L.A.-based post-production and visual effects giant Company 3, the recent credits of which include F1, Frankenstein and Wicked: For Good, is set to open an operation in the Qatari capital of Doha, with the move coinciding with a new untethered post-production rebate.
The Film Committee at Media City Qatar announced on Saturday that it had signed an agreement with the company, under which they will jointly research, explore, and evaluate the development of a post-production and visual effects studio operated by Company 3 in Qatar in the first phase of a long-term partnership.
Company 3 will also provide technical, creative, and operational guidance to shape the foundation for a high-end post-production environment in the region.
The Film Committee said it would support the collaboration through a structured funding and facilitation framework, reflecting Qatar’s ambition to become the production and post-production hub for the Middle East and Africa.
In a press briefing, Company 3 founder, CEO and renowned colorist Stefan Sonnenfeld said the agreement was the fruit of conversations initiated two years ago by Sheikha Mayassa, the sister of the Emir of Qatar, who is a driving force in putting Qatar on the map as a hub for creative and cultural industries in the region.
“The first initial reach out was basically we’re interested in this space. We hear you guys are the best, and what do you think about coming out here and having some conversations and seeing if you like the country and if you like us, and we like you,” recounted Sonnenfeld, who said talks had then continued with Film Committee chair Hassan Al Thawadi.
He said that he expected a physical site to open within six months, and that the company was also involved in developing educational programs in the country.
Company 3’s arrival in Qatar, he added, would also coincide with the launch of a new post-production rebate, which has yet to be officially announced and is in addition to a production rebate announced by Qatar on Friday.
“Qatar represents exactly what we’re looking for,” said Sonnenfeld. “An exciting young population that wants to do incredible work and tell their stories, but on a global scale, not just necessarily restricted to their region and we want to be a part of that.”
Sonnenfeld said Company 3 had been involved in helping “to craft” the post-production rebate with local studio Katara Studios as well as the Film Committee, adding it was particularly exciting because it was “untethered” and not contingent on a production shooting in Qatar.
“It’s untethered and not connected to production so basically, anybody can work here and participate in it…. It’s one of the best in the world right now.”
The company established its reputation with its work and ongoing relationships on big franchises such as Star Wars, Star Trek, Jurassic Park, Pirates of the Caribbean, and Transformers, while other more recent credits include Hunger Games: Sunrise on the Reeping, Hedda, Bugonia and The Super Mario Galaxy Movie, to name but a few.
The Film Committee at Media City Qatar the agreement during its three-day Industry Days event on the fringes of the Doha Film Festival, laying out its ambitions to transform the city into a major film and TV hub.
The meeting has already yielded a raft of announcements including the unveiling of a new rebate incentives and partnerships with Neon, Department M and Miramax.
