Zaid Shaker is excited about what lies ahead. Taking over from Charlene Dillon Jones on an interim basis, the new acting CEO of the AlUla Film Foundation is keen to further AlUla’s ambition to become a major global hub for film production and creative industries in the northwest of the Arabian Peninsula.
“We are on the cusp of some major project deals and in discussions with studios and productions about their upcoming plans which we will announce in due course,” Shaker said. diverse When asked what to expect from his tenure.
Zaid Shaker
Image source: Ahmed Deli
“We will also continue to support films through our initiatives, which include a strategic partnership with the Red Sea Film Fund to jointly provide grants, provide financial production support to filmmakers from the MENA region and the opportunity to complete part of the shoot in AlUla.”
Prior to his current role, Shaker played a pivotal role in shaping the strategic framework of AlUla Film Company. As Head of Strategy and Performance, the CEO oversaw the agency’s strategic performance in formulating initiatives to improve operational efficiency and long-term results. He brings to the role 20 years of experience in the film, tourism and creative industries, having worked for organisations such as PwC, Chemonics, Abt Associates, Global Communities and the Royal Film Commission – Jordan.
“When the opportunity arose to take on this role, I was excited to help guide the organization,” the CEO added. “This is a historic moment for us, with the studios we have built set to open later this year.”
This marks Shaker’s most significant project during his tenure: continuing to expand AlUla’s image as a film production destination and a comprehensive, state-of-the-art creative hub. The already impressive facilities include 26,000 square feet of sound studios, a production building with hair and makeup rooms, wardrobe facilities, office space, meeting rooms and dressing rooms. In addition, the complex also includes 15,400 square feet of workshop space per stage, recreational vehicle parking for each stage, an administration building, a sound recording studio, a kitchen and event space, and a 61,500 square foot backlot for additional temporary infrastructure and set construction.
Recently, AlUla Film Company took a significant step towards expanding beyond just films by opening a recording studio, control room and booths for musicians and choirs to practice and produce soundtracks for films, music videos and orchestral works. The agency also plans to expand its film studios in the next two years.
“AlUla has always had stunning landscapes and unparalleled travel experiences, but now we’re adding new modern filming rules, which means we can welcome a whole new kind of production. I live in AlUla, and I’m really energised by the real desire to grow.”
Since opening its doors in 2020, three years after Saudi Arabia lifted its 35-year ban on cinemas and began positioning itself as an emerging film production powerhouse, AlUla Film has welcomed hundreds of shoots, including high-profile projects such as “Kandahar,” directed by Ric Roman Waugh and starring Gerard Butler; “Sherry,” starring Tom Holland and directed by Anthony and Joe Russo; and “Noura,” the first Saudi feature film to be shot in AlUla and featuring an all-Saudi cast and crew that is more than 40% Saudi.
Noura marked a major turning point in the Saudi film industry after becoming the first Saudi film to be selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Speaking about attending the festival, Shaker was quick to highlight how excited he was to have American singer-rapper Anderson . Paak’s film K-Pops screened at the Toronto Film Festival. The film, which was partly shot in AlUla, marks another high-profile festival appearance for the agency.
“It really demonstrates our ambition as a home for cinema, and it’s a hugely proud moment for us. K-pops and Noura are two very different projects by fantastic directors who have found inspiration and support in AlUla. From a business perspective, it’s testament to our ambition and ability to play into such fantastic projects. It’s important for us to have these tangible examples of our success and also for people to see what’s possible when they come to us.”
