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EMPC
IN NEWS
African Legation Specialists
Discuss the possibility of Establishing
An African Satellite Channel
EMPC received the African Legation specialists
visiting Cairo to discuss the ýpossibility of establishing an
African satellite channel. The visit is considered one ýof a long
series of meetings with Egyptian Media organizations to crystallize
the ýtechnical views for this channel. ý
The delegation had an extensive tour around EMPC studios and outdoor
shooting ýareas and state-of-the-art facilities. They also visited
the Nile Sat company to have ýa general idea about its facilities
and reservation and transmission availabilities via ýthe Egyptian
Satellite.ý
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High-Rank Austrian Delegation
Under the supervision of Dr. Alfred Kagger, Youth
and Culture minister in Nider ýOstrich county-Austria, a high-rank
media delegation visited EMPC studios, ýoutdoor shooting areas and
the International academy for Media Sciences (IAMS).ý
Nabil Osman, EMPC Ceo for Int’l. Co-operation had an open discussion
with the ýdelegation explaining the city’s continuous efforts to
attract foreign producers to ýEgypt and its state-of-the-art
facilities befitting its position as the major production ýhouse in
the region.ý
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A Delegation from the Radio
and Television Organization ýOf China Visits EMPC
EMPC received a delegation, comprising 26
artists, cinema and media specialists, ýfrom the Radio and T.V
organization of China. Headed by Mr. Tian Jin, the ýdelegation had a
comprehensive tour around EMPC premises; studios, outdoor ýshooting
areas and IAMS.ý
Nabil Osman, EMPC CEO for Int’l. Co-operation had an open discussion
with the ýdelegation focused mainly on mutual co-operation between
the two countries in ýthe field of cinema and T.V production
exploiting EMPC state-of-the-art facilities ýand services. On the
occasion of the 50th anniversary of exchanging relations ýbetween
Egypt and China, Osman welcomed any suggestions boosting mutual
ýmedia and cultural co-operation, including the exchange of T.V and
cinema ýprograms.ý
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EMPC Receives ARD Television
In a prolonged tour around EMPC premises, a
21-member delegation from the ýGerman T.V –ARD- visited EMPC
studios, outdoor shooting areas and the IAMS. ý
The tour included an interview with Nabil Osman, EMPC CEO for Int’l.
Rels., in ýwhich he answered all their inquiries and gave a
comprehensive idea about EMPC ýstat-of-the-art facilities and
services, rendering it capable of international ýcompetitiveness.ý
Mentioning EMPC target of attracting foreign productions to Egypt,
Osman ýconfirmed the existence of many facilities in this regard
like the exemption from ýtaxes and customs, in addition to the
ancillary production services and highly-ýtrained crew.ý
Finally, Osman announced that, EMPC, in collaboration with Oracle
company, is ýabout to launch a software production company to
support the cinema and T.V ýindustry.ý
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A Egyptian Diplomats Visit
EMPC
In their attempt to explore new horizons for
attracting foreign investments to Egypt, a delegation of fifty
Egyptian diplomats had a comprehensive tour around EMPC premises.
Being one of the major media edifices attracting foreign
productions, the delegation had a close look at EMPC
state-of-the-art technology, skilled human resources and services.
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Omar Shariff Signed for his
First Egyptian Drama Series produced by EMPC
Shariff Says," The Series theme resembles
my life story"
In a press conference at EMPC on Saturday 1st Oct., the super star,
Omar Shariff, has signed the contract of his first Egyptian drama
series entitled, "Passion and Longing". Produced by EMPC, the major
production house in the region and directed by Maghdy Abu Emeira,
the series shoot is planned to take place by the beginning of March
2006.
Shariff who created the plot of the series, which depicts the story
of an Egyptian immigrant engineer who suffers home sickness,
appointed Egyptian novelist, Inas Bakr for scriptwriting. Shariff
also succeeded in convincing his lifelong friend and associate,
retired famous actor Ahmed Ramzy to play a leading role.
Shariff, whose career including many international movies such as
"Dr. Zivago", "Laurence of Arabia" and "the XIII Knight', confirmed
that he has been searching, for a long time, for a good idea for a
comeback to his Egyptian and Arab viewers. At last, he has found it.
Including glimpses from his life story, Shariff considers this
series his bequest to his Egyptian and Arab fans and he sincerely
wishes it would be broadcast by next Ramadan (Fall 2006) to gain the
highest possible viewer ship.
TOP
A Delegation from Kazakhstan
Visits EMPC
In collaboration with the Common Wealth Fund for
Artistic Co-operation, EMPC has received a high-level delegation
from Kazakhstan comprising 17 media specialists and senior
officials.
EMPC amenities and facilities- Studios, outdoor shooting areas,
International Academy for Media Sciences (IAMS) and the Magic Land-
have been the main point of attraction for the delegation, whose
visit basically aims at benefiting from the Egyptian Media expertise
and opening new horizons of artistic and human co-operation between
the two countries.
Headed by Dina Bokaiva, the general director of Kazakhstan T.V, the
delegation has visited the set of the historic series "Zaher Bibars"
which depicts the life story and victories of this Islamic leader
belonging to Kazakhstani origins, in addition to meeting its
director and stars.
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The union of Arab Radios
Decides to Produce Films in English & French to Correct the Arabs'
negative image abroad
In Tunisia, the permanent committee of the Union
of Arab Radios held a meeting a couple of days ago. As a result, the
committee decided to produce programs in English, French, German and
Italian to assist to correct the Arabs' and Muslims' negative image
abroad. That's in addition to promoting the Radio and Television
Festival held annually in Egypt.
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"No for Terrorism", Cairo 11th
Festival
For Radio and T.V Slogan
For the fifth consecutive year, EMPC hosts
Cairo11th Festival for Radio and T.V (3-7 July 2005) due to its
state-of-the-art amenities and facilities that make it liable to
cater for such big events.
The festival's slogan this year is, "NO For TERRORISM". That's why a
new competition has been especially dedicated for programs tackling
terrorism and the means of combating it, in addition to a special
seminar discussing Media's role in combating this phenomenon.
The festival's competitions have witnessed the participation of 800
radio and TV programs. Egypt had the lion's share as the biggest
production center in the Arab region. Despite their current
political circumstances, Iraq and Palestine have managed to
participate with programs presenting the struggle and sufferance of
the Palestinians under the Israeli occupation.
The market, a trade fair integrated within the framework of the
festival, hosts this year 30 Arab and foreign countries represented
with 140 stands, including Turkey, Hungary, Italy, China, UK, Bosnia
and Herzegovina as first-time participants. The market offers
excellent opportunities for negotiations, marketing, distribution,
in addition to strengthening partnerships among producers.
As for the equipment exhibition, it has witnessed the participation
of a big number of major international companies, presenting
state-of-the-art shooting equipment and production technologies. The
festival, also, organizes live concerts performed by top Arab and
Egyptian singers, in addition to the tours that give the guests a
comprehensive idea about Egypt's civilization and history.
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Program Exchange Agreement
between Egyptian & Chinese TVs
Egyptian T.V has signed an agreement of
co-operation with the Chinese T.V, according to which, both parties
will exchange drama programs (whether series or films), putting into
consideration the concepts and values of both societies. In this
context, Egypt will send four drama productions; three of them have
been previously transmitted through the Egyptian TV, in addition to
a brand new one.
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EMPC Receives a 2nd Delegation
Of Foreign Correspondents
For the second time in less than six months, EMPC
receives a delegation comprising 35 foreign correspondents -Cairo
residents- representing a number of the most important Int'l. mass
media such as, the Finnish, German, Italian & French TVs, in
addition to Reuters, Radio Monte Carlo and France news agency.
During their comprehensive tour around the city, the delegates
visited EMPC' studios, outdoor shooting areas, the International
Academy for Media sciences (IAMS) and the Magic Land. They were
impressed by EMPC' facilities and state-of-the-art human and
technical capacities, unrivalled worldwide. Consequently, they
confirmed their intention to present what they saw in this promising
edifice through the various mass media.
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EMPC
Produces Seven New Series
In the context of its production plan for the year 2005, EMPC has
started producing seven new series, in addition to those which have
begun shooting since the beginning of the year. These preparations
are made to cover the increasing demand of Egyptian and Arab TVs and
satellite channels due to the approach of the holy month of Ramadan,
which is considered a high season for marketing TV dramas in the
Arab region.
"Agent 1001" takes us to the mysterious world of espionage through
the story of an Egyptian youth inducted by the Egyptian Intelligence
Agency to work in the Israeli army, the matter that facilitates his
mission in sending important data and news during the period from
1967-1973.
"Wealth has its Own Calculations" depicts the story of two brothers
who are totally different in their mannerisms and attitude, one of
them is righteous and the other is a typical loser. Another soap
opera is "Lady Aseelah” which shows the devotion and patience of a
poor widow and her struggle in life in order to raise-up her kids in
a decent manner.
Comedies have a good share in this plan through the series "They and
Me" which tackles the new generations' problems in the light of the
current Egyptian and Arab circumstances, in addition to "Without a
previous Date" depicting the story of a famous broadcaster who
tries, through his well-known program, to solve people's problems,
the matter that makes him fall in lots of troubles, at the end.
"The Wanderer" takes us to the world of diplomacy through the story
of a UN counselor who is kidnapped by one of the Intelligence
agencies during a mission in an African country. At the end, he
becomes a patient of Alzheimer. Returning to the everlasting
conflict among generations, "the Harbor and the Sailor" gives a
wonderful presentation of this issue in a social fashion.
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EMPC holds a leading position among the most active
Companies in the Egyptian Stock Market
EMPC has occupied a leading position (17th) among more than 50 major
companies listed in the Egyptian Stock market and possessing more
than 62% of its capital and activities. In this context, the stock
market sources have confirmed that EMPC's circulating capital has
recently reached 2,266 billion EGP.
In fact, EMPC has managed to improve its financial status in the stock
market due to the great development in its human and technical
capacities, in addition to its application of international
production standards.
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Feasibility Studies for Launching
a Third
Egyptian Satellite
In collaboration
with the ministry of communication and information technology, the
ministry of information has started preparing the feasibility
studies of manufacturing and launching the third generation of
Egyptian Satellites (Nile Sat 103) aiming to boost T.V, radio,
communication and information transmission services.
Preliminary studies, which are expected to be finished shortly, will
focus on adding the latest technologies to the new satellite to
ensure more speed and efficiency to the T.V, radio, communication
and transmission services.
Ministers of information and communication have discussed the
possibility of establishing a company specialized in delivering
modern media services like, interactive TV, data transfer and the
like, using state-of-the-art technologies. That's in addition to the
mutual co-operation in establishing the Egyptian Radio and T.V Union
e-library and making use of the current light fibers networks and
wireless services.
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Heyman's Recce' for his film
"Nefertiti"
We decided
to shoot Nefertiti's life story in Egypt
An
Integrated Pharaonic City to be constructed for the Shoot
The
American producer, John Heyman, confirmed that he finally chose
Egypt as the most suitable shooting set for his film "Nefertiti",
pointing out that he mainly came to Egypt searching for Pharaonic
subject matters dating back to 5000 or 6000 B.C, which could be
adapted into movies.
Heyman, the
producer of "Home Alone", "Rocky" and "Grease",
declared his intention to construct an integrated city, in Southern
Egypt, similar to the completely destroyed Tal El-Amarna,
which was built during the reign of King "Akhenaton" and his
wife Queen "Nefertiti". It will cost more than 15 million
dollars and Heyman decided to grant it to Egypt.
In an
interview with Int'l. Media representatives, after his tour at EMPC,
Heyman said he was overwhelmed with EMPC technical and human
capabilities unrivalled in major production companies in the UK and
USA. He admired, mostly, EMPC workers' handicrafts which would be
used, in addition to various historic props and décors, in the film
shoot.
The film's
author, Ahmed osman, confirmed his admiration of EMPC
amenities, describing them as a real miracle. As for the film
itself, he said he would finish its script next July. The film
depicts the story of Queen "Nefertiti", her husband King "Akhenaton"
and the surrounding political, economic and social circumstances at
that time.
Osman said,
"The film cast and crew will include young Egyptian technicians and
artists working together with big movie stars in order to acquire
great experience in this field. Perhaps one day, we could witness
the birth of another International star like Omar Shariff." Here, it
is noteworthy to mention that all the Egyptian cast and crew are
fluent in English as it will be the film's main language.
EMPC CEO
for Int'l. Co-operation, Nabil Osman, confirmed that Heyman's
visit to Egypt was a sign of our success in breaking the bonds of
fear and anxiety felt by major International production companies
towards Egypt's current atmosphere, especially "Holly Wood". Now,
they are totally convinced that Egypt can surely fulfill the
requirements of major foreign productions, especially after
overcoming a lot of obstacles.
Nabil said:
"We have already succeeded in attracting the Indian, Italian,
British and American movies to shoot in Egypt. This current inflow
will certainly bring hard currency to Egypt, in addition to being a
great propaganda, in itself, for Egypt's arts, culture and tourism."
Ahmed Nasser, the CEO of the
co-producing company "Super Global Network", declared that the main
target of Heyman's visit was not only to produce a foreign film, but
also to retain Egypt's pioneering media status and attract
big-budget movies to shoot in Egypt.
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Top Hollywood producer in
Egypt
Mr. John Heyman, the top Hollywood producer, will
be visiting Egypt from April 4th till April 7th, 2005 upon the
invitation of the Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC).
Mr. Heyman is one of the top major movie and TV producers and
distributors worldwide who has produced major international movies
throughout his career with budgets reaching up to three billion US$.
Mr. Heyman's upcoming visit is planned to discuss production options
of major movies in Egypt, one of which is about "Nefertiti" which
will be co-produced by Super Global Network Company. This theme was
discussed in November last year when the famous movie director, Mr.
Hue Hudson (Oscar winner of the movie "Chariots of Fire"), famous
script writer, Mr. Michael Austin (Oscar winner) and Mr. Ahmed Osman
(author of the story) visited Egypt upon the invitation of EMPC to
survey EMPC facilities and what Egypt could offer in terms of scenic
locations and skilled talents and labor to foreign movie producers.
Mr. Heyman will have an escorted tour of all EMPC facilities
including studios and outdoor shooting areas.
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Abolishing Customs Imposed
on Filming Int'l. Movies in Egypt
Egyptian Minister of Culture, Farouk Hosny,
announced made an agreement with the Ministry of Finance according
to which, all customs and money stamp marks imposed on Int'l movie
production companies filming their productions in Egypt, would be
Abolished. Here, it is noteworthy to mention that these tariffs were
the main reason forcing Int'l. Movie companies to leave Egypt,
preferring to shoot their films in other countries.
Middle East News Agency (MENA) confirmed that the
Egyptian cabinet had already approved the agreement details meant to
encourage those companies to shoot their movies in Egypt's various
historic, touristic and natural locations.
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Press Correspondents Visit
EMPC
1/3/2005
Foreign press correspondents resident in Cairo,
which is fourth on the International scale as to the number of
accredited correspondents, have recently visited EMPC.
Representatives of more than 40 Int'l. media organizations have had
a prolonged tour around EMPC amenities whether technical,
educational or entertaining, in addition to the studios and outdoor
shooting areas.
In an interview with the BBC, about T.V and Cinema
industry in Egypt, EMPC CEO for Int'l. Co-operation, Mr. Nabil Osman
said : " Egypt plays an important role in the Arab media as it
represents the cultural, social and political center of the Arab
region and the Middle East. Therefore, it bears the responsibility
of promoting the media industry in this region by means of its
state-of-the-art facilities, technical capacities and human
capabilities".
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EMPC Receives 2
Delegations Representing Media and Cinema
Industry in Khazakhastan
21/3/2005
In order to get a comprehensive idea about EMPC
technical, educational and entertaining facilities, a delegation of
20 journalists from Khazakhastan recently visited the city. During
the tour, the delegates visited the studios, outdoor shooting areas,
the International Academy for Media sciences (IAMS) and finally, the
Magic Land.
23/2/2005
The second delegation comprised renowned artists,
directors and scriptwriters and was headed by Mr. Sergei Azimov,
Manager of studio Khazakh. The aim of the visit was to know fully
Egypt's undeniable efforts and achievements in the cinema field, in
addition to exploring new horizons for mutual co-operation.
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Armenian Delegation Visits
EMPC
21/1/2005
EMPC has received a high-level Armenian delegation
comprising representatives of various media associations. At the end
of their tour, that lasted 3 hours, the Armenian delegates expressed
their sincere admiration of EMPC state-of-the-art technical and
entertaining services and facilities, especially the studios and
outdoor shooting areas. Not to mention the educational edifice, the
International Academy for Media Sciences (IAMS) and EMPC high
capacity to cover the local and foreign demand, thus, deserving the
title of " Hollywood of The Middle East ".
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Omar Sharif Stars (Ali Baba and
the Forty Thieves) Partnership Contract between EMPC
and BKN
EMPC and BKN, the international American animation
production company, have signed a partnership contract. According to
this contract, both companies co-produce an animation movie
depicting the story of "Ali Baba and The Forty Thieves". BKN will
distribute the movie worldwide whereas EMPC will market and
distribute it in the Arab region and the Middle East.
The project is considered EMPC's first fruit in
the field of animation production. Due to its great importance as
one of the most well-known artistic domains worldwide, EMPC plans to
be one of the leading competitors in the global market.
Omar Sharif and many international stars will
handle the sound performance of the movie, which takes 72 min.
Finally, both companies hope that the charm of the East and the fame
of Ali Baba's legendary story would enhance distributing the movie
worldwide.
TOP
A German Company Distributes EMPC Soap
Operas in Europe
In an attempt to present its drama productions to
the European market, EMPC has signed a contract with a German
marketing company to distribute its soap opera, "I'll Return,
Alexandria ", co-produced with Dubai, in a number of European
countries starting with Germany.
This step is considered the first of its kind
between EMPC and a European T.V production company after a long
series of dealings and co-productions with Arab satellite channels
and companies. "I will Return, Alexandria" is considered the first
series co-produced and distributed by 3 companies, Egyptian, Arab
and German. It will be shot in Germany, France, EMPC outdoor
shooting areas, Luxor, Aswan and El-Alamin.
It's here noteworthy to mention that the T.V
production manager at ZDF German satellite channel, during his visit
to the series shooting location in Germany, has expressed his
admiration of the high-standard techniques used in the parts shot.
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EMPC Attracts the Indian Cinema after a
Long Absence
From 15 : 20/12/2004
After ten years of absence, EMPC succeeded in
attracting the Indian cinema to Egypt. The Indian company for movie
productions, "Aavishkar", finished shooting parts
of its latest feature film at EMPC and some of Cairo's famous
tourist sites like the pyramids and the Nile.
According to the contract signed by both
companies, EMPC took charge of all production and technical
facilities required by the Indian crew. Actually, hosting the Indian
crew was just a preliminary step towards achieving EMPC broader
target which is attracting the Indian film market and encouraging
major Indian producers to shoot in Egypt. Here, it is noteworthy to
mention the international importance of Bolly wood (The Indian
Cinema), as it occupies the second rank after Holly wood.
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.
EMPC Receives Tanzanian
Minister of Information, Culture and Athletics
__________________
In a comprehensive tour around EMPC facilities
(studios, outdoor shooting areas, I AMS and the Entertainment area),
EMPC CEOs received the Tanzanian minister of information, culture
and athletics.
During the tour, the minister witnessed the shooting
of some series like, “Habiba’s Heart” expressing great admiration
for EMPC state-of-the-art technical and human amenities. As for the
International Academy for Media Sciences (IAMS), the Tanzanian
minister confirmed the possibility of encouraging Tanzanian students
to join the IAMS and benefit from its facilities.
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IAMS Activities
_____
 |
- IAMS Organises an Exhibition presenting
the students innovations in the fields of Cinema, T.V, media and
multimedia. EMPC Ceo's and a number of directors and artists
will attend the event.
- Some of IAMS students (Design Section) will
participate in the production of the children series "Dok
Dok". The series is produced by the Egyptian TV |
and directed by
Professor Eid Abdellatiff.
- Five IAMS students will
participate in the activities of Sussa Children and Youths Film
Festival in Tunisia (19th -25th March 2006) under the
supervision of Professor Zeinab Zamzam. |
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Egypt
Media Soft
________
On Sunday 22nd Jan. 2006, Egypt Media Soft first general assembly
was held at EMPC headquarters in the 6th October City. During the
assembly, the first company board was formed as a preliminary step
towards practising its main activity, media information technology.
The project idea originated in 2004 by EMPC
International co-operation organisation in an attempt to create new
activities for the company coping with global trends through
presenting new technologies and attracting foreign productions to
Egypt. Consequently, EMPC revenue will increase and its
state-of-the-art technical and human resources will be fully
exploited. Moreover, the project will create new job opportunities
and export our products worldwide.
Mentioning the obstacles, Egypt Media Soft faced a
lot of them. The first of which was searching for a partner,
specialized in Information Technology. Procylab was the best
candidate due to its well-known position in both, the local and
regional markets. Through this partnership, Procylab will profit
from the free zone advantages leading, on the long run, to worldwide
expansion.
Egypt Media Soft is considered a great challenge in
itself as it works in a very sophisticated field with a highly
centred market reaching the verge of monopoly. Thus, the project
needed an accurate feasibility which was prepared by one of the best
counselling bureaus in Egypt. The study focused mainly on expenses,
revenues. It concluded that there are principal elements to
guarantee the success and continuity of this project which are:
-Technical partnership with multinational IT
corporations.
-Rehabilitation and Abiding by International quality standards.
-Existence of strategic relations with Egyptian media.
-Designing marketing and production plans to open new markets
worldwide.
-Determine company activities related to media branches and
complying with local markets' status quo. These branches are:
a)Radio and TV broadcasting:
digital transmission and content management processing to be
broadcasted via current and future digital transmission systems.
b) Drama and cinema industry:
developing this industry by using graphics and effects whether in
production, marketing or screening.
c)Entertainment:
Applying interactive systems, video on demand, games & the like.
d) Press:
IT systems related to all industry branches.
e) Cables & Satellites:
Applications complementary to audio and video digital transmission
Operations, images via satellites and cables.
f) Cartoon and animation industry development.
g) Radio and TV transmission studios operation.
h) Media websites.
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Omar Shariff starts his
series "Compassion and Longing"
In April 2006 in USA
______________________________
|
After a series of negotiations, EMPC signed
a contract with the renowned star, Omar Shariff, to produce the
new series "Compassion and Longing". The series depicts the
story of an Egyptian immigrant who suffers from a severe longing
to his homeland.
The series cast includes the Egyptian actor,
Ahmed Ramzy together with the Lebanese actress, Madelene
Tabar, Khair Beshara, the director and Inas Bakr, the
scriptwriter.
Shooting is expected to start by the beginning
of April 2006 in USA and Europe afterwards in addition to
Alexandria and EMPC studios. |
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Students Exchange Agreement between the
IAMS
And the University of Malaysia
_______________
In the context of the students exchange agreement
between the International Academy for Media Sciences (IAMS) and the
University of Malaysia, IAMS has recently received a scientific
delegation under the supervision of Professor Anwar Aly.
The delegation visited IAMS various sections and had
meetings with the dean, Professor Mona El-Hadidi, the teaching staff
and the students. Afterwards, IAMS signed a student exchange
agreement with the University of Malaysia, according to which, IAMS
graduates could enrol in the post graduate program in Malaysia and
vice versa.
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Chinese Delegation
Visits EMPC
_______________
In the context of boosting Egyptian-Chinese
relations, EMPC received a Seven-
Member delegation headed by Mr. Wang Gingnian, president of China
Radio. The visit included a comprehensive tour around EMPC premises
including the studios, outdoor shooting areas & IAMS.
At the International academy for Media Sciences
(IAMS), the delegation attended one of the first grade lectures
discussing “The Concept of Media Freedom”. Finally, they expressed
their admiration for EMPC state-of-the-art human and technical
amenities, rendering it capable of international competitiveness.
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Six New Studios
at EMPC
_______________
EMPC is currently witnessing a remarkable activity.
Its studios are all fully booked by Major Arab satellite channels
like Rotana, Majd, Gezira, Dream and Mehwer. Due to the increasing
demand from various producers and satellite channels, EMPC has
decided to establish six new studios.
Many series are currently shot at the outdoor
shooting areas like “Habiba’s Heart”, “Imam El-Maraghy”, “The
Promise” as well as Egyptian Radio and TV series and private films
like “Three in the Navy”, currently shot at Alexandria Area.
TOP
The
Exodus Scrolls
_______________
In preparation for their new film "The Exodus
Scrolls", Sheena Mac Brayne and Richard Kraske, the British film
director and scriptwriter, visited Egypt from 20th -31st May 2007
for the film recce'. The tour began with EMPC facilities including
the studios, outdoor shooting areas and cinema organization. Then,
they saw various shooting areas inside Cairo such as "St. Mary
Cathedral", the Citadel, the Pyramids Plateau and the sound and
light shows. Sheena and Richard had a number of meetings with
concerned officials. They had a meeting with the head of Int'l.
Co-operation sector at EMPC, who in turn announced that EMPC would
be glad to offer the film crew & cast all the required facilities
and services. They met the renowned Egyptian actor Omar Shariff to
present him one of the film leading roles. Finally, they had
fruitful discussions with a group of Egyptian bilingual actors and
actresses like Hend Sabry, Mona Zaki, Khaled El-Nabawi, Khaled Abul
Naga and Farah. By the end of this busy schedule, Sheena and Richard
were more than satisfied with EMPC state-of-the-art amenities and
services, declaring they were up to the film standard. In the
meantime, they were finalizing co-production deals with some
American blockbuster production companies to finance the film and
choose its star. Sheena and Richard are expected to return in
October 2007 for the film pre-production phase. As for the shoot, it
will start in March 2008 taking about 8 weeks.
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$3m Young Cleopatra begins Egyptian shoot
UK film, TV and Theatre Company Stage
screen Productions begins shooting The Young Cleopatra, the first in
a series of historical features, in Egypt on November 10th.
The shoot will take place at the Egyptian Media Production City
(EMPC), a partner in the project, and on locations in Alexandria and
around the Nile.
The $3m film, billed as the story of how " young Cleopatra, Princess
of Egypt, fights for her life, discovers love, and emerges as a
goddess", is directed by Richard Platt. DoP Ken Brinsly will work
with a largely Egyptian crew.
The EMPC has sales rights for the Arab world, and a 25% share in
world rights outside the UK and Australia.
"We could shoot anything in Egypt," said Stage screen founder and
producer Jeffrey Taylor, who is now casting in London for the lead
roles. "If you're looking for exotic locations, it's the place, and
it's inexpensive."
Taylor, whose previous credits include Gurinder Chadha 's What's
Cooking? ( with Lions gate, 2000 ), is planning to shoot around
half his Young Legends series in Egypt.
Youssef Cherif Rizkallah was appointed head of the international
sector at the EMPC in January this year, charged with cutting the
red tape and competing with Morocco, Tunisia and Jordan as a
destination for foreign crews.
The EMPC became a free zone four years ago, but Egypt has struggled
to shake off its reputation for unwieldy bureaucracy and censorship.
Rizkallah emphasizes that the process has become more streamlined.
"We've been in a slight slump for a few years – films like The
English Patient, which went to Tunisia, and The Mummy, could've been
made in Egypt," he told Screen daily. "We hope that The Young
Cleopatra and other productions will give a clear sign to producers
that we can accommodate these kinds of films."
John Heyman's $120 million production Nefertiti is scheduled to
begin shooting in spring 2008, although the deal with the EMPC is
yet to be confirmed.
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The Indian Movie Star Celina Jaitley Visits EMPC
The Egyptian Media Production City (EMPC) hosted the Indian movie star, Celina Jaitley and the director Suneel Darshan on the head of a delegation comprising a number of producers, journalists and media professionals.
At EMPC, the delegation was received by Mr. Youssef Sherif Rizkallah, president of the international cooperation sector. During their meeting, they discussed different aspects of mutual cooperation in the field of movie production as well as how to exploit the state-of-the-art studios, technical and technological potential of the city.
The visit started with presenting a documentary about EMPC followed by an escorted tour inside Mubarak International Studio Complex then the outdoor shooting areas.
The Indian star was chosen, by the ministry of tourism, as the ambassador of Egyptian tourism in India in order to launch a publicity campaign for Egypt all through the Indian media.
Celina expressed her happiness for undertaking this role towards a country like Egypt, which is characterized by its ancient civilization, tourist and archaeological sites.
As for the artistic cooperation between Egypt and India, Celina pointed out that the movie industry has a long history in the region and that she will meet several Egyptian movie stars during her visit to Cairo in order to discuss the possibility of mutual cooperation.
It is noteworthy to mention that Celina has won the Indian beauty contest in 2001 and represented India in the Miss Universe contest in 2002, in which she won the position of the fourth runner up.
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