MBC’s 03, Image Nation Abu Dhabi join for TV, film production

MBC’s 03, Image Nation Abu Dhabi join for TV, film production
Rebecca Hawkes | 05 April 2017
MBC Group’s O3 Productions has entered a strategic partnership with Image Nation Abu Dhabi to generate film and television content for the Arab world.

The first project is an Arabic adaptation of author Ibraheem Abbas’ popular sci-fi novel HWJN (pictured). The feature-length film will be co-produced and co-financed by O3 and Image Nation Abu Dhabi, followed by a television spin-off entitled The Delusionists.
Two further TV series are planned under the content development partnership, though details are yet to be announced.

“We are delighted with our collaboration with Image Nation Abu Dhabi, thus integrating our efforts, expertise and production vision, which will ultimately contribute to uplifting and enhancing the artistic direction and production value of Gulf dramas in general and Saudi dramas in particular,” said Fadi Ismail, group director of 03 Productions.

HWJN has topped bestseller lists across the Gulf, selling over 140,000 legal copies, as well as generating over one million illegal downloads, according to the production companies.

The novel relates the story of the friendly, devout Jinn, HWJN, and his friendship with a human called Sawsan, a female medical student in Saudi Arabia. Abbas commented: “Four years ago our first novel HWJN was rejected by publishing houses because fantasy and science fiction were alien to Arab audiences. We created our own publishing house and exceeded expectations – the Arab public, especially young people, were eager for fantasy and science fiction and our four novels topped the bestseller lists in the region.

“Our fan base has always asked to see their beloved characters on screen. HWJN, the genie who has removed the barriers between his world and the human world, will finally meet his audience face to face and we are looking forward to working with Image Nation, MBC and O3 to create a project that appeals to Arab youth while reflecting Hollywood quality production values to bring the world of HWJN to the screen.”

Ben Ross, head of narrative film and television at Image Nation, added: “The new strategic partnership between Image Nation and MBC is a further indication of our shared commitment to producing high-quality Arab language film and television for the Arab world.”