NEOM launches Media Village, Bajdah Desert Studios, announces 40% cash rebate as production incentives

The NEOM Media Village and Bajdah Desert Studios opened on Wednesday, according to a statement from the future metropolis of NEOM in Saudi Arabia. The two projects, which together make up the largest sound stages and film production facilities in Saudi Arabia, are intended to reform and expand the country’s media business, which is a key area of concentration for the Vision 2030 strategy.

Across the two locations, the first three sound stages are already in use. Seven more, including a cutting-edge volumetric production stage, are expected to debut by Q1 2023.

A 40% plus cash rebate incentive programme for feature films, TV (drama, reality, documentaries), and commercials were also announced by NEOM in conjunction with the opening. Producers could get a larger percentage based on their contributions to the development of the industry.

The creation of the Media Village and Desert Studios came out of “a desire to create a focal point for the content creation industries in the region and address some of the shortcomings across the region,” Wayne Borg, managing director for media industries, entertainment and culture at NEOM told Arabian Business. The media village will help “consolidate the industry and be a focal point for talent,” Borg said.

While the two developments were formally inaugurated on Wednesday, The Line, a futuristic 170 km long city, will serve as the eventual home for NEOM’s Media Village.

Three additional sound stages are being built in Neom Media Village, which currently has one 2,400 square metre sound stage with back-of-house amenities like make-up rooms, green rooms, and production offices. There are two 3,000 square metre sound stages at Bajdah Desert Studios, and four more are expected to be ready by the end of 2022. Additionally, a group of multinational production personnel has been put together.