Advanced Media, the distributor of professional video, photo, broadcast, and cinema equipment and accessories in the MENA region, marked its presence at the inaugural Saudi Film Confex in Riyadh. This momentous event presented an excellent opportunity for Advanced Media to showcase its latest products and interact with key industry figures.Having expanded into the Saudi Arabian market in 2019 with the inauguration of a state-of-the-art showroom and service center in Riyadh, Advanced Media has been committed to fostering growth in the region. The minimalist design of Advanced Media's booth at the Saudi Film Confex was a testament to the company's reputation as an industry powerhouse, and it attracted an average of 150 attendees daily, including filmmakers, rental houses, producers, content creators, film students, and brand representatives. The exhibition proved to be an ideal platform for Advanced Media to reconnect with existing customers and engage with new prospects. The Advanced Media team unanimously agreed that the Saudi Film Confex has the potential to become even more significant and influential with each passing year.Alaa Al Rantisi, Co-founder and Managing Director of Advanced Media, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "The Saudi market is young, vibrant, and very eager to learn. The Kingdom is investing substantial resources to create opportunities for this demographic. It is our responsibility to do our part, and we achieve that by showcasing the latest in media technology at exhibitions and organizing workshops and seminars that empower individuals to strengthen their skills and acquire new ones."In addition to its participation in Confex, Advanced Media introduced the Arabic edition of its biannual community digital cinema event, CINESeason. CINESeason was designed to provide aspiring filmmakers, content creators, and enthusiasts with a comprehensive learning experience in various aspects of cinematic filmmaking, offering a chance to engage with industry experts to discuss the latest technologies, trends, and solutions in digital cinema, broadcast, and video ahead of the 4th edition of the Riyadh Season.This immersive two-day event, which took place on October 6th and 7th, 2023, featured four workshops instructed by renowned cinematographers and industry experts, including Fouad Aoun, Mostafa Salah, and the esteemed Egyptian Director of Photography, Ayman Abou el Makarem. These workshops, attended by an average of 50 participants each, were received with great enthusiasm and positivity, as the instructors shared their profound knowledge and provided an engaging learning environment.CINESeason offered an exclusive opportunity for visitors and clients to interact directly with the Advanced Media team in Riyadh and gain firsthand experience of the workshops and seminars that are a hallmark of Advanced Media's commitment to education and innovation.Looking forward to the future, Advanced Media is dedicated to expanding its presence in Saudi Arabia and increasing the frequency and range of workshops, product launches, events, and exhibition participations. These initiatives align with the company's overarching goals of educating, informing, and familiarizing consumers with new equipment and the latest technological advances.In an exciting development, Advanced Media will kickstart 2024 with "CINETomorrow," a series of events to be held from January 11 to 13 in its Dubai showroom and training spaces. Stay tuned for more updates on this upcoming event, as Advanced Media continues its mission to empower and educate the growing media community in the region.

The Writers Guild of America (WGA) has has reached a breakthrough labour agreement with major studios in Hollywood, marking the potential resolution of one of the two strikes that have effectively halted most film and television production for nearly five months.This three-year contract agreement, following five days of intense negotiations between WGA and the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP), which represents studios, streaming services, and producers, is yet to receive approval from the guild's board and members before the strike can be officially declared over.Representing 11,500 film and television writers, the WGA hailed this deal as "exceptional," highlighting the "meaningful gains and protections for writers" it contains. They attributed this success to the unwavering support of WGA members and the solidarity of fellow unions who joined them on the picket lines for more than 146 days.As of now, there has been no immediate response from the AMPTP. It's important to note that while the WGA settlement represents a significant development, it doesn't signify an immediate return to work for Hollywood, as the SAG-AFTRA actors union's strike is ongoing.The strike started on May 2 when WGA members walked off the job due to a deadlock in negotiations, primarily centered around issues such as compensation, minimum staffing of writers' rooms, the utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), and the distribution of residuals for writers of popular streaming shows, among other concerns.The writers are asking to rein in the role of AI. The strike sent so many scripted shows and other productions in a state of uncertainty, including the next seasons of Netflix’s Stranger Things. Even the Emmy Awards were also postponed to January.Disney Chief Executive Bob Iger termed in the demands of the striking writers and actors as “just not realistic." Later he retracted the statement saying he has “deep respect” for creative professionals.

Dubai: Dubai Festival City Mall, part of Al-Futtaim Malls, is proud to announce the upcoming opening of its latest entertainment attraction, a cutting-edge multiplex operated by VOX Cinemas, the dedicated cinema arm of Majid Al Futtaim.Film enthusiasts can enjoy the latest blockbusters at VOX Cinemas at Dubai Festival City Mall, which boasts modern auditoriums with cutting-edge audio-visual technology. To complement the moviegoing experience, VOX Cinemas has a dedicated Candy Corner serving its delicious signature popcorn, which is available in seven unique flavours, a selection of candy bars, along with other mouth-watering treats like burgers, hot dogs, pizzas and nachos.VOX Cinemas at Dubai Festival City will introduce its signature concepts later in the year including GOLD, a luxury experience which seamlessly blends gourmet dining with film.Commenting on the announcement, Hayssam Hajjar, General Manager of Al-Futtaim Malls – UAE, said: “We are delighted to join forces with the Middle East's top cinema exhibitor, VOX Cinemas, in launching this state-of-the-art multiplex at Dubai Festival City Mall. This achievement demonstrates our ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional experiences to our visitors while reinforcing our position as a leading shopping, dining and entertainment destination in the region." Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head – UAE and Oman, Majid Al Futtaim Entertainment added, “The mall is no longer just a shopping destination. It is a social hub for family and friends, and today’s consumers expect a strong leisure and entertainment offering that they can’t get at home. VOX Cinemas is proud to partner with Al-Futtaim Malls to offer guests an innovative and customer-focused cinema experience, which features the latest cinematic technology and a range of signature concepts to appeal to our diverse audiences.” With over 600 cinema screens in the Middle East, VOX Cinemas is the largest cinema exhibitor in the region. The newest addition at Dubai Festival City Mall is the brand's 22nd cinema in the UAE.