Fortitude focuses on Dubai for film-making

Dubai: Fortitude Entertainment Group, a major Hollywood film producer, plans to include Dubai in its global film supply chain and shoot as many as 20 movies here in the next few years.

According to a top official, this will help bridge the perceived cultural gap between the Arab world and the West by conveying a better understanding of the region's culture to the Americans, especially following the uproar surrounding DP World's effort to acquire six US ports belonging to British port and ferry operator P&O.

"We plan to produce three to five movies a year for the next five to six years. All in all, we plan to produce about 20 movies in which Dubai will play a role," Hunt Lowry, Fortitude Film's Partner and President of Production, told reporters yesterday.

As part of its plan, Fortitude will bring Warner Brothers brands to the Middle East. Using Dubai as its hub, Fortitude also plans to move to other Middle Eastern countries.

He was in Dubai at the invitation of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Lowry, who once wanted to become a physician, became a producer and was involved in more than 25 box office hits.

"Dubai is a wonderful place and there is lots happening here and we do not see any reason why this place can not be a venue for film production.

"I am very impressed with the infrastructure development and growth here and we will be working on some projects here," he said.

"We have major plans for Dubai, from shooting to post-production almost everything. By shooting films here and producing movies that portray the accurate image of the Middle East and the Arabs, we can use this media to bridge the cultural gap between the East and the West."

"A lot of Americans now know Dubai, though unfortunately there has been a lot of misconception as well, especially on the DP World's acquisition of the six US ports.

"Film is a powerful media and could clear those misconceptions. We would like to use the media to bridge the gap."

Fortitude is preparing to launch its newest venture Fortitude Gulf in Dubai. It was not made clear what its nature would be, as Lowry plans to make an announcement later.

The company owns an animation studio in Mumbai and a production studio in Croatia in addition to major operations spread across the US.

Fortitude's arrival in Dubai reflects the growing interest of Hollywood and Bollywood producers to make movies here. This follows the Dubai government's launch of a major annual film festival that is attracting a lot of stars to this city.

The emirate is also promoting Dubai Studio City a facility created for the media and film industries.

Lowry said many Hollywood filmmakers are looking towards markets outside the US due to the rising cost of production.

"I don't know if Dubai would be a cheaper option compared to the US, as we have not done the calculations. But nevertheless, it is a great place to base production houses here," he said.

He said Fortitude will also talk to local film producers, directors and talents and seek their support.

The blocking of Syriana did not prompt him to think twice about Dubai.

"Dubai is a great place and Western movies are released here regularly. One or two exceptions doesn't matter."