The Arab Film Studio is sharing some tricks of the moviemaking trade, as it looks for submissions from aspiring filmmakers for its narrative programme next year.
A new campaign for the press and social media presents a series of handy hints and tips.
Gehad Darwish, corporate marketing manager at Image Nation Abu Dhabi, which runs the Arab Film Studio project, explains: “The campaign pays tribute to classic film hacks [used] to create sound or visual effects using products you can find in the average household. The idea is to connect with people that love films.”
The first advert, which recently appeared in The National, reveals how to recreate a Tarantino-style bloodbath: "To create realistic blood, simply mix four tablespoons of ketchup, 200ml of water, an egg, a drop of food colouring and a teaspoon of corn syrup. Pour into a balloon for the perfect bullet-to-the-chest effect."
“We have been working with Image Nation for four years to develop the Arab Film Studio creative campaigns, and it has been a very interesting journey,” says Ahmed Hamadeh, account director with advertising agency MC Saatchi.
Darwish says: “We wanted to appeal to young filmmakers and, at the same time, encourage other people who might be interested.
“The key message is that you don’t need high-tech equipment and state-of-the-art studios to create your short film. You can use a normal camera — and even your phone camera.
“Year after year, the number of submissions has been increasing. AFS is a key part of our mission to build a local film industry and has been running since 2012.
“Selecting the participants is one of the most important stages. The marketing campaign is a key part of this to make sure we reach out to the widest possible audience.”
The chosen six will be put through an intensive filmmaking boot camp in January. The programme culminates in November with an awards ceremony.
• To apply submit a one-minute film with the application available at www.arabfilmstudio.ae. The closing date is December 5.
cnewbould@thenational.ae