COVID 19

In an effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19, Filmworks has instilled numerous protocols to protect the health and safety of everyone during the production of film shoots. Furthermore, these protocols’ stringent enforcement ensures that filming can progress without delay due to an avoidable outbreak on set.

What protocols are mandated by the government?

We continue to follow the protocols released by the Dubai Film and Television Commission in September 2019, and the National Media Council circular No (10), which is legally binding on all productions in the respective Emirates.

Restrictions:

  • Productions must limit entry on set to essential personnel only;
  • All crew members must undergo Covid-19 testing.
  • Productions must adhere to health requirements determined by applicable authorities.
  • Productions must have ongoing education for cast and crew on health requirements (e.g. via awareness campaigns).

What protocols does Filmworks instil?

Filmworks have taken the utmost precaution to prioritise everyone’s health and safety from preparation through to post-production.

On Set Protocols

The following is a set of protocols instilled and followed by Filmworks Group in Dubai on all sets. The team diligently ensure the on site check is followed.

1. PCR testing before the Production team starting prep, Cast and Stylists before the wardrobe fitting, HOD’s before the tech recce, tech crew before the gear check and first shoot day.

2. Client and Agency to also have PCR tests before the first shoot day. Should they not wish to test, we can have a cordoned off seating area on set or remotely connect from wherever they prefer.

3. Medic and Covid Monitor on set to monitor COVID-19 Protocols

4. Temperature checks to be taken in the morning by Medic (can be repeated at lunchtime)

5. Medic to keep a record of all crew names and temperature

6. PPE stations provided – Hand sanitiser, mask and gloves

7. COVID monitor to ensure masks to be worn properly at all times

8. Anyone not adhering will be asked to leave the set

9. Covid Monitor to remind everyone to sanitise often

10. Respect 2m social distancing where possible

11. Tables, chairs, workspaces, door handles, etc. to be disinfected repeatedly

12. Avoid sharing of personal equipment.

13. Buffets/sharing of food is not allowed as guided by the municipality.

14. Sharing of hotel rooms is no longer permitted.

How does this affect shooting on site?

Shooting on site remains unaffected as long as appropriate planning is in place before the shoot. Time is critical on set and cannot impact what is happening during the shoot. As time progresses, protocols and requirements will be adjusted as required.

How do the crew and cast respond to the COVID-19 requirements?

People need to work. We all need to understand; these guidelines are the new “normal”, and common sense should prevail. The cast and crew expect appropriate measures taken to protect their health and safety. They understand these protocols are there to protect their health as well as their jobs.

Production houses need to work together.

Testing of all cast and crew should be mandatory for all production houses. Unfortunately, many companies are not taking this seriously, and there have been outbreaks on set, which ultimately affect the whole industry. The technical crew and production freelancers are at the highest risk as they work for numerous production houses and can spread it from production to production. Stringent testing can prevent transmission between shoots.

Life can often be challenging for those living with autism. But with its new Wider Web browser extension, Etisalat wanted to make browsing the web a little more pleasant for people on the spectrum.

So when Etisalat asked us to make a short film featuring people with autism sharing how the Etisalat Wider Web extension created a calmer, more autistic-friendly browsing experience, we knew exactly what we had to do.

AVOIDING A SENSORY OVERLOAD

Life can often be challenging for those living with autism. But with its new Wider Web browser extension, Etisalat wanted to make browsing the web a little more pleasant for people on the spectrum.

So when Etisalat asked us to make a short film featuring people with autism sharing how the Etisalat Wider Web extension created a calmer, more autistic-friendly browsing experience, we knew exactly what we had to do.

AVOIDING A SENSORY OVERLOAD

Individuals on the autistic spectrum can often experience a sensory overload, meaning they can become stressed and overwhelmed if faced with a barrage of light, noise, colour, sound, and action. Obviously, a film set with its bright lights, loud noises, strange sounds, and overwhelming action is the perfect environment to trigger a sensory overload for a person with autism.

That’s why we created what we at Filmworks affectionately called the world’s most ‘underwhelming’ film set; a safe, comfortable, calm, relaxed and autistic-friendly film set that encouraged our cast of autistic individuals to share their stories and experiences.

OVERWHELMINGLY UNDERWHELMING

We worked closely with award-winning documentary filmmaker and director Sofia De Fey to make sure the mood on set was ideal for our guests, most of whom were Special Olympics athletes and their close family members.

This involved using as small a set as possible and as small a crew as necessary, avoiding bright colours, instead opting for more muted and plain tones throughout the set, and using soft, natural lighting to avoid dazzling our guests.

We even made sure to cut out as many camera movements as possible, as children with autism are often hypersensitive to even the slightest of movements. Instead, we used three continuously rolling 8K cameras to capture our guests from the front and the sides without worrying about distractions.

STORIES THAT SHINE THROUGH

In fact, the only part of the shoot that wasn’t ‘underwhelming’ was the stories and experiences shared by our guests – their insights lay the foundations for what became one of the most emotional and enlightening films we at Filmworks have had the pleasure of making.

Adapting and adjusting is the way of the world. While the world is in a pandemic state, industry professionals have had to modify their methods quickly by conforming to social distancing and travel restrictions and adapting to remote shooting methods.

While it is uncertain how long COVID-19 is here to stay, for the foreseeable future Filmworks has come up with five tips on keeping the show running from a distance.

1. Divide and Conquer

Split the crew into pods. As manageable smaller groups, these pods can be brought in at different times to prevent an overcrowded set. This system makes it easy to track who has been in contact with whom. The pods are divided into working units and rotated to be on set when required—minimising a full set with teams standing by for their turn.

Although this does slow down shooting, a far more significant delay would be having to close or postpone the shoot indefinitely due to your set becoming a coronavirus hotspot. Minimising contact reduces the risk and allows the production to move forward.

2. Remote Teamwork makes the Dream work.

Flying in an entire team is difficult, if not impossible, when travel restrictions are tight. Rather consider hiring.

By hiring a local team you:

  • Are supplied with a professional technical crew
  • Are supplied with experienced directors, producers and cameramen
  • Minimise travel and accommodation expenditure (needed revenue for the additional cost of COVID-19 testing, monitors, and sanitising stations)
  • Reduce transmission risk

3. Live Streaming

Whether live-streaming the footage to the Client, Agency, or even Director, the video assist system lets the creative team connect with and provide feedback to the production crew.

With a remote monitoring system, the crew crowding around one or two monitors is limited. Key crew members who need to be in on the action can have a secure link from the monitoring system to their iPads.

QTAKE System is an advanced video assist software application which allows professionals to playback a shot repeatedly, capture, log, edit and process the video output of any camera. The system allows everyone involved to collaborate and progress as best they can to a real-life work situation.

4. The Smaller, the Safer

Do your best to scale down the on-set crew and keep the equipment to a minimum. Perhaps limit the number of extras and assistants.

Reducing equipment means fewer hands needed on set. A difficult feat, but consider making the most of natural light to limit lighting equipment needed and therefore lighting crew.

5. Maximise the Most Out of Your Location

When shooting, consider locations that can offer you the most geographical variation, as travelling to numerous countries will likely be difficult.

Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the Emirates have much to offer when it comes to location diversity. From the sea to the desert, and from an ultra-modern metropolis to old archaeological sites, it is easy to recreate another part of the world on screen.

See UAE filming locations here.

As graduation ceremonies were globally affected due to Coronavirus social distancing regulations, Zayed University students would be guaranteed a spectacular graduation to appreciate and commemorate their devoted perseverance and outstanding accomplishments over the academic year.

On the 3rd of August 2020, Filmworks Group proudly/successfully facilitated the first virtual graduation ceremony in the UAE to honor the graduates/students.

Having the acclaimed Emirati filmmaker Nayla Al Khaja onboard/involved, guests and graduates were treated to breathtaking visuals to celebrate their accomplishments. As the first female director in the UAE, it was a remarkable and motivating contribution to the students’ milestone event. In addition to a poignant graduation theme film “The Class of Possibilities,” Nayla directed a magnificent visual accompaniment to an incredible performance of the UAE national anthem shot on the Dubai campus.

Having 1,592 graduates between the Dubai and Abu Dhabi campuses was perhaps the most challenging aspect of the project to try and coordinate. But the project was facilitated successfully and was live-streamed; allowing 2,730 guests to attend the virtual ceremony and show their heart-warming support and pride for the new graduates.

Nayla directed the film and enjoyed supporting this ground-breaking project and said, “I was honoured to Direct such an incredible group of courageous students. They are well prepared for life’s adversities but mostly equipped with the right positive outlook to fulfil their purpose and potential. Filmworks and myself were humbled to project some of their relentless spirit and grit on film. I am sure that the next group will be inspired by looking at their predecessors and will appreciate the same opportunities given to them despite the recent current climate of change.”

With a positive response from students, lecturers, guest speakers and attendees alike, and with social distancing regulations potentially remaining for the foreseeable future, virtual graduations will likely be a reality for 2021 graduates as well.

View the films created by Nayla on these links:

2020 Zayed University – National Anthem https://vimeo.com/506718842

2020 Zayed University – Virtual Graduation https://vimeo.com/506715077

Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates capital, is a production haven for film and television professionals. With incredible shooting locations—from deserts and ocean waters to skyscrapers, culture and eco-tourism—as well as being backed by generous financial incentives and world-class production services, Abu Dhabi is a set ready to go.

Here are four of the best reasons as to why you need to shoot your next feature film TV series, documentary or commercial in Abu Dhabi

1. The Return of the Money: 30% Cashback Rebate

As an international production, incentive scheme, and by far the most alluring reason for filmmakers, The Abu Dhabi Film Commission offers a generous 30% refund of Abu Dhabi Qualifying Production Expenditure (ADQPE).

The rebate covers two production expenditure types offered to those who utilise production and post-production services in Abu Dhabi.

Who qualifies for this rebate?

There is a broad list of productions that qualify. Still, the defining criterion for the rebate eligibility is that the production company must have a valid Media Zone Authority Trade Licence, which Filmworks hold and can use to support international or regional Producers in their filming requirements in Abu Dhabi.

Projects that are using Abu Dhabi based post-production services as part of a co-production or facilitation agreements qualify. All other expenditures are only valid if used within Abu Dhabi.

Productions that qualify for the rebate

  • Feature films
  • Television dramas
  • Documentaries
  • Commercials/adverts
  • Digital content solutions / Digital media services
  • Visual effects (PDV) services for projects filmed/shot in Abu Dhabi or outside

Please note, music videos, personal and fundraising projects do not qualify.

2. Location Diversity

The Emirate has all you need to pull off a visually impressive production, with blue skies all year round and diverse location scouting by Filmworks; you are not short of choice or assistance in Abu Dhabi

  • Pristine Beaches 

Surrounded by the warm Arabian Gulf, picture-perfect white sands and blue waters complement the bustling city.

  • The Emirates’ Biggest/Largest Oasis

Al Ain Oasis, a 1200-hectare area/setting with more than 150,000 date palms, is ripe/perfect for filmmaking.

  • The Largest/Biggest Desert

Abu Dhabi is the largest desert in the world, with its golden dunes spanning more than 1000 kilometers.

  • Unbelievable Skyscrapers

The city boasts many futuristic skyscrapers that teeter on the edge of impossibility. From the Aldar Headquarters’ shining, giant coin shape to the intimidating mirror-like cluster of the Etihad Towers.

3. Culture

Abu Dhabi is quickly flourishing to the forefront of the UAE’s arts and culture scene. Whether the backdrop, focal point, or setting of a scene, these spectacular museums and archaeological are a site to see.

  • The Louvre

With a vast 180-metre wide dome that umbrellas this ‘museum city’ of 55 buildings surrounded by sea on Saadiyat Island, the Louvre is architecturally stunning. The dome comprises eight layers creating ‘a rain of light’ on the inside during the day, while at night, 4,500 lights illuminate the building to appear as a net of stars.

  • Abu Dhabi Heritage Village

A reconstructed oasis desert camp and traditional fishing village mimic desert life for premodern Abu Dhabi people. An authentic location which depicts cultural life in bygone years.

4. Entertainment

Abu Dhabi has outstanding entertainment hubs providing thrills and adventures for tourists and filmmakers alike. From fast cars to desert stars, the Emirate entertains your crew and audience.

  • Ferrari World 

A theme park dedicated to everything fast, Ferrari World offers adventures from zip lines to roller coasters as well as a 52-meter loop—which happens to be the tallest in the world. The impressive collection of vintage Ferrari cars on-site can take you back in time, some dating back to 1947.

  • Warner Bros World 

Adding to the entertainment on Yas Island is the world’s largest indoor theme park. With many attractions and 29 state-of-the-art rides across the park’s Gotham City, Dynamite Gulch, Bedrock, Cartoon Junction, Metropolis and Warner Bros. Plaza, there is diversity and choice to have fun.

  • Yas Water World  

An Emirati-themed waterpark with over 40 rides, slides and attractions, the park is home to the longest suspended roller coaster in the Middle East (over 550 meters long).

  • Yas Marina Circuit 

At the centre of Yas Island is the most expensive circuit ever built (more than $1bn USD). Home to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina is a high-tech 5.554km loop with 21 turns and almost 4,700 light fixtures—the world’s biggest installation at a permanent sports venue.

5. FILMWORKS Production House: Prepped and Prepared

When filming in Abu Dhabi, Filmworks provides professional support with every step of the way to ensure your project is a success.

Filmworks is production prepped to provide you with:

  • Experienced location scouting
  • Internationally trained crew
  • Facilitation and development of films from start to finish
  • Full government services offered including

· Visas

· Script approvals

· Customs clearance

· Shooting permits

6. Eco-tourism

Shooting in Abu Dhabi gives you a chance to experience and promote wildlife and natural habitats’ conservation efforts. Sandwiched between the sea and desert, you will find a spectacular diversity of fauna and flora making for unique scenic shots.

  • The Gulf 

As home to the largest number of humpback dolphins (a total of 2000) and the second-largest population of dugongs (the manatee’s cousin), the waters of the Arabian Gulf offer incredible potential.

  • Al Wathba Wetland Reserve

Four thousand migratory flamingos flock to the wetland from Autumn to Spring months. You can witness them from a viewing deck that sits on the edge of the waterway. Besides the glorious flamboyance of flamingos, the wetland is home to an additional 250 species of birds, small reptiles and insects.

  • Eastern Mangrove Nature Park 

The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi protects one of the Emirate’s most critical ecological assets, the mangroves. Rich with biodiversity, the park has mangrove forests, algal communities, salt marshes and mudflats. You can find animals such as herons, crabs, flamingos, turtles, foxes, dugongs and humpback dolphins in and around the water.

As a haven with endless cinematic potential and generous financial and professional assistance, Abu Dhabi and Filmworks remain dedicated to supporting you with your next production.

Contact us for production services on your next feature film, TV series, documentary or commercial.

While Middle Eastern female athletes proved their victory in the water, Filmworks were victorious in the production servicing of this project for Director Sara Dunlop of Rattling Stick (UK), despite COVID-19 filming challenges. But, as Zainab Al Eqabi, the inspiring amputee swimmer featured in the film, says “If I want to achieve or learn something, nothing can stop me.” To facilitate the Nike campaign, we were determined to proceed with the same dynamic spirit sported by the Nike campaign women. Nothing was going to stop us.

Concept and kick-off 

Kicking off with a swimming lesson between a mother and child the film speedily dives into action, galvanized by the incredible female athletes swimming, surfing and rowing together while sporting Nike’s Victory Swim Collection of modest swimwear. The collection includes full-coverage swimsuits, swim hijabs, tunics, and leggings.

While the campaign shows that modesty and power are not mutually exclusive, it also shows women – from that very first swim – that they are not alone. There are oceans of possibilities that can be set into motion from those very first few kicks and strokes – if one is only brave enough to take them. The busy body of water becomes a community of support and togetherness.

Shooting locations 

The film was shot in various UAE locations:

  • Secret Beach in Jumeriah
  • The Dubai Canal
  • Al Bidya Beach in Fujairah
  • Snoopy Island in Fujairah
  • Al Aqah Beach Fujairah
  • Hamdan Sports Complex
  • A Private Villas in Dubai

Cast and Crew  

Pulling together the best people for the job means crossing borders. As Sara was unable to travel to the UAE, we had a locally based Director, Amirah Tajdin, as Sara’s eyes and ears on set with the additional support of the First AD (Assistant Director) and production team facilitating a successful collaboration.

The technical crew and production freelancers were all sourced from the local talent pool, facilitated by Filmworks.

The film featured three female athletes: Maha Al Ameri, a UAE national rower; Egyptian Dubai-based triathlete, Manal Rostom; and Iraqi amputee swimmer Zainab Al-Eqabi. The rest of the cast was comprised of local athletes, girls and women.

Challenges Faced: Challenges Overcome

Due to the COVID-19 lockdown, filming that started in March was then postponed until September.

Eventually, the decision to film remotely was made, with Sara remotely directing from the UK.

While challenging, a system was implemented which allowed the Director to communicate and playback shots repeatedly and maintain creative direction in real-time through three separate screens where:

  1. Zoom was used as a communication tool to the on-set Director, DOP,  (Director of Photography), First AD (Assistant Director) and Production team via wireless headsets.
  2. QTAKE – an advanced software application allowed the Director to log, capture, and playback the video output at will.
  3. A GoPro witness camera, which gave the Director visual access to the set.

Everyone stood up to the challenge, and although demanding, the tools and camera set ups assisted the Director in getting the shots needed despite being located on a different continent.

A Victory win for all those involved, the film was well-received after it was released in October 2020 with 2.5 million views.

As a game-changing option for female athletes with a powerful message, “You Can’t Stop us: Nike Victory Swim” campaign was an incredible collaborative effort. It brought inspiring talent together to produce an unbounded project in its potential to inspire and move women of any cultural background, in the water and out.

Click here to watch the final film produced. NIKE SWIM