• What is Arab Film Studio?
ARAB FILM STUDIO is a short film competition brought to you by Image Nation Abu Dhabi and twofour54 tadreeb.  Winners will enter an instructional lab program, that mirrors the real process by which feature films are developed, produced, distributed and marketed.

• Who can enter the competition?  Is the competition open to non Emiratis?
We are calling all aspiring UAE filmmakers to enter.  We value teamwork and understand that no film can be produced without a film crew. Film making teams may be made up of all nationalities, but the team leader must be an Emirati.

• Is the competition only open to people who reside in the UAE?
Yes! In order to participate in Arab Film Studio, you’ll have to be a UAE Resident.

• Do I need to have any film experience?
Not really - all you need to have is a passion for filmmaking, be hard working, with a can-do attitude!

• How do I enter the competition?
You can enter the competition by submitting a 1-3 minute short film, and you can shoot your film on any camera.  The challenge is that the only dialogue you may include is the following script:

Look what I found.
I lost this, years ago!
It’s back where it belongs now.

• What language should my film be in?
Your film can either be in Arabic or English.

• I don’t have a camera or the right equipment – will you provide this?
You can shoot your film with any camera available, even your phone camera! At this initial stage of the competition, we'd like to see your creativity, more than your technical skills. Therefore, pick up any camera available and go shoot your brilliant idea and show us!

• Who will the judges be?
We will be announcing the judges in due course.


• What will I win?
If you are one of the selected contestants, you will be entered into a three month program which will train you on all the basic elements of filmmaking, from development, through to production and marketing.  The sessions will take place in the evenings and on weekends, so you won’t need to give up your day job!
The filmmaking program will culminate in a grand finale challenge, where the six contestants and their crews, will produce a 10 minute short.  The team that produces the winning film, will be awarded a further prize of 50,000 AED, to develop a feature screenplay for Image Nation.
We want you to be a part of the exciting future of filmmaking in the UAE.
 
• How many people will be selected for the film program?
Six Emirati filmmakers will be selected for the film program.

• Will you help me find people/team mates to work with?
Our Facebook and Twitter pages are a great place for you to meet and talk to other budding filmmakers

• What does the film program comprise?
The film program will be made up of workshops and sessions, set to train you on all the basic elements of filmmaking, from development, through to production and marketing.  Throughout the program, teams will be set a series of challenges, with the opportunity to win further prizes along the way.  These prizes will be relevant to the program, and will also help teams with the production of their grand finale short film.

• Will I need to take time off school/university/work in order to complete the program?
The workshop sessions will take place twice a week from 6pm – 9pm, and two Saturdays per month, so hopefully you will be able to fit this in around your existing schedule.  Some sessions will take place in Abu Dhabi, with others in Dubai.

• I don’t have a camera or the right equipment – will you provide this?
Successful applicants will be provided with the basic tools you will require to participate fully with the program.

• I heard something about a TV show?
During the competition process and subsequent film program, we will be filming contestants as they participate, capturing their journey.  It is likely that this documentary will be aired on Abu Dhabi TV after the completion of the 2012 program.
 
• Who is responsible for the AFS initiative?
Image Nation and TwoFour54 Tadreeb

• I work for twofour54/Abu Dhabi Media – can I still enter?
Unfortunately, as an employee of either twofour54 or Abu Dhabi Media you cannot enter this competition.