Blink Studios, a leading regional animation studio, will establish a production facility at twofour54, the Abu Dhabi-based content creation community.

The facility will be used initially to produce the Arabic version of Driver Dan’s Story Train, working with 3Line Media, the UK-based producers of the English version of Story Train.

“Driver Dan is the perfect platform for adapting content to the Arab market. The show will not be a dubbed version of the English content, instead we will use Arabic writers to provide the story telling element, Arab animators to create content and Arab children to make up the live action component,” stated Tony Orsten, CEO of twofour54.

Arab animators will work alongside some of the world’s leading children’s animators to create a brand new, original version of the show specifically tailored for the Arab market and the pre-school audience.

By establishing a sustainable industry base in Abu Dhabi, twofour54 will provide job opportunities in the sector and ensure skills development and knowledge transfer through internships and work experience placements.

“Our partnership with Blink is an exciting phase for twofour54 on our mission to develop a sustainable Arabic media and content industry here in the region,” added Wayne Borg, chief operating officer, twofour54.

“One of our key roles is to facilitate content creation in a supportive and collaborative environment. The relationship with Blink allows twofour54 to further develop new animated content in the region, working with talented Arabs to bring their ideas to both regional and international audiences.”

In order to ensure a long term sustainable presence in Abu Dhabi, Blink will commit to producing the majority of its long form animation production at its twofour54 base. Further to this, twofour54 is creating a development fund in order to collaborate with Blink to identify animated content which can be developed for the region.

“The vibrant, fast growing economy of the UAE and the Arab region has given rise to increased demand for Arabic content, particularly in children’s animation. Our partnership with twofour54 will further cement our leading market position and is a step in the right direction to establishing a true animation industry,” said Lea Badro, partner, Blink Studios.-TradeArabia News Service