Zeinab Abu Alsam was the general manager of MBC Studios in Saudi Arabia for just one year, but with the speed at which the local industry is growing, he says it looks like more than five.
“Things are happening faster than I expected,” Saudi Arabia said. “But it’s wonderful because we haven’t published our stories in the last 40 years, I’m not even talking about the world, I’m talking about what has even spread to us.”
Abu Alsamhi, former commercial director of the Saudi Broadcasting Authority, is responsible for overseeing all content and development projects at MBC Studios Saudi Arabia, a subsidiary of the Saudi-owned free-to-air television network MBC. As well as the expansion of the content production industry in the Kingdom.
Across 13 different regions and with populations of 30 million, two-thirds of whom are under the age of 35 and hungry for pleasure, Abu Alsamh says it’s an unusual time for a filmmaker in the country.
“People want to be part of this burgeoning industry,” he said. “There are parts of the country that I, as a local, don’t know much about. So every time I get scripts from different regions of Saudi Arabia, I get really excited because it’s the first step and everything is new. We have so many stories to tell that have not yet been brought to our attention. “
Abu Alsam played a key role in filming the country’s two largest Hollywood productions – $ 100 million + current desert warriorStarring Anthony Mackey and Aisha Hart, shot in the Neo region of the country and kandahar With Gerald Butler, who was shot around Alula.
“It was very important to have this performance here because it reflected future rules for other products,” he said, noting that the experience local teams were able to gain from these projects was invaluable. “When I go to these sets I always talk to the interns to see how they are, what the experience was like for them and it’s always a dream come true for them to be able to work without playing. Leave the country “.
The executive is particularly looking forward to his next series. revolt of the witches, Which is one of the highest budget television series in the country to date. The story is based on a novel from Saudi Arabia and describes the rise of a pact of two witches who eventually go to war with each other.
“It’s very trendy and very modern,” says Abu Alsam. “It’s mystical and fantastic and it’s interesting material to work with and offer to the public.” The show features all Saudi actors and is also filmed in Neom.
MBC is also busy with the local version. Office. “Our workspace is unique and open to everyone,” said Abu Alsamhi. “Families don’t know how their children work in offices and it would be nice to show this interaction in a space between men and women from different backgrounds. I am very excited about this opportunity. “
Abu Alsamh also runs the MBC Academy, an education and training platform that aims to discover and nurture Saudi Arabian talent. “We are developing right now, so we need a lot of talent and we are always trying to increase our local skills in this way,” she said. “It’s important to take on new faces, hire drama teachers and rebuild our industry.
Abu Alsamhi is particularly passionate about empowering women in business. As a mother of two daughters who also has three sisters, Abu Alsamh says it’s a great directive for her to help make the voices of Saudi women heard in the film and television industry.
“From a company perspective, MBC has always wanted to empower women, both in production and in empowering the organization’s executives,” she said. “This is a very holistic, comfortable and diverse workplace. But personally I am very passionate about empowering women. There are many women in my family and I feel it is our responsibility to make this world a better place no matter how cliché it may seem. We are inspired to see what women can do – we are fantastic creatures.
Source: Deadline
