21 May 2012
At the Cannes Film Festival today, digital production company Digital Domain Media Group, and twofour54, the Abu Dhabi government-backed media and entertainment hub, announced that they are collaborating to drive development of the local film, TV and media production industry in the Middle East.
Digital Domain Media Group (DDMG) will establish an animation, visual effects and motion capture studio and Digital Domain Institute media school in Abu Dhabi. The collaboration is designed to support the Emirate’s goal to become the region’s center of excellence for media content creation, growing both the industry and national talent.
DDMG will begin production of visual effects and animation in studios in twofour54 at the beginning of 2013, with plans to recruit and hire staff immediately from local and international talent pools. Over time the studio will employ upwards of 500 people. DDMG will develop a purpose-built 150,000 square foot (14,000 square meter) state-of-the-art entertainment production complex, which is expected to be operational by the end of 2015.
The new Digital Domain studio will create animated feature films, produce visual and 3D effects, engage in the production of original Middle Eastern-branded entertainment for global audiences and contribute to international productions. The studio will become part of Digital Domain’s global feature film VFX and animation pipeline, connected to its studios in Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco, London, Florida and Mumbai.
The Digital Domain Institute/Abu Dhabi, modeled after the Digital Domain Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, will train students in the essential skills of digital media production for entertainment, simulation and related applications. Classes at the Digital Domain Institute/Abu Dhabi are scheduled to begin early in 2014.
This marks the first time a major, global studio has established a presence in the region, highlighting the impact that twofour54 has had on the media industry in the Arab world. By bringing leading edge technologies and creative techniques to Abu Dhabi, DDMG will support the wider film and TV production industry and provide massive opportunities for talent and creative development in the region.
“We are incredibly excited to join twofour54 in building a strong foundation for the filmmaking industry in Abu Dhabi,” said DDMG CEO and Chairman John Textor. “There is tremendous opportunity to produce original entertainment content for Middle Eastern audiences worldwide, and to bring Hollywood work and our own original productions here as well. Pairing the studio and school enables us to help the Emirate to build a sustainable creative industries base. Abu Dhabi was the natural location for us given its strategic location, modern infrastructure and supportive government. We’re looking forward to grooming up-and-coming Arab filmmakers at a time of such great awakening in this part of the world.”
“Digital Domain represents the next great leap forward for twofour54 and Abu Dhabi – a strong move into digital production and the development of locally created feature films and TV content,” said Noura Al Kaabi CEO of twofour54. “The establishment of DDMG in Abu Dhabi is a significant event in the evolution of the media industry in the Middle East. It will provide incredible opportunities for young Arabs to develop skills and careers in an area of the media industry that has simply never existed before in the region.”
An award-winning digital production company founded in 1993, DDMG is a leading provider of digital visual effects and has contributed to more than 90 major motion pictures. twofour54 is the Abu Dhabi government-backed, media and entertainment hub which focuses on training and talent development, supports creative entrepreneurship and provides enabling production, post-production and broadcast facilities. twofour54 is home to more than 160 local, regional and international media companies including CNN, BBC, Ubisoft, Fox Intl Channels, Cartoon Network, Financial Times and Charisma.
www.twofour54.com
18 May 2012
The Broadcasting Board of Governors has launched an FM radio transmitter in Tripoli that covers the Libyan capital and its suburbs, home to about two million people.
The new transmitter broadcasts a 24/7 stream from Radio Sawa, with a signature mix of more than six hours of daily news combined with popular Arabic and Western music.
“This is a country in turmoil, seeking a foothold in democracy,” said Brian Conniff, president of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc., home to Radio Sawa. “We offer a reliable source of news and information essential as the people of Libya strive to shape their future. We are proud to support free media in Libya, most especially during its political transition.”
The BBG, which provides and maintains technology around the world to support its broadcasters, had been working non-stop since mid-2011 to get the new transmitter in place.
Compact enough to fit in a refrigerator box, the equipment enables programming on 106.6 FM, an easy-to-find frequency.
“It’s crucial that we reach audiences via the media that they prefer,” said André Mendes, the BBG’s Chief information Officer and Chief Technology Officer. “In this region, at this time, that means FM radio. And we’re delighted to be able to use a frequency with such a good signal, so people will hear our programs loud and clear.”
Audiences in Benghazi have heard Radio Sawa programming around the clock on the locally well-known 88.1 since October 2011. A major Libyan city, Benghazi was the stronghold of Libyan rebel forces.
As the protests of the Arab Spring swept across the Middle East in 2011, correspondents for Radio Sawa and its sister station, Alhurra Television, reported on the wave of uprisings in Libya by traveling from Benghazi to Tripoli. Their on-air and online reporting tackled the news from the front lines as well as the challenges facing Libya during its transition to a new government.
Radio Sawa has a weekly reach of 14 million listeners, according to international research firms such as ACNielsen. In addition to Libya, Radio Sawa broadcasts on FM in Morocco, Jordan, the Palestinian Territories, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, U.A.E., Lebanon, Iraq, Sudan and Djibouti. Radio Sawa also broadcasts on medium wave to Egypt, Yemen, Saudi Arabia and Syria and online at www.RadioSawa.com.
17 May 2012
Eurosport will broadcast the 2012 French Open – Roland Garros Live, in 3D, via Sky in the UK market.
The Global sports channel will broadcast a Live 3D feed from Centre Court at Roland Garros from Monday May 28th to June 10th and it will be available to UK sports fans, non exclusively, via Sky’s 3D channel.
It will be the third consecutive French Open tournament to be produced and available for fans in 3D.
Jean Thierry Augustin, Eurosport’s Managing Director of Rights Acquisition, Distribution & Development said: “Eurosport was the first broadcaster to present live tennis in 3D with the French Open in 2010 and this agreements with Sky will give the British public an opportunity to experience live Grand Slam tennis in 3D. Eurosport has already committed to broadcast over 100 hours of 3D content from the London Olympic Games this summer ensuring an even wider variety of sports can also be viewed in this innovative way. In January 2012 Eurosport extended its relationship with the French Tennis Federation for a further three years to reinforce its position as the leading live tennis channel in Europe.”
John Cassy, Director of Sky 3D, comments: “We’re delighted to be partnering with Eurosport and bringing our customers live action from the French Open, as well as the first 3D Olympics this summer. By working with channel partners and continuing to invest heavily in our own 3D sports coverage, we’re able to offer our customers a fantastic array of sport in 3D this summer, with football, rugby, cricket and tennis all available in immersive 3D over the next few months. Thanks to our ongoing commitment to 3D, Sky 3D customers can look forward to a monumental summer of sport.”
www.eurosport.com
16 May 2012
New figures show that BBC World News has burst through the 300million distribution mark– increasing the number of households it broadcasts in by more than 40 million over the past year.
Total distribution of the BBC’s international news channel now stands at more than 330 million households following recent deals with Comcast in the US, TV4 in Sweden, ERT S.A. in Greece and D life, a major distribution deal with Disney in Japan.
BBC World News is expected to receive a further boost when it moves into state-of-the-art new broadcasting studios in London later this year, improving the look and feel of its international news output for audiences.
BBC World News Commercial Director Colin Lawrence called it evidence of both ‘a breakthrough year’ for the channel and ‘our audiences increasing hunger for global news they can trust in very turbulent times’.
Full-time 24/7 distribution of the channel has also risen from 179 million to more than 200 million households, making it one of the biggest international news channels in the world.
Amongst the biggest increases in distribution included:
- The US, where distribution rose by over 100%, largely as a result of a new deal with US cable provider Comcast, who are distributing the channel in Washington DC, Philadelphia, Chicago, Boston, Northern California, Michigan and elsewhere
- 15% increase in Europe including France, where distribution rose by 119% and Greece where distribution rose by 549%
- Former Eastern Bloc countries Georgia (101%), Russia (+19%), Kazakhstan (+43%), and Estonia (+85%)
- Rises in Latin America including Panama (+45%), Ecuador (+25%), Paraguay (+40%), Argentina (+7%) and Chile (+16%)
- Increases in Asia including Indonesia (+35%)
Colin Lawrence said: “It has been a breakthrough year for the BBC’s international channel and we are determined to build on it. We have focused on building deeper and stronger relationships with MSOs, as well as creating new partnerships which may build the BBC World News brand footprint in strategic markets.
“It’s no coincidence we’ve made this progress in what has been a year of huge international news and events. In turbulent times, international audiences increasingly turn to the BBC and want news that they can trust. It reflects growing evidence that audiences may be growing tired of more slanted broadcast news and value our intelligent and un-spun global perspective.
“In another defining year for news – including major elections in the US, China, Russia, France and elsewhere – we expect the hunger for fair and accurate international news to grow. Alongside our move to state-of-the-art new studios in London, this should provide another lift in our performance.”
www.bbc.co.uk
16 May 2012
Yesterday has marked the beginning of the all new events management arm of MBC Group, EVENTIQUE. The region’s leading free-to-air satellite broadcasting company has launched an exclusive all-service boutique agency that designs weddings and events of a luxurious caliber.
The press conference took place at EVENTIQUE’s one of a kind boutique villa located in Knowledge Village, Dubai, making it the first events management agency to have a specialized boutique that displays all the finest details in event management.
Explaining the concept of the new company, Heba Rumhein, EVENTIQUE’s Director said: “EVENTIQUE is an exclusive bespoke events management agency that offers premium services customized to our clients’ every need. Bringing boundless passion and distinct style to each event, we flawlessly transform the dreams of our clients into lavish celebrations, regardless of scale”.
“With years of experience and expertise, our team prides itself with living the luxury lifestyle firsthand, therefore connecting with our clients on every level. The team is comprised of talented stage designers, production specialists and experienced planners who come together to create just the perfect combination for success!” elaborated Rumhein.
EVENTIQUE is yet another subsidiary under the MBC Group and operates as one. Commenting on its connection with the Group, Heba says, “We are very proud to be part of the leading broadcasting network in the Middle East. This is great news for our clients as well, since this means they will gain direct access to premium media, valuable PR exposure and extensive coverage of their events across the region.”
EVENTIQUE specializes in Event Design and execution from concept creations, to theme development, floor plan and stage design, flower arrangements and lighting designs, all the way to the design and building of tents, caterers’ selection, invitations and wedding favors, entertainment and photography & video services. The company also offers event management consultancy which includes venue research and recommendations, contract negotiations and on-site management and coordination of the entire event, all the way through to offering a complete event program with timelines, creating a projected budget and managing all the event expenditure.
EVENTIQUE is located in Knowledge Village, Boutique Offices, Villa 19
www.mbc.net
16 May 2012
Slovenian playout centre STN has ordered three new OASYS Automated Playout channels, adding to the six HD channels installed in 2011, making OASYS a key part of the STN controlled and operated playout centre. Systems integrator RoBaGo will install the systems in the coming weeks.
STN is one of the most innovative playout providers in the industry, offering a variety of playout options for clients to choose from. The new and existing OASYS systems work alongside STN’s iTX systems in a complementary way, with both systems built around Isilon IQ X-Series scalable nodes; this enables STN to seamlessly scale the capacity from a few terabytes to multiple petabytes and over 45 gigabytes per second (GBps) of throughput.
Tomaz Lovsin, Managing Director, STN, said, “STN has used OASYS software since its very beginning, when IT-based playout was in its infancy, and thefact that we still use it many years later – albeit with many more sophisticated features and functions – shows that there are many benefits that OASYS offers. Today’s OASYS Player is supplied with a richly featured, broadcast quality branding and graphics display management toolkit, and its handling of live events is astonishing; not only can the system literally replace a video console, but it can also handle all the graphic challenges that may arise during the live transmission. No other IT-based playout can achieve what the OASYS system can achieve; it is a very powerful playout system that is nevertheless logical and easy for our operators to work with.”
Mark Errington, CEO, OASYS, said, “We have worked with STN for many years, and they have benefitted from our feature developments as their requirements have changed. Sharing the central infrastructure with other playout technologies is an example of the flexibility of the OASYS solution, and adding new channels is quick and easy.”
www.oasys.com
