DMC to double capacity for freelancers

Having drawn an overwhelming response to its first two phases, Dubai Media City (DMC) will double the space allocated for freelancers in the coming expansion.

Freelance operators have been a feature of Dubai's media and communications landscape ever since. But earlier on, while there were the stray individual efforts which succeeded, there were many who failed to make much of an impact.

Most of the work that was on offer went to the established companies - be it in advertising or media - and there were doubts about the quality of the work that a freelancer could bring to the table.
It is only with the formation of the DMC that a sort of focus has been created on the potential that they represent. The move has proved quite successful if one were to go just by the numbers.

DMC currently hosts 200 freelancers on its premises, with 100 coming on board from August 1. Demand for more space continues unabated, which is why DMC has chosen fit to raise capacity further.

The easier access to a resident visa that a DMC licence brings with it has been a key factor. There is also the stamp of the DMC presence, and the intangible benefits that an operator pitching for assignments can reap from it.

"We have plans to raise the number to 400, which would be done through a subsequent expansion of the DMC facilities," said Ahmed bin Byat, director-general of Dubai Technology, E-commerce and Media Free Zone (Tecom).

"Before doing something, we have to look at the pros and cons, and initially there were some doubts. There was also the need to look at issues such as visas for the individual.

"DMC as a base from where the freelancer can operate and expand his business profile has now proved to be a success."

Freelance licences for the latest phase were going for Dh30,000 for the first year, and will drop to Dh20,000 from the second.

The first phase fees were Dh24,000 and Dh14,000 respectively. The reason for the higher rates is explained by the increased space that comes with the new licences.

And what of those people who have signed on with DMC to pitch their talents on their own?

They make an eclectic mix of web designers, photographers, filmmakers, writers and event managers. Many have had prior experience of the local market, while for some this represents uncharted waters. The learning curve has also varied with the individual.

But Dubai's consolidation as the premier regional destination for the traditional media, and the harbinger of the new, has helped all of them stake out business opportunities.

On its part, DMC has helped them find their feet by channelling businesses when and where it can, said Bin Byat. "There have been other occasions when other tenants within the free zone have passed on their requirements to the freelancers rather than pass these outside."

While the overall realisation has, indeed, been positive, freelancers have had their share of concerns. For Jim Fryer, a photographer, it has to do with problems of payment for work rendered. In some instances, he is still waiting for the money to show up.

"What is needed is a small claims tribunal where one can put up a case. In the current environment, it is very difficult to get someone to court if the claims are relatively small," said Fryer, a year into his stint at DMC.

"I am still owed money by some of the biggest advertising agencies. Nobody here seems to pay up on time."

Fryer added that these are part of the acclimatisation process for a newcomer, and that the quality of life that Dubai could offer was a big factor behind his choice.

DMC has also attracted a fair number of aspirants who see manifold opportunities in the Web domain, most pertinently in the design and content.

Armed with the background of operating a similar line of business in the UK, Keith Williamson has come across the need to bridge the ignorance gap among many companies here on what a Web presence means.

"Web pages must be accessible to the largest number of users. There are many companies here who insist on having a three minute flash introduction on their Web page - but that excludes many would be users," said Williamson. "The main issue has to be usability.

"The competition is awful -there are about three or four specialist firms and hundreds of one-man shows, ranging from very good to the other end."

For Pawan Satwani, who offers consultancy on advertising and promotions aspects, the experience has been uniformly positive. So much so that he has thought fit to turn his freelance operations into a corporate entity - Reactive Networks LLC - a full year ahead of what was originally planned.

"In the first year, I spent some time assessing the market. DMC did give support by passing on jobs here and there, which was a plus," said Satwani. "In the last couple of months, I have been able to work for international clients. DMC's rates for freelance licences are reasonable from a long-term point."

If Creena Jones Forest has her way, she will shortly start rolling out production for a feature film in an African language.

The script is being done in Abu Dhabi, and Forest is in talks with potential financiers, mostly international ones.

"Dubai has the infrastructure as far as post-production goes. There is the crew available for filming, but what is not here is more talent for the casting."