Setting up shoots in Saudi Arabia

Since the launch of Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, over 100 European and international media productions have covered and participated in premier local and global events, including sports, music, art, and technology. Filming in Saudi Arabia has become more comfortable and exciting as the government focuses on showcasing the kingdom as a top global destination. They aim to attract new potential investors, media creators, and filmmakers to explore, film and experience this unique and diverse leisure and tourist destination.

This free 1hr session will provide an overview of how to navigate setting up shoots in Saudia Arabia and how to avoid common pitfalls when filming in the country. You will also have the opportunity to ask questions during the session.

Who is this for

This session is suitable for anyone working in production or editorial roles, working in any genre such as documentary, reality TV, natural history, HETV, film, sports, music, art, news, factual entertainment, children’s TV, live events, corporate and commercial and more. Or those working on the shoots such as HODs, art dept, hair and make-up, costume, locations, camera dept, sound dept, grips and lighting teams.

What it covers

  • Finding a fixer

  • Applying for visas

  • Permits

  • Locations and recces

  • Scheduling around extreme weather conditions, prayer times, weekends

  • Cultural sensitivity

  • Issues when filming outdoors

  • Travel and accommodation

  • Hospitals and medical evacuation

  • Additional considerations

Trainer

Since 2008, Zeina Sabeh has worked as a freelance Producer/Director in the Middle East and GCC for international companies. In 2021, Zeina began working remotely with Storytailors as a Production Manager for international shoots. Now, as Storytailors' Head of Production, she manages operations in Saudi Arabia and oversees more than 30 crew members.

Storytailors provide local production services through their trusted network of media professionals, including producers and camera crews. Their services cover a wide range of content creation, from scripted to unscripted, across various genres such as news, corporate content, and branded documentaries.

They often organize shoots based on client requirements, handling everything from permits to assembling the crew and equipment. In some cases, they also take on a more active creative role, depending on the project's needs. Their reach extends to approximately 151 countries, and are continually expanding their list of territories. If you need assistance in a specific location, please let them know, and they'll gladly investigate. If they don't cover a particular area or if it's deemed too unstable, they can still offer recommendations through their regional contacts.

Find out more about Storytailors here

Cost

Free

Duration

1hr

Location
Online

This was a recorded session that you can watch by clicking the link to the video below.

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