and prop development, plus a worldclass sound recording studio that can accommodate a 32-piece orchestra. With its breathtaking locations, top-tier facilities and logistical support, AlUla is a one-stop shop for filmmakers looking for a fully equipped destination for their productions. How is the government supporting the industry's growth in terms of policy and investment? In line with the national incentive programme, Film AlUla offers a 40% cash rebate for international, regional and local film and TV productions. This rebate can be elevated to 50% for projects involving Saudi citizens or residents. An additional incentive of up to 10% is available for productions that prioritise crew development, training, marketing, promotional activities, cultural enrichment and the showcasing of Saudi talent both in front of and behind the camera. These incentives are designed to lower production costs, maximise budgets and offer comprehensive support throughout the filmmaking process. Tell us about some of the big productions at AlUla. One of the standout successes is Norah, directed by Tawfik Alzaidi, the first-ever Saudi film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival, where it went on to receive a Prestigious Special Mention award. With over 60% of its crew made up of Saudi talent, Norah is a powerful testament to the Kingdom's growing creative capabilities. Other major productions include Kandahar, directed by Ric Roman Waugh, the first big-budget US film to shoot in AlUla; Cherry, the emotional drama directed by Anthony and Joe Russo, starring Tom Holland; K-Pops, a coming-of-age comedy directed by Anderson .Paak; and Netflix's Matchmaker, directed by Abdulmohsen Aldhabaan. More recently, AlUla has served as the backdrop for Hijra, an ambitious drama by acclaimed director Shaheed Ameen, and Siwar, the debut feature by Osama Alkhurayji, which opened this year's Saudi Film Festival. With over 80% of its cast and crew made up of Saudi talent, Siwar is a true reflection of rich storytelling and creative potential. Beyond feature films, AlUla is also emerging as a hub for global music and entertainment productions. Highlights include the high-energy music video Gun Powder by Meshaal Aljasser, the National Geographic documentary Lost Worlds with Bettany Hughes: The Nabataeans, reality shows like Dubai Bling and Soy Georgina, and promotional shoots for major franchises like House of the Dragon and Stranger Things. In 2024 alone, AlUla hosted 85 productions spanning feature films, TV series, commercials and music videos. This year will also see an exciting slate of local, regional and international productions that will be announced soon. Saudi Arabia has several places to shoot movies. What makes AlUla unique? Located in northwest Saudi Arabia, AlUla is home to the Kingdom's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, Hegra, an ancient Nabataean city, as well as stunning landmarks like Jabal Ikmah's open-air inscriptions, Elephant Rock and AlUla Oasis. Spanning 22,500sqkm – roughly the size of Belgium – AlUla is a living museum with a history that spans more than 200,000 years. AlUla has diverse landscapes which provide the perfect backdrop for a wide range of genres. Whether it's rock formations, volcanic craters, lush oases or sandstone canyons, it offers a variety of terrains that can bring both historical and contemporary stories to life. The region's vast deserts, oases, ancient towns, sweeping mountains and clear night skies are all located just minutes from the town and production studios. With a population of around 65,000, AlUla also offers a welcoming, community-oriented environment, making it not only visually stunning but also a logistically efficient and highly liveable base for film crews. What are the biggest challenges in building an industry from the ground up in KSA? Building a film industry from the ground up in Saudi Arabia presents challenges, but these are opportunities for growth. A key area of focus is developing a skilled workforce, addressed through training, mentorship and on-set apprenticeships. International collaborations help transfer knowledge and build expertise. Another challenge is establishing a robust production supply chain. We're tackling this by supporting local businesses, building partnerships and providing state-of-the-art facilities like Film AlUla Studios to meet international standards. Government support, including financial incentives and initiatives like the Film Saudi programme, is helping attract global filmmakers. Equally important is activating the private sector to play a stronger role in supporting the growth of the industry, from investing in infrastructure and services to backing creative projects. What trends in audience behaviour are shaping the future of Saudi Arabia's media landscape? Saudi Arabia's media landscape is undergoing a rapid transformation, driven by a young, digitally connected population. With 65% of the population under 30, there's a clear shift toward OTT platforms like Netflix and Shahid, as Saudi audiences increasingly consume content via streaming services. This shift presents a unique opportunity for us to attract global streaming giants to shoot original productions in AlUla, helping to bring Saudi narratives to a global stage. One of the most exciting trends is the growing appetite for high-quality, story-driven cinema, not just commercial blockbusters. Independent films are gaining remarkable traction. The success of Saudi indie drama Hobal, which recently outperformed major Hollywood titles at the local box office, is a testament to the rising interest in more intellectual, character-driven stories. Audiences are increasingly looking for quality over quantity – they want stories that are well-crafted, relatable and culturally resonant. Saudi Arabia is unique in the region in that the local market strongly supports its national cinema. As a result, filmmakers are now exploring all mediums, from theatrical releases to digital-first projects and festival circuits, reflecting a more dynamic, multidimensional approach to storytelling. How is AlUla attracting and developing local talent for long-term sustainability? Film AlUla is committed to developing local film talent to support the long-term growth of Saudi Arabia's film industry. Through training and on-set experience, emerging filmmakers and crew members gain essential skills during each production. Our programmes focus on practical, hands-on learning to build technical and creative expertise. In one initiative, 50 trainees join a week-long introduction to filmmaking, with 16 progressing to on-the-job training across roles like production coordination and technical departments. At least five will be nominated to continue on future productions, creating a clear path for professional development. We also incentivise productions to hire local crew, reinforcing our goal of building a skilled and sustainable workforce for Saudi storytelling. What impact are major global streaming platforms and studios having on the local industry? Major global streaming platforms and studios such as Netflix, Amazon Prime and Shahid not only offer a global stage for Saudi films and TV shows but also drive substantial investment in local content creation. By partnering with regional filmmakers, these platforms provide opportunities for skill development, funding and exposure to international markets. These collaborations are supporting the growth of a dynamic film industry, helping to elevate local production standards and create jobs. Additionally, they bring attention to Saudi culture, offering local talent the chance to tell their stories to a global audience. The production of content contributes to economic diversification by attracting foreign investment, boosting tourism and strengthening the creative industries, which play a key role in Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. What are your key priorities moving forward? Film AlUla aims to be a prominent global film industry player, establishing itself as a key destination for productions across all formats. Our focus is on talent development, infrastructure expansion and building international collaborations to ensure Saudi stories reach global audiences. We are dedicated to attracting a consistent pipeline of productions across film, TV and digital media, with the creative industries playing a significant role in diversifying the economy, attracting investment and creating jobs.
Broadcast Pro
12-06-2025
- Automotive
- Broadcast Pro
Fuelling a new era in sports broadcasting
Global media tech giant NEP Group recently unveiled its first large-scale IP-based OB trucks for the Middle East. Speaking exclusively to Vijaya Cherian, senior executives highlight how these agile machines, powered by NEP's broadcast platform, are set to revolutionise the region's content production industry. A veteran in live production, NEP has powered the broadcast infrastructure for some of the world's most iconic events, including the Olympics, the World Cup and the Indian Premier League (IPL). With more than 150 OB vehicles supporting sports, entertainment, news and other major productions and events in the Americas, Europe and Australia, NEP boasts the largest OB fleet in the industry. This February, the group unveiled its first large-scale OB vehicle in the Middle East. The ME-01 OB truck made its debut at UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs. Aliskerov, the first UFC event ever held in Saudi Arabia. 'Our use of the new ME01 OB unit for UFC Saudi Arabia elevated our production capabilities, delivering the same top-tier innovation and engineering we've come to expect from NEP worldwide. Now that level of excellence is accessible locally in one of the fastest-growing production markets in the world,' says Greg Louw, Director of Technical Operations for the UFC. ME-01 went on to support the production of the Saudi Cup and Power Slap 11 championships in Riyadh, as well as the 2025 EuroLeague Final Four event in Abu Dhabi. ME-01's launch was bolstered by the unveiling of ME-02, NEP's second state-of-the-art IP unit for the region, at CABSAT 2025. Although the trucks are designed for the Middle East, their manufacture is the result of extensive collaboration between NEP's teams in Australia, Europe and the Middle East. 'For NEP, these trucks are truly a labour of love. Our CTOs from three continents contributed years of operational insights to elevate ME-01 and ME-02 into hallmarks of NEP's next-generation OB fleet,' explains Marc Segar, Chief Technology Officer for NEP Australia, New Zealand and Japan, who led the project. 'It's this spirit of collaboration that makes these OBs truly amazing.' For Louw, NEP's expansion into the region marks a pivotal moment in content production. 'The Middle East is solidifying its status as a premier destination for global media projects. With two fully IP-based broadcast facilities now operating here, powered by NEP's TFC platform, it's a true game-changer for the region's production community.' Fabrication began in March 2024 when NEP acquired two purpose-built OB coaches from Tomassini Style in Perugia, Italy. 'The trucks underwent complete redesign to meet the needs of the Middle East market,' explains Segar. 'Environmental adaptations were made too – the air conditioning systems were upgraded to withstand the region's scorching summers. Within six months, the trucks were transported to the Middle East and were ready for commissioning. Each truck is 13.9m long and can be extended up to 16.4m when fully deployed. Comprising over 70sqm of operational space, the trucks can accommodate up to 30 production staff across six specialised zones: production gallery, replay, middle bench, audio, shading and engineering.' 'Purpose-built for live sports, entertainment and other largescale events,' notes Jean-Claude Rahme, CTO for NEP in the Middle East and Asia, 'the trucks are mirror images of each other in technical architecture. They are designed for consistency in operations and scalability based on the needs of a production. They represent the region's first fully IP-native broadcast facilities.' Both OB trucks use SMPTE ST 2110 broadcast facilities, with no baseband cabling except for the tailboard edges. Key hardware has been provided by Grass Valley, Cisco, Arkona, Manifold Technologies, EVS and Lawo. Features include 30 LDX-150 camera chains, seven EVS XT-VIA servers, multi-format support, a Grass Valley K-frame with Kayenne panel, LAWO audio consoles and an RTS intercom system. Notably, ME-01 and ME-02 are format- and frame rate-agnostic. TFC at the helm Beyond being fitted with advanced equipment, the twin units are powered by NEP's TFC (Total Facility Control) broadcast orchestration platform, which enables the seamless integration of hardware and software from multiple vendors into one interface, simplifying control, automating tasks and standardising workflows. 'TFC has been instrumental in simplifying the complexity of SMPTE ST 2110 and bringing the familiarity of baseband workflows into the IP domain,' says Segar. 'It's a powerful unifying platform that allows broadcasters to harness the full potential of IP without sacrificing usability or control.' Interestingly, TFC's creation was not a planned operational strategy. Rather, it was born out of necessity to solve the day-to-day operational challenges faced by the company's engineering team. In 2018, NEP's engineering team in Australia began working with SMPTE ST 2110. As early adopters of IP-based production, they faced two major challenges. While IP offered powerful flexibility, there was a clear gap in the number of broadcast engineers with deep IP expertise. Secondly, there was an absence of a comprehensive control system to facilitate the transition effectively. To address these issues, a dedicated team of NEP engineers began developing software that would make IP workflows as intuitive and manageable as traditional baseband systems, and enable engineers who were familiar with baseband to work confidently in an SMPTE ST 2110 environment without needing to become IP specialists. 'The early generation of the ST 2110 hardware had glitches,' says Segar. 'Our engineers started writing their own code to solve the issues and streamline workflows. This gradually grew into a full-fledged control platform. Today TFC powers all of NEP's operations globally, from OBs to connected production facilities.' NEP first deployed TFC as a managed service for Sky's F1 coverage for the 2019 season; soon it became the standard platform across NEP broadcast facilities and OBs globally. Over the next six years, TFC's capabilities grew and it emerged as the ideal solution to the challenges of deploying SMPTE ST 2110. TFC's flexibility is its USP. Technology-agnostic, it enables broadcasters to transition from baseband to IP at their own pace by supporting hybrid environments. The platform doesn't require any system upgrades and simply adapts to existing infrastructure. This seamless integration with minimal disruption delivers multiple benefits – from cost efficiency and a reduced carbon footprint due to minimal hardware waste, to enabling content producers to focus on creative output rather than technical system integration. TFC is also vendor-agnostic, allowing broadcasters to bring together a wide range of technologies within an IP-based broadcast environment. A web-based platform, it provides a simple touchscreen interface that enables operators, whether in an OB truck or a fixed facility, to easily manage and orchestrate all connected devices and systems, regardless of manufacturer. The platform is widely used across the US, Europe, Australia and New Zealand, and is now available in the Middle East with the launch of the ME01 and ME-02 OBs. To date, TFC has been used in over one million productions globally, including the Paris Olympics, the World Cup, the Super Bowl, the Masters, the PGA Tour and Eurovision. Building a stronger presence Since the launch of ME-01 and ME-02, four other NEP trucks have been deployed in the region, three of them 4K/HDR capable. Additionally, NEP's pool of internationally deployed flypacks is available for regional broadcasters and producers. Last month, NEP provided the full range of media services for the Arab League Summit held in Baghdad. As NEP's first production in Iraq, it included the supply of OB trucks and speciality cameras. 'Broadcasters, rights holders and streamers continue to expand and enhance their projects in the Middle East, reaching new audiences with amazing live sports and entertainment content. And we're meeting them right here, supporting their productions with NEP's global ecosystem of media services and solutions,' says Mohammad Hammoud, Chief Commercial Officer for NEP Middle East and Asia. Much like its OB fleet, NEP's TFC platform has expanded its reach globally too. The software was initially only available on productions where NEP served as the media services provider, supporting events that had the group's OB units, centralised production facilities, cameras and other infrastructure. Other broadcasters, drawn by its advantages, soon began approaching NEP to integrate TFC into their own workflows. In response to growing demand, NEP announced at the 2025 NAB Show that TFC would now be available industrywide as a licensed software service. Despite TFC's ability to simplify complex broadcast systems, the search for qualified professionals remains a critical challenge. 'Finding staff with deep IP experience isn't unique to NEP or this region. It is a global and industry-wide issue,' remarks Segar. 'We have a very successful engineer apprentice programme at our global headquarters in Pittsburgh. We have set up a training academy in India and also run an internship programme in Singapore to create a talent pipeline for the industry.' NEP's significant investment in the Middle East is a testament to the region's growing significance on the global media map. With the use of new tech such as TFC, ME-01 and ME-02 in local productions, the region's media sector is poised to enter a new era of production.
Broadcast Pro
16-04-2025
- Business
- Broadcast Pro
Asharq Egypt upgrades to remote production
When Asharq Egypt set out to redefine its live production capabilities, it envisioned a state-of-the-art remote production studio that would seamlessly connect Cairo to its Dubai headquarters. To bring this vision to life, the broadcaster entrusted Broadcast & Studio Solutions (BSS) with the systems integration. Vijaya Cherian brings you the tech details. Asharq Egypt, the broadcast network's third cutting-edge facility after Dubai and Riyadh, recently made a multi-million-dollar transition to an IP-based remote production model that has significantly reduced its operational costs owing to more flexible production scheduling and a decline in travel expenses. Headed by Asharq News Chief Technology Officer (CTO) Omran Abdallah, the project was integrated by local player BSS, whose role was to ensure that every element – from infrastructure to cutting-edge broadcast technology – was designed for efficiency, scalability and future growth. 'This project was not merely an upgrade but a complete transformation,' says Abdallah. 'The legacy systems in place were outdated, inflexible and incapable of supporting modern IP-based workflows. The new infrastructure, designed from the ground up, allows for effortless scalability, whether adding new cameras, increasing audio capacity or expanding the network's capabilities in the future.' The upgrade saw the deployment of new technology designed to create a high-performance workflow tailored to the evolving needs of live broadcasting. The project went live last year without any disruptions. Tareq Eid, Managing Director of BSS, says the integrator 'was fully involved in the end-to-end delivery of the remote production studio in Cairo, supplying all the equipment, handling the installation and overseeing the commissioning of the entire facility'. For the video set-up in the new IP studio, Asharq Egypt has opted for Grass Valley LDX135 full SMPTE ST 2110 IP cameras coupled with Canon lenses. This project includes the addition of four cameras, eight microphones, four bodypack receivers and two video wall engines, all integrated for a streamlined and efficient production experience. The studio operation also features an Autoscript prompting solution, Vizrt graphics for dynamic visuals and Evertz sync generators to ensure precise system synchronisation. Audio workflows were designed with Dante Audioover-IP architecture and an SSL audio mixer. The system also incorporates RTS intercoms for real-time communication, essential for live production teams managing complex broadcasts. One of the most complex challenges in this project was ensuring low-latency, high-reliability connectivity between Cairo and Dubai to facilitate remote production. To achieve this, the team installed TVU RPC encoders and decoders as the main system and Nimbra for backup, ensuring seamless video transmission between both locations. After rigorous testing and optimising network performance, the integration team eliminated potential connectivity issues, allowing real-time collaboration and remote management. At the heart of the system is a Cisco network switch that ensures stable, high-speed connections, facilitating 25 client connections and supporting the demands of a modern remote production environment. BSS ensured that all components adhere to SMPTE ST 2110, AES67 and Dante Audio standards, making it easier for Asharq Egypt to integrate future advancements without requiring major overhauls. Although there was no formal vendor training on this project, Eid says BSS facilitated several in-depth technical knowledge transfer sessions with the broadcaster's in-house team. 'We offered sessions that provided detailed insights into the system's architecture, workflows and maintenance protocols. Additionally, BSS provided as-built drawings, manuals and comprehensive documentation to ensure a smooth transition and continued operational efficiency.' 'Our Egypt facility has already started delivering tangible business benefits,' says Abdallah. 'The integration of advanced video and audio solutions has enhanced the quality of live broadcasts, positioning Asharq Egypt as a major player in remote production. Furthermore, by consolidating operations into a centralised, connected environment, we have achieved greater control over our workflows, ensuring efficiency and adaptability.' The new system at Asharq Egypt has a modular design that allows seamless integration of new tools such as AI-driven automation, cloud-based services and enhanced robotics for even greater production flexibility. 'BSS, as the sole systems integrator on this project, has delivered a future-proof broadcast facility designed to meet the current and future demands of a rapidly evolving industry,' says Eid proudly. As media organisations worldwide embrace remote production and IP-based workflows, Abdallah says Asharq Egypt's investment is part of its objective to remain ahead of the curve. 'By being equipped with the latest innovations, we believe we will drive the future of broadcasting,' he concludes.
