The MBC Group, a leading free-to-air satellite broadcasting company, has launched a new production studio, delivering premium content of international standards along with state-of-the art technology in Dubai.

The inauguration of the O3 Drama Production Studios was held under the patronage and in the presence of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President of the UAE, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, in the presence of Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Mohammed Abdulla Al Gergawi, chairman of Dubai Holding and MBC Group Chairman Waleed Bin Ibrahim Al Ibrahim.

"Dubai reinforces its position as the leading hub for premium content production, in drama and TV programming, of different genres, with state-of-the-art studios of international standards,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

During the inauguration ceremony, Sheikh Mohammed toured the studios, which were developed by Dubai Studio City.

He  was briefed on the latest technology the studios have to offer, namely the Visual Backlot, among other audio-visual enhancers, that provide a unique and enriching creative experience, with the latest in advanced digital camera technologies, LED lighting, motion tracking, real-time compositing, 2-D and 3-D imaging and virtual sets.

He later viewed a short promo clip that summarised MBC Group’s latest productions in dramas and entertainment in the Mena region and beyond.

Sheikh Mohammed later viewed a short film, especially prepared for the occasion that embodied a future panoramic view using 3-D, inspired by the character, cultural and humanitarian components of the city of Dubai, and that projected the larger-than-life future outlook of the city, encapsulated in enhanced sound, light and visual effects.

Visual Backlot, a leading technology, is spearheaded by Stargate Worldwide, the pioneers in virtual production and visual effects, represented by Stargate Middle East, a new venture launched in partnership with MBC Group.

A Green Screen propels people directly from today’s dreamy Dubai, to another world of dreams, through visual simulation, and ended up leading them, through a virtual journey, to the cities of New York, Paris and Hong Kong, among others via brilliant effects and details showcased on screen.

The launch of O3 Drama Production Studios, that is part of MBC Group, enhances Dubai’s position on the global map for premium content creation, culminating into the production of the most prominent global formats in their local versions, in addition to local productions of international standards.

Furthermore, this step contributes to the development of the media infrastructure in the Mena region and will be responsible for boosting the human capital specialized in this field, and thus further developing the content production industry in the region.

This will reinforce Dubai’s position on the global media, entertainment and content map for it to be compared with the likes of Hollywood and Bollywood, namely in the creativity field, force field, will, determination and high positive energy.

The launch of O3 Drama Production Studios is the result of a strategic partnership signed in 2012 between Dubai Studio City and MBC Group with the objective to provide unique and life-enriching premium content. – TradeArabia News Service