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Industry analysts believe that the media is one of the fastest-growing sectors in the Middle East economy, and the number of television networks operating in the region is set to double within the next five years. The recent upsurge in television and film production has created a large demand for original entertainment programming in the region, but the lack of trained writers and producers has hampered the emergence of new and unique content.

Hollywood beckons: Its now possible to get the same training that Hollywood super stars such as Will Smith and Quentin Tarentino received right here in the UAE thanks to the Hollywood in Dubai Institute.

Khayyam Junejo, CEO of Adagio Productions which hosts the Hollywood in Dubai programme, says, "We are more like a production company that has partnered with a prestigious Hollywood institute. We try to offer an alternative to mainstream education by giving students the option of completing a course in the shortest length of time rather than having them spend four years gaining a degree which may become obsolete on completion."

These workshops introduce students to the business aspect of the film industry. "Students learn different options of creating a lucrative career in filmmaking. We register about 100 to 120 students for each workshop and avoid large groups as the student loses out on individual guidance. One of the best aspects of this course is that it allows students to network with individuals in the same field which increases their scope tremendously," says Junejo.

Popular trend

Hollywood in Dubai's courses have been so popular that the group recently organised a workshop in Abu Dhabi. According to Junejo, "There are more national women than men who join most of our courses. In fact, 80 per cent of participants in Abu Dhabi were female. We have noticed this is a trend - more in the Middle East. There is a wide spectrum of social levels attending the course and it is not limited to media professionals."

Talking about the birth of Hollywood in Dubai Junejo, says, "When I first got back to the UAE after having studied in the US, there were hardly any avenues for people in the media. We approached the networks and realised that there were only a few elementary courses for students which is why we decided to launch our own courses."

Explaining the growing interest in new and varied courses, Junejo says, "While the film industry was once perceived as taboo for students deciding on a career, the advancement in media has changed perceptions. Now one can become a filmmaker and earn a decent living with the consent of one's parents. Regular career choices such as medicine and law have become so competitive that most individuals find they are left stranded when looking for jobs."

The institute offers a 50 per cent student discount. With a number of illustrious alumni, including international directors such as Guy Ritchie and Spike Lee, this is a course that will continue to attract a lot of attention.