Twofour54
{{Short description|Media company in Abu Dhabi}}
{{use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Lowercase title}}
{{Infobox organization
| full_name =
| image = twofour54 company logo.jpeg
| name = twofour54
| formation = 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
| founder = Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company
| headquarters = Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| location_country = United Arab Emirates
| parent_organization = Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company
| website = {{URL|twofour54.com}}
}}
twofour54 is a UAE state-owned media and entertainment production company located in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.{{Cite news |date=2013-10-16 |title=The Abu Dhabi Media Summit: interview with Wayne Borg, Twofour54 |url=https://www.theguardian.com/media-network/media-network-blog/2013/oct/16/abu-dhabi-media-summit-wayne-borg |work=The Guardian |language=en-GB |issn=0261-3077 |quote=Twofour54 was set up as an initiative of the Abu Dhabi government with a vision to contribute to the diversification of the economy there.}} Many major Hollywood productions have done production work in twofour54's facilities.{{cite web |date=2020-11-25 |title=CNN, Ubisoft Set to Join Abu Dhabi's Yas Creative Hub Development |url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cnn-ubisoft-set-to-join-abu-dhabis-yas-creative-hub-development |accessdate=2021-03-02 |work=Hollywood Reporter}}
Location and area
twofour54 is located in and named after the geographical coordinates of Abu Dhabi (24° N, 54° E), capital of the United Arab Emirates.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/13/business/media/13deal.html |title=Reaching for a Higher Profile, Abu Dhabi Opens a Hub for Western Media - The New York Times |work=The New York Times |date=2008-10-13 |accessdate=2021-03-02}} The media free zone's main campus is located on the mainland (Yas Island). It also operates a 70,000 square meter backlot in Kizad{{cite news |last1=Newbould |first1=Chris |title=A look inside twofour54's Kizad backlot |url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/film/a-look-inside-twofour54-s-kizad-backlot-1.725755 |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=The National |date=29 April 2018}} and production studios in Mussafah,{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/arab-celebs/inside-inheritance-the-first-ever-arab-soap-opera-being-filmed-in-uae-1.70073824 |title=Inside 'Inheritance', the first ever Arab soap opera being filmed in UAE | Arab-celebs – Gulf News |publisher=Gulfnews.com |date=2020-03-02 |accessdate=2021-03-02}} with plans to expand to build their Yas Creative Hub on Yas Island by the fourth quarter of 2021.{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Vivarelli |url=https://variety.com/2020/digital/news/abu-dhabi-yas-creative-hub-media-gaming-entertainment-industry-1234838957/ |title=Abu Dhabi Announces Yas Creative Hub For Entertainment Industry |work=Variety |date=2020-11-25 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
Background
The media free zone twofour54 was founded in 2008.{{cite web|url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/48828940 |title=Commentary: Media in the UAE: The Abu Dhabi powerhouse |date= |accessdate=2021-03-02}} It falls under Abu Dhabi Development Holding Company's remit,{{Cite web|date=2019-07-04|title=State-owned Abu Dhabi firms transferred to new parent company|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/uae/state-owned-abu-dhabi-firms-transferred-to-new-parent-company-1.882597|access-date=2021-04-08|website=The National|language=en}}{{Cite web|title=11 Abu Dhabi entities come under one roof|url=https://gulfnews.com/business/11-abu-dhabi-entities-come-under-one-roof-1.65012237|access-date=2021-04-08|website=gulfnews.com|date=3 July 2019 |language=en}} as a government-backed media and creative industries hub.{{cite web | last=Levine | first=Sydney | title=Peter Scarlet Leaves and is now former director of Abu Dhabi Film Festival | website=Medium | date=9 August 2012| url=https://blogs.sydneysbuzz.com/peter-scarlet-leaves-and-is-now-former-director-of-abu-dhabi-film-festival-ac7083a6b61f | access-date=14 April 2023}} Former Universal executive Wayne Borg joined the company as chief commercial officer, a role in which he served until 2013.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/wayne-borgs-exit-abu-dhabi-664923 |title=Wayne Borg's Exit From Abu Dhabi's Twofour54 Raises Questions for Middle Eastern Industry |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2013-12-11 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
In 2012, twofour54 took over the operation of the Abu Dhabi Film Festival, until its demise in 2015.{{cite web | last=Arora | first=Vibhuti | title=Abu Dhabi Film Festival to be discontinued | website=BroadcastPro ME | date=7 May 2015 | url=https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/abu-dhabi-film-festival-to-be-discontinued/ | access-date=14 April 2023}}
In 2020, Michael Garin was appointed CEO of twofour54.
The zone is home to a large number of international and local media companies,{{cite web|url=https://oxfordbusinessgroup.com/overview/ready-prime-time-calculated-investments-and-incentives-aimed-developing-local-production-capacity |title=Why have media producers flocked to Abu Dhabi |publisher=Oxford Business Group |date= 13 July 2020|accessdate=2021-03-02}} and offers infrastructure and support, such as end-to-end production services,{{cite web |date= |title=Director-General of Abu Dhabi Media Office and CEO of twofour54 discusses the city's booming media industry with business leaders in New York and Los Angeles - The U.S.-U.A.E. Business Council |url=https://usuaebusiness.org/director-general-of-abu-dhabi-media-office-and-ceo-of-twofour54-discusses-the-citys-booming-media-industry-with-business-leaders-in-new-york-and-los-angeles/ |accessdate=2021-03-02 |publisher=Usuaebusiness.org}} government and travel services, 100% business ownership,{{cite web|url=https://www.vz.ae/blog/setting-company-twofour54-free-zone |title=Setting up a company in twofour54 Free Zone |publisher=Virtuzone|date=2018-01-04 |accessdate=2021-03-02}} and set-up and licensing.{{cite web|author=WAM |url=https://gulfnews.com/uae/freelance-license-holders-eligible-for-residence-visa-1.525490 |title=Freelance license holders eligible for residence visa | Uae – Gulf News |publisher=Gulf News |date=2009-11-09 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
twofour54 houses media companies in the audio, visual, and print industries,{{cite web|date=25 November 2020|title=Abu Dhabi's twofour54 bets big on film | WIRED Middle East|url=https://wired.me/culture/film/abu-dhabi-twofour54-media-film-zone/|work=Wired.me|accessdate=2021-03-02}}{{cite web|date=2012-05-19|title=Cannes 2012: Abu Dhabi's twofour54 to Launch Production Incentives|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-abu-dhabi-twofour54-incentives-326676|work=Hollywood Reporter|accessdate=2021-03-02}}{{cite web|date=|title=Spectrum Digital Print Solutions Continues Expansion With Opening Of Fourth Outlet In Twofour54, Abu Dhabi|url=https://www.uaetoday.com/news_details_ad.asp?newsid=5370|publisher=UAE Today|accessdate=2021-03-02}} as well as news outlets and digital app creators.{{cite web|author=Staff Reporter|url=https://www.khaleejtimes.com/nation/general/malayalam-digital-radio-to-hit-airwaves |title=Malayalam digital radio to hit airwaves - News |publisher=Khaleej Times |date=2013-12-19 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}{{Cite web|date=2016-04-24|title=CNN unveils upgraded, high-tech studio at twofour54 in Abu Dhabi|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/cnn-unveils-upgraded-high-tech-studio-at-twofour54-in-abu-dhabi-1.146072|access-date=2021-04-22|website=The National|language=en}}{{Cite web|date=2010-01-24|title=Flip Media expands into capital|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/flip-media-expands-into-capital-1.536059|access-date=2021-04-22|website=The National|language=en}} Their facilities also host the first CNN Academy.{{cite news |date=22 September 2020 |title=CNN launches Academy in Abu Dhabi |url=https://commercial.cnn.com/cnn-launches-academy-abu-dhabi |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=CNN IC}}
As of 2020, more than 550 media companies and over 700 freelancers are based at twofour54, which has been involved in over 2,300 international major productions in Abu Dhabi.
Notable films produced at twofour54 include Mission: Impossible – Fallout,{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/mission-impossible-fallout-why-biggest-stunt-saw-abu-dhabi-stand-paris-1130267 |title='Mission: Impossible – Fallout': Why the Biggest Stunt Saw Abu Dhabi Stand in for Paris |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2018-07-27 |accessdate=2021-03-02}} 6 Underground{{cite news |last1=Rai |first1=Sarakshi |title=Trailer: Ryan Reynolds stars in new Netflix thriller 6 Underground filmed in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.esquireme.com/content/39619-ryan-reynold-stars-in-new-netflix-thriller-6-underground |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=Esquire Middle East |date=3 October 2019}} and Bharat.{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Vivarelli |url=https://variety.com/2020/film/news/u-s-exec-michael-garin-appointed-ceo-of-uae-media-hub-twofour54-1203490639/ |title=U.S. Exec Michael Garin Appointed CEO of UAE Media Hub twofour54 |work=Variety |date=2020-02-03 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
Past productions at twofour54 intaj
;2012
- The Bourne Legacy{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/cannes-abu-dhabi-twofour54-incentives-326676 |title=Cannes 2012: Abu Dhabi's twofour54 to Launch Production Incentives |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2012-05-19 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
;2013
- Deliver Us from Evil{{cite web|first=Nick |last=Vivarelli |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/news/abu-dhabi-twofour54-thrives-as-mideasts-content-capital-1201331380/ |title=Abu Dhabi: twofour54 Thrives as Mideast's Content Capital |work=Variety |date=2014-10-16 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
;2014
- Baby{{cite web|url=https://www.financialexpress.com/industry/why-bollywood-is-smitten-with-abu-dhabi/1235912/ |title=Why Bollywood is smitten with Abu Dhabi |publisher=The Financial Express |date=2018-07-08 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
- Bang Bang!
- Star Wars: The Force Awakens{{cite web|first=Leo |last=Barraclough |url=https://variety.com/2014/film/festivals/cannes-abu-dhabis-twofour54-is-handling-the-star-wars-abu-dhabi-shoot-1201187732/ |title=Why 'Star Wars: Episode VII' Decided to Shoot in Abu Dhabi (EXCLUSIVE) |work=Variety |date=2014-05-21 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
- Fast & Furious 7{{Cite web|last=Nagraj|first=Aarti|date=2014-05-19|title=Hollywood Movie Fast & Furious 7 Completes Filming In Abu Dhabi|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/hollywood-movie-fast-furious-7-completes-filming-abu-dhabi/|access-date=2021-04-22|website=Gulf Business|language=en-US}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/fast-furious-7-film-abu-688037 |title='Fast & Furious 7' to Film in Abu Dhabi |work=Hollywood Reporter |date=2014-12-03 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
- The Bold and the Beautiful{{cite web|last=Schreck |first=Adam |url=https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/the-bold-and-the-beautiful-lands-in-the-emirates |title='The Bold and the Beautiful' lands in the Emirates |publisher=Washingtonexaminer.com |date=2014-03-17 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
- Top Gear
;2015
- War Machine
- The World Keeps Spinning{{cite web|url=https://www.albawaba.com/entertainment/world-keeps-spinning-will-smiths-dj-son-uae-775270 |title='The World Keeps Spinning' for Will Smith's DJ son in the UAE! |publisher=Al Bawaba |date=2015-11-24 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
;2016
;2017
;2018
;2019
- Saaho
- Bharat
- 6 Underground
- Mirage{{Cite web|date=2019-04-12|title=Abu Dhabi's SWAT team film scenes for new TV show with actor Clive Standen|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/television/abu-dhabi-s-swat-team-film-scenes-for-new-tv-show-with-actor-clive-standen-1.848049|access-date=2021-04-08|website=The National|language=en}}
- Ghost{{cite web|url=https://gulfnews.com/entertainment/arab-celebs/uae-director-al-murry-returns-with-horror-comedy-ghost-1.65408599 |title=UAE director Al Murry returns with horror comedy 'Ghost' | Arab-celebs – Gulf News |publisher=Gulfnews.com |date=2019-07-24 |accessdate=2021-03-02}}
;2020
- Sonic the Hedgehog{{cite news |last1=Pereira |first1=Nikhil |title=twoFour54 reveals filming key scenes of Sonic the Hedgehog in Abu Dhabi |url=https://www.itp.net/news/91998-twofour54-reveals-filming-key-scenes-of-sonic-the-hedgehog-in-abu-dhabi |access-date=3 September 2021 |work=ITP.net |date=8 April 2020}}
;2021
- Newton's Cradle
- The 45 Rules of Divorce
- Bunty Aur Babli 2{{cite web|url=https://www.broadcastprome.com/news/twofour54-announces-wrap-of-bollywood-film-bunty-aur-babli-2-in-abu-dhabi/ |title=twofour54 announces wrap of Bollywood film 'Bunty Aur Babli 2' in Abu Dhabi |publisher=BroadcastPro ME |date= 3 March 2020|accessdate=2021-03-02}}
- Dune
;2022
;2023
;2024
Notable companies at twofour54
- CNN
- Edelman{{Cite web|date=2017-05-24|title=Edelman UAE Shifts HQ To twoFour54 Media Zone In Abu Dhabi|url=https://arabianmarketer.ae/edelman-uae-shifts-hq-twofour54-media-zone-abu-dhabi/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=AM Marketing, Media, Advertising News in MENA|language=en-US}}
- Euronews
- Fox News{{Cite news|date=2010-03-08|title=Fox International partners with Abu Dhabi firm|language=en|work=Reuters|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/fox-abudhabi-idCNLDE6270Y020100308|access-date=2021-04-08}}
- Forbes
- M&C Saatchi{{Cite web|last=Nagraj|first=Aarti|date=2017-05-22|title=Abu Dhabi's Aldar wins deal to develop twofour54's new freezone in Yas Island|url=https://gulfbusiness.com/abu-dhabis-aldar-to-develop-twofour54s-new-dhs1bn-free-zone-in-yas-island/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Gulf Business|language=en-US}}
- The National (Abu Dhabi){{Cite web|title=The National, twofour54, Building 6,, Abu Dhabi (2021)|url=http://www.findglocal.com/AE/Abu-Dhabi/148788988477345/The-National|access-date=2021-04-08|website=www.findglocal.com}}
- Oracle{{Cite web|last=Brenda|date=2018-08-15|title=twofour54 – Growing Media Freezone In Abu Dhabi - Riz & Mona Blog|url=https://www.rizmona.com/blog/twofour54-fastest-growing-media-fz-abu-dhabi/|access-date=2021-04-08|website=Riz & Mona|language=en-US}}
- Russia Today
- Sky News Arabia{{Cite web|title=Rapid TV News - Sky News Arabia seals cross platform carriage deals|url=https://www.rapidtvnews.com/2012050221622/sky-news-arabia-seals-cross-platform-carriage-deals.amp.html|access-date=2021-04-08|website=www.rapidtvnews.com}}
- Sports 360{{Cite web|date=2011-06-28|title=Sport 360 plans online overhaul|url=https://www.thenationalnews.com/business/technology/sport-360-plans-online-overhaul-1.392424|access-date=2021-04-08|website=The National|language=en}}
- Ubisoft
See also
References
{{reflist|colwidth=30em}}
External links
- {{official website|https://www.twofour54.com/en/}}
{{Media cities in the Arab World}}
{{Abu Dhabi topics}}
Category:Companies based in Abu Dhabi
Category:Buildings and structures in Abu Dhabi
Category:Mass media in Abu Dhabi
Category:Free-trade zones of the United Arab Emirates