MIPCOM Cannes saw the formalisation of a partnership that will transfer studio know-how and strengthen cooperation in international production. Five purpose-built sound stages will anchor Shams Production Hub, whose first phase is due to commence in Q1 2027.
CANNES, France: Sharjah Media City (Shams), a leading UAE freezone authority, and Origo Studios, one of Hungary’s leading film studio complexes, used MIPCOM Cannes to formalise a strategic alliance underpinning the build-out of Shams Production Hub in Sharjah, UAE.
Under the agreement, Origo Studios will run a three-phase training and knowledge-transfer programme equipping Shams personnel to operate the facility to international standards. The training combines online sessions with hands-on learning at Origo Studios in Budapest and on-site guidance in Sharjah.
Topics covered by the programme are studio operations, art department management, post-production, business development and sales, finance and production incentives, backlot operations, technical infrastructure, governance, and sustainable production practices.
Five purpose-built sound stages, each of approximately 1,710 square metres, are planned for Shams Production Hub. Its opening phase is slated to get under way in Q1 2027.
Expanding commercial links between Hungary and Sharjah also underpin the partnership. Some 67 companies within Shams are registered by Hungarian businesses and investors, 31 of which pursue media-related activities.
Director General of Shams, H.E. Rashid Abdalla Al Obad, commented: “Our vision for the Shams Production Hub goes beyond developing world-class production infrastructure. We want to build the expertise, operational capabilities and industry relationships needed to support productions at every stage of their lifecycle. Our partnership with Origo Studios enables our team to learn from an established European studio environment and bring that knowledge to Sharjah, while strengthening connections between the UAE and international production markets. It reflects our commitment to developing a sustainable, globally connected media and creative ecosystem that creates opportunities for talent and businesses.”
CEO of Origo Studios, Dr. Márta Fekszi Horváth, commented: “We are pleased to partner with Sharjah Media City at an important stage in the development of the Shams Production Hub. Building a successful production ecosystem requires more than world-class facilities; it requires strong operational expertise, practical experience and a deep understanding of the production industry. Through this partnership, we look forward to sharing our knowledge and experience with the Shams team and supporting their journey towards establishing a production hub capable of serving local, regional and international productions. We also see strong potential for this partnership to develop further, with continued cooperation between our teams across operational and development matters.”
The agreement also lays a foundation for additional cooperation, spanning studio development, technical expertise, knowledge exchange and potential international production opportunities, subject to mutual agreement.
