Longest feature film production to date in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 27 May 2015: twofour54, is facilitating the production of a new blockbuster Bollywood film scheduled to film in the Emirates in late 2015. The new production was announced in Mumbai last evening during an event for the Bollywood filmmaking community hosted by twofour54 and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission in conjunction with the Film & Television Producers Guild of India.
‘Dishoom’ is directed by Rohit Dhawan, the film is produced by Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment Pvt Ltd, a third generation film production company that traces its foundation to a family celebrating over 50 years in the film industry. It will be an Eros International Presentation. The producer of the film, Sajid Nadiadwala is one of Bollywood’s top producers and has delivered many hits at the box office such as Jeet (1996), Housefull (2010) and Kick (2014). The action adventure will star John Abraham, Varun Dhawan and Jacqueline Fernandez in the lead roles.
‘Dishoom’ was attracted by the Emirate’s unique locations and ease of accessibility from India, the Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s 30% production rebate and the city’s ever-expanding film making infrastructure, which will see the film produced over five weeks across more than 30 locations within Abu Dhabi.
In excess of 90 cast and crew will be involved in the shooting starting October 2015, with Emiratis also provided with opportunities to intern on the production.
Noura Al Kaabi, Chief Executive Officer at twofour54, said: “Nadiadwala Grandson Entertainment is one of the most reputable production companies in Bollywood and we are extremely proud to welcome their latest feature to Abu Dhabi. Their commitment to shoot in the Emirate is a testament to their belief in the UAE as well as the quality of work that we offer.“
“We continue to make great strides as we attract large-scale productions that provide professional development opportunities to young Emiratis as well as contribute to Abu Dhabi’s economy. A recent study by PWC indicates that for every AED 1 invested in the production rebate programme, AED 4.5 of GDP will be generated within Abu Dhabi.”
Reiterating the film industry’s role in promoting and supporting the UAE’s tourism sector, Al Kaabi said: “Films and TV programmes are among the most important and effective mediums for endorsing tourism destinations. We are glad twofour54 will contribute to Abu Dhabi’s ambitious tourism mandate.”
Abu Dhabi has been successful in drawing productions from all over the world. The combination of production and post-production facilities, talent, unique locations and the ADFC’s 30% production rebate and has made Abu Dhabi one of the world’s most attractive locations for film makers and producers.
In addition to “Dishoom”, twofour54 has attracted a number of major film productions over the last two years including Fast & Furious 7, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Bang Bang, Baby! and Deliver Us from Evil. Global television programmes such as The Bold and the Beautiful and BBC’s Top Gear have also been filmed in the Emirate.
