Imagenation Abu Dhabi, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Abu Dhabi Media Company, is partnering with Hollywood-based Hyde Park Entertainment in a $250-million financing deal to develop, produce and distribute feature films.  The agreement aims to create up to 20 films over seven years and will include additional financing for the production of local language and cross-cultural films.   

Hyde Park Entertainment will also establish its regional headquarters at Two Four 54, the recently unveiled free media zone in Abu Dhabi.  

Ashok Amritraj, Chairman and CEO of Hyde Park Entertainment and producer of star-driven features including Bringing Down the House, Raising Helen and Walking Tall said: "We intend to produce wonderful films that stretch from Hollywood to Asia, enabling us to foster a better understanding between the West, the Middle East and Asia.  What better way to accomplish this than through global cinema and the exchange of talent and great stories.” 

Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, the Chairman of Imagenation Abu Dhabi, said: “Abu Dhabi’s investment with international media partners is putting the emirate in the global spotlight at a critical time for the movie industry. Through partnerships like this one with Hyde Park, we can create feature films which open a window on Middle Eastern and Asian culture, enabling audiences around the world to look in and appreciate the region’s rich and increasingly dynamic heritage.”  

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Imagenation Abu Dhabi said: “Hyde Park Entertainment brings us not only creative and commercial prowess but also distribution strength, so we’re pleased with this latest partnership that will focus on both western and Asian themes. We are also delighted that Hyde Park Entertainment will set up a local office here in Abu Dhabi, which will reinforce the region's credentials as an emerging centre for content creation and professional development.”   

In addition, Hyde Park's LA base will provide a front office function. Patrick Aiello, Hyde Park’s Executive Vice President, will supervise creative affairs for the partnership, while Mimi Steinbauer, newly named President of Hyde Park International, will handle foreign sales. 

Abu Dhabi Media Company today announced the formation of a new company that will develop, finance and produce content for both the global and Arabic language markets.

imagenation abu dhabi, a wholly owned subsidiary, intends to spend in excess of $1bn over the course of the next five years in the creation of both full length feature films and digital content.

From its base in Abu Dhabi, imagenation abu dhabi will enter into partnerships with high-profile USA-based and other international producers to develop and produce content for distribution throughout the world. The company’s remit also extends to supporting Middle East filmmakers and Arabian film production.

The launch of imagenation abu dhabi is part of Abu Dhabi Media Company’s strategy to become a worldwide leader in the production of content.

Mohamed Khalaf Al-Mazrouei, Chairman of both imagenation abu dhabi and the Abu Dhabi Media Company notes that establishing a strong global media company is part of the emirate’s strategic investment strategy:

‘Abu Dhabi has established itself as a major player in the global economy, as evidenced through recent activity in the energy, real estate and transportation sectors. Media is no different and Abu Dhabi Media Company is fulfilling its ambition to become a global player in the media industry.’

Edward Borgerding, CEO of imagenation abu dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company says: ‘With imagenation abu dhabi, we are bringing Hollywood and the international production community to Arabia. Our aim is to make award-winning films which are commercially successful and appeal to audiences across the world.’

‘Our target output of eight films every year will make imagenation abu dhabi one of the world’s top producers of feature films and establish Abu Dhabi as a leading centre for content creation,’ says Borgerding.

Stefan Brunner, Chief Financial Officer of imagenation abu dhabi concludes: ‘Our investment strategy is modelled on film financing vehicles used successfully in Los Angeles, New York and London. We believe our financial and operational structure is disciplined, sophisticated and modern and should deliver superior returns at both financial and creative levels.’

Abu Dhabi Media Company is a vertically integrated media company created in 2007 as a public joint stock company from the assets of Emirates Media Incorporated. Abu Dhabi Media Company employs 1800 people across its operating units which include publishing, television, radio, digital media, distribution, and printing. The company is headquartered in Abu Dhabi with offices in Cairo, Dubai and Washington D.C.