A Saudi production is set to invest nearly $5 million in Tunisia over the next three months to film a historical series at Mediwood Studios in Hammamet. The project, a collaboration between Yellow Camel Studios and Mediwood Studios, a Tunisian company, marks a significant step in Tunisia's strategy to attract international productions. The Tunisia Investment Authority (TIA) announced the news following a recent visit to Mediwood Studios by Jalel Tebib, TIA's interim president and general director of FIPA-Tunisia.
The production, led by Rasha Al Emam, founder of Yellow Camel Studios, and Mehdi Ajroudi, promoter of Mediwood Studios, aims to utilize local resources, contributing to Tunisia's economy through expenses on logistics, accommodation, set construction, and technical services. This investment is not a capital or infrastructure investment in Mediwood Studios but rather a production expenditure. The TIA and FIPA-Tunisia see this as an opportunity to encourage recurrent foreign productions in Tunisia.
The Tunisian authorities aim to develop an ecosystem around Mediwood Studios, involving sectors such as logistics, construction, accommodation, and technical services. By hosting international productions, they seek to establish a stable and recurring economic activity. This strategy is built on the development of Mediwood Studios' infrastructure, which recently secured a $3 million facility from Afreximbank to expand and enhance its capacity to host national and international productions.
The $5 million investment for the Saudi series production is expected to benefit Tunisia's economy through various expenditures. This development aligns with Tunisia's goal of positioning itself as a regional platform for the film and audiovisual industries. The authorities are working to attract and retain foreign producers, leveraging the country's capabilities and resources.
Mediwood Studios' collaboration with Yellow Camel Studios demonstrates the growing appeal of Tunisia as a production hub. The studios' expansion plans, supported by Afreximbank, will enhance its infrastructure and capabilities to accommodate a wide range of productions. This growth is expected to contribute to the development of the local film and audiovisual industry.
The TIA and FIPA-Tunisia's efforts to attract international productions are part of a broader strategy to boost Tunisia's economy. By creating an ecosystem around Mediwood Studios, they aim to establish a sustainable and recurring economic activity. The hosting of the Saudi historical series production is a significant step towards achieving this goal.
Tunisia's film and audiovisual industry is poised for growth, with Mediwood Studios at the forefront of this development. The country's strategic location, resources, and infrastructure make it an attractive destination for international productions. As the industry continues to evolve, Tunisia is likely to play an increasingly important role in the regional film and audiovisual landscape.
Key points
- Nearly $5 million to be invested in Tunisia for Saudi historical series production
- Investment to benefit Tunisia's economy through local expenditures
- Mediwood Studios' expansion plans to enhance infrastructure and capabilities
