A hub for ambitious and groundbreaking productions, Neom has quickly gained recognition as a force to be reckoned with in the media industry. Wayne Borg, the Head of Media Industries at Neom, takes pride in being a part of a company that “makes things happen.” In the four years since its inception, Neom has successfully housed and facilitated 35 productions, ranging from local and regional projects to Bollywood and international films and television shows. This article delves into the impressive accomplishments of Neom and its vision for the future.
Wayne Borg emphasizes the importance of Neom’s role in revolutionizing the industry by offering a seamless experience for productions. Traditionally, bureaucracy has been seen as the Achilles’ heel of the industry, hindering progress and creativity. However, Neom aims to change this narrative by providing a red carpet experience instead of red tape. They prioritize trust, belief, and efficiency, creating an environment that fosters creativity and growth.
One of the highlights of Neom’s recent endeavors is their collaboration with Telfaz11 Studios, a prominent Saudi Arabian production group. Telfaz11 Studios has gained recognition not only in the country but also across the region for their cutting-edge content that resonates on global platforms. Neom is honored to work with Telfaz11, with the goal of taking their success to the next level.
The nine-picture deal between Neom and Telfaz11 includes the production of a local genre pic, currently known as “Al-Gaid,” as well as other exciting projects such as Simon West’s “Anatara” and Terry George’s “Riverman.” The partnership aims to push boundaries and showcase Saudi Arabia’s potential in the media industry.
Neom wasted no time in announcing their presence to the world by taking on ambitious first projects. Notably, they collaborated with renowned director Rupert Wyatt for the $140M epic “Desert Warrior.” Starring Anthony Mackie and Ben Kingsley, this production showcased Neom’s commitment to grand-scale storytelling. On top of that, Neom served as the location for the region’s biggest-budgeted television series to date, “Rise of the Witches,” a ten-part series that captured audiences’ attention.
Every production comes with its unique set of challenges, and Neom is no exception. Wayne Borg highlights the logistical complexities faced during the shooting of “Desert Warrior,” a project that involved approximately 450 to 500 people on set every day for a five-month shoot. However, these challenges only strengthened Neom’s ethos of “making it happen.” With a dedicated and talented team, Neom takes pride in overcoming obstacles and delivering exceptional results.
Neom’s journey has only just begun. Wayne Borg acknowledges that the company is still in its early stages, suggesting that there are even greater things on the horizon. As Neom continues to attract more productions and build trust within the industry, it is poised to become a major player in the global media landscape. With its commitment to eliminating bureaucracy and empowering creatives, Neom is unlocking Saudi Arabia’s potential and cementing its status as a hub for ambitious productions.