Post-production and visual effects giant based in Los Angeles Company 3whose recent credits include F1, Frankenstein And Evil: For goodis set to open production in the Qatari capital Doha, a move that will coincide with a new unlimited discount on post-production.
Media City Film Committee Qatar announced on Saturday that it has signed an agreement with the company under which they will jointly research, explore and evaluate the development of a post-production and visual effects studio operated by Company 3 in Qatar, in the first phase of a long-term partnership.
Company 3 will also provide technical, creative and operational leadership to form the basis for a high-quality post-production environment in the region.
The Film Committee said it will support collaboration through structured financing and assistance, reflecting Qatar's ambition to become a production and post-production hub in the Middle East and Africa.
At a press briefing, Company 3 founder, CEO and renowned colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld said the agreement is the fruit of negotiations initiated two years ago by Sheikha Mayassa, sister of the Emir of Qatar, who is the driving force behind Qatar's emergence on the map as a hub for creative and cultural industries in the region.
“The first initial contact was that we were interested in this space. We heard that you guys are the best and that you were thinking about coming here and talking and seeing if you like the country, if you like us and if we like you,” said Sonnenfeld, who said talks then continued with film committee chairman Hassan Al Thawadi.
He said he expects the physical facility to open within six months and that the company is also involved in developing educational programs in the country.
Company 3's arrival in Qatar, he added, will also coincide with the launch of a new post-production discount, which has not yet been officially announced and which is in addition to the production discount announced by Qatar on Friday.
“Qatar represents exactly what we are looking for,” Sonnenfeld said. “There's an exciting young population that wants to do incredible work and tell their stories, but on a global scale and not just necessarily limited to their region, and we want to be a part of that.”
Sonnenfeld said Company 3 was involved in “working out” a post-production discount with local studio Katara Studios as well as the Film Committee, adding that it was especially interesting because it was “unrestricted” and not dependent on production filming in Qatar.
“It's not tied to or tied to production, so essentially anyone can work here and be involved in it… It's one of the best projects in the world at the moment.”
The company has built its reputation through its work and ongoing relationships with major franchises such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the CaribbeanAnd Transformerswhile other later loans include The Hunger Games: Dawn Is Coming, HeddaBugonia and Super Mario Galaxy movieand these are just a few of them.
The Media City Qatar Film Committee signed the agreement during the Doha Film Festival's three-day Industry Days event, outlining its ambitions to transform the city into a major film and television hub.
The meeting has already seen a slew of announcements made, including the unveiling of new discounts and partnerships with Neon, Department M and Miramax.
