Hollywood film and TV executives get firsthand look at Jordan’s landscapes

AMMAN — Hosted by the Royal Film Commission (RFC), Hollywood film and television executives scouted Jordan as part of the commission’s annual familiarisation tour.

The participating delegation included members of what the RFC described as “major American studios and prominent production companies”, such as Amazon Studios, Apple TV, Mandalay Pictures, Media Res Studio and Amblin Partners.

The seven-day tour took place from September 22 until September 29, with the aim of introducing the guests to Jordan’s filmmaking infrastructure, as well as familiarising them with the diverse filming locations that the Kingdom offers, according to an RFC statement. 

The delegation had the chance to visit some of the most well-known landscapes and famous sites, which all served as shooting locations for numerous local, regional and international productions in the past, such as Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea.

“Jordan’s ability to double for most Middle Eastern countries and the tax incentive attracted me to explore this destination for filming,” Reid Shane, head of production at Media Res Studio, reflected on his visit.

“I was impressed with the depth of the crew, their experience and most of all the warmth and friendliness of the people. I look forward to returning with a production in the not so distant future,” he added.

The delegation met HRH Princess Rym Ali, member of the Board of Commissioners at the RFC, as well as senior government officials and professionals within the local film industry.

According to the statement, the RFC plans such tours and meetings to “position the country on the global map of filming locations, in addition to promoting the comprehensive production services, facilitations, financial incentives and tax exemption offered by the Commission”.

“With the recent big-budget films coming to the region and having met with members of the local film industry and production services companies, it feels there is a real pulse and passion in bringing content to the world.  The experience of the crew and the infrastructure solidify the confidence I have and I welcome the opportunity to work in Jordan,” Patrick Raymond, creative producer at Mandalay Pictures, said.