Film AlUla’s new chapter: Zaid Shaker’s vision for a cinematic oasis
A new leader with a bold vision
Zaid Shaker is stepping into the role of Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, taking over from Charlene Deleon-Jones. With a clear vision and a wealth of experience, Shaker is poised to elevate AlUla’s status as a premier global hub for film production and creative industries in Northwest Arabia.
“We are on the cusp of some major deals for projects and in discussions with studios and productions on their upcoming plans that we’ll be announcing in due course,” Shaker shared, hinting at exciting developments on the horizon.
Building on a strong foundation
Shaker’s journey with Film AlUla began long before his current role. As the head of strategy and performance management, he played a pivotal role in shaping the agency’s strategic framework. His 20 years of experience in film, tourism, and the creative industries, with stints at organizations like PwC and Jordan’s Royal Film Commission, have equipped him with the expertise to drive Film AlUla forward.
“When the opportunity arose to step up into this role, I was excited to be able to contribute to the direction of the organization,” Shaker said. “It’s such a landmark moment for us, with the studios we’ve built about to open later this year.”
State-of-the-art facilities
One of Shaker’s primary goals is to expand Film AlUla’s image as a destination for film productions and a comprehensive, state-of-the-art creative hub. The facilities already boast two 26,000-square-foot soundstages, a production building with hair and makeup rooms, wardrobe facilities, office spaces, board rooms, and dressing rooms. Additionally, the complex features 15,400-square-foot workshops, RV parking areas, an administration building, a sound recording studio, a kitchen, an events space, and a 61,500-square-foot backlot for additional temporary infrastructure and set builds.
Recently, Film AlUla ventured beyond film by opening a recording studio, a control room, and booths for music artists and choirs. These facilities are designed for rehearsals and the production of film scores, music videos, and orchestral work. The agency also plans to expand its film studios in the next two years.
“AlUla has always had jaw-dropping landscapes and unrivaled travel experiences, but we are now adding new state-of-the-art filming bases which means that we can welcome a whole new kind of production. I live in AlUla myself, and am really energized by the real appetite for growth,” Shaker enthused.
A rising star in global cinema
Since opening its doors in 2020, Film AlUla has welcomed hundreds of shoots, including high-profile projects such as Kandahar, directed by Ric Roman Waugh and starring Gerard Butler; Cherry, starring Tom Holland and directed by Anthony and Joe Russo; and Norah, the first Saudi feature film to be shot at AlUla with an all-Saudi cast and a crew that was more than 40% Saudi.
Norah marked a significant milestone for Saudi filmmaking by becoming the country’s first-ever film selected for the Cannes Film Festival. Shaker is also thrilled about American singer and rapper Anderson .Paak’s feature debut K-PopS premiering at the Toronto Film Festival. The film, partially shot in AlUla, is yet another high-profile festival entry for the agency.
“It really demonstrates our ambition as a home for film, and it’s a moment of great pride for us. K-POPS and Norah are two completely different projects by incredible filmmakers who found inspiration and support in AlUla. From a business perspective, it’s proof of both our ambition and our capabilities that we have played a part in such fantastic projects. It’s important for us to have these tangible examples of our success and also obviously for people to see what’s possible when they come to us,” Shaker explained.
A bright future ahead
As Film AlUla continues to grow and evolve, Shaker’s leadership promises to bring new opportunities and advancements. With a focus on strategic partnerships, state-of-the-art facilities, and a commitment to supporting filmmakers from the MENA region, Film AlUla is set to become a beacon for the global film industry.
For cinema, TV series, and music enthusiasts, the future of Film AlUla is an exciting prospect. The agency’s dedication to fostering creativity and innovation ensures that it will remain at the forefront of the industry, providing a platform for diverse voices and groundbreaking projects.
Stay tuned for more updates and announcements from Film AlUla as it continues to shape the future of film and creative industries in Northwest Arabia.