Latest news with #EpicFilms
Khaleej Times
03-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
Brad Pitt, 'F1' director Joseph Kosinski hail filming during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Hollywood actor Brad Pitt and director Joseph Kosinski have praised their experience filming F1: The Movie during the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, describing it as a landmark moment in motorsport cinema. A newly released promotional video by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Creative Media Authority sheds light on the ambitious production inside one of Formula 1's most iconic venues, Yas Marina Circuit. The production team, including Pitt and co-star Damson Idris, spent a cumulative 29 days shooting in Abu Dhabi across three phases, working alongside local production company Epic Films, according to Variety. Notably, the crew filmed during live racing at multiple Formula 1 events, including the British Grand Prix, the Rolex 24 at Daytona, and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, making F1 one of the first feature films to integrate actual race-day footage from a Formula 1 event. Joseph Kosinski, best known for Top Gun: Maverick, praised Yas Marina Circuit as an "ideal place to film," citing its visual uniqueness and high production value. "It's such a distinct setting in such a beautiful location," he said in the video. Kosinski also noted the unprecedented cooperation of all ten Formula 1 teams. "To have all ten teams allow us to shoot a scene for an hour -- that was a really incredible experience," he was quoted as saying by Variety. Pitt, who also serves as a producer on the film, described the venture into the Formula 1 world as "just amazing." He emphasised the realism of the production setup and said, "We had every car in their team. It was like creating an 11th team on the grid." Tim Bampton, executive producer on the film, underscored the complexity of integrating a fictional team into an actual pit lane. "Bringing in a major movie production to create an 11th team in the pit lane was a really unprecedented endeavour," Bampton said, as quoted by Variety. F1: The Movie premiered in the Middle East at Yas Marina Circuit on June 26 and has seen strong box office results, especially in the United Arab Emirates. The film recorded a $2.7 million (Dh9.92 million) opening in the UAE, marking the biggest ever regional debut for a Brad Pitt film and for an Apple-backed title in the market. The success of F1 aligns with Abu Dhabi's ongoing strategy to attract large-scale international film productions. The emirate recently enhanced its film rebate scheme, offering up to 50 per cent reimbursement on qualified below-the-line expenditures starting January. Abu Dhabi has previously hosted major Hollywood blockbusters, including Dune: Part Two, Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning Part One, and Furious 7, alongside major Bollywood productions like Tiger Zinda Hai and Vikram Vedha.
Arab News
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Arab News
Brad Pitt's ‘F1 The Movie' to premiere in Abu Dhabi this June
ABU DHABI: Brad Pitt's Formula 1 film will return to Abu Dhabi for its regional premiere on June 25, ahead of its official Middle East release on June 26. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton, 'F1 The Movie' was partly shot at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year. A post shared by FORMULA 1 (@f1) The Apple Original Films production follows fictional former driver Sonny Hayes (Pitt) as he returns to Formula 1 decades after a career-ending crash, teaming up with a struggling race team and a hotshot rookie played by Damson Idris. The cast and crew will return to Abu Dhabi for the red-carpet premiere after filming 29 days across the emirate, including at Yas Marina Circuit and Zayed International Airport. The production involved 284 local crew members and 15 interns, supported by local partner Epic Films and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission's rebate scheme. A post shared by Warner Bros. (@warnerbros) Mohamed Dobay, of the Creative Media Authority, called the return 'a fitting closing moment' to a project that has made a significant impact on Abu Dhabi's creative economy. The film is one of 180 major productions supported by the Abu Dhabi Film Commission since 2013.
Korea Herald
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Korea Herald
Lionsgate's 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' Brings Some of Its Movie Magic to Abu Dhabi in Collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Miral Destinations
ABU DHABI, UAE, April 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi residents might have captured an exciting glimpse of several scenes from Lionsgate's highly anticipated movie Now You See Me: Now You Don't, which wrapped an action-packed 13-day shoot across iconic locations in the capital. The star-studded cast of the film, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, with Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman, brought their magic to life across Yas Island and other Abu Dhabi landmarks, including breathtaking locations like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, and the stunning Liwa desert. When the film hits screens later this year, fans will recognise landmarks including CLYMB and Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, and several Abu Dhabi streets, where thrilling scenes and stunts have been filmed. With the assistance of 175 local crew including the team at Epic Films, six UAE based aspiring filmmakers secured internships on set through the talent development arm of the CMA, creative lab. These interns were exposed to on-set learning experiences and were able to apply their creative lab training, whilst seeing how an anticipated international blockbuster shoots on location. Matt Leonetti, president, physical production for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said:"The Now You See Me films have always taken audiences on global adventures, and this film is no exception. Abu Dhabi's iconic locations and incredible people will be part of what makes this film so enjoyable and memorable for worldwide audiences." Mohamed Dobay, Acting General Director of Creative Media Authority, said:"We are thrilled to have been a key filming location for the Now You See Me: Now You Don't, seamlessly facilitating and wrapping yet another international Hollywood production in just 13 days across multiple iconic locations. The Lionsgate team benefited not only from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's financial rebate offering, but also from the support of our key partners, Miral Destinations, facilitating key filming locations and last but not least the expertise of our local crew, led by Epic Films. The involvement of 175 skilled local crew members and six enthusiastic young talents from our community further highlights the growing strength of Abu Dhabi's film industry. We eagerly anticipate the release this November, when audiences will see some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic locations come to life on screen." Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations, which manages several of the production locales, said:"At Miral Destinations, we are proud to collaborate with global productions like Lionsgate's next Now You See Me film, further establishing Yas Island as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and leisure. This accomplishment reflects the seamless cooperation with ADFC and key Abu Dhabi stakeholders, providing unrivalled access to iconic locations on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Building on the success of previous international projects, as well as our high-profile Yas Island campaigns featuring A-list ambassadors such as Kevin Hart, Jason Momoa, and Ryan Reynolds, we remain committed to creating unforgettable experiences for both visitors and production partners." Set for release this November, the heist thriller film benefits from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's leading support including a cashback rebate and multi-layered logistical advice. Ruben Fleischer, the superstar director of the blockbuster hits Zombieland, Venom, and Uncharted, takes the helm. The film's screenplay's is by Seth Grahame-Smith and Michael Lesslie and Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese, with a story by Eric Warren Singer, based on characters created by Boaz Yakin & Edward Ricourt. The film is produced by Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. Now You See Me: Now You Don't is among more than 180 major productions that have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, benefiting from the diversity of its locations, pool of talented professionals, award-winning facilities and generous 35%++ cashback rebate. Alongside hotly anticipated future releases like F1, the major productions include Hollywood hits such as Dune, Dune: Part Two, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix's 6 Underground and War Machine as well as franchises Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Fast and Furious.
Malaysian Reserve
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Lionsgate's 'Now You See Me: Now You Don't' Brings Some of Its Movie Magic to Abu Dhabi in Collaboration with Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority, Abu Dhabi Film Commission and Miral Destinations
ABU DHABI, UAE, April 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Abu Dhabi residents might have captured an exciting glimpse of several scenes from Lionsgate's highly anticipated movie Now You See Me: Now You Don't, which wrapped an action-packed 13-day shoot across iconic locations in the capital. The star-studded cast of the film, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, with Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman, brought their magic to life across Yas Island and other Abu Dhabi landmarks, including breathtaking locations like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, and the stunning Liwa desert. When the film hits screens later this year, fans will recognise landmarks including CLYMB and Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, and several Abu Dhabi streets, where thrilling scenes and stunts have been filmed. With the assistance of 175 local crew including the team at Epic Films, six UAE based aspiring filmmakers secured internships on set through the talent development arm of the CMA, creative lab. These interns were exposed to on-set learning experiences and were able to apply their creative lab training, whilst seeing how an anticipated international blockbuster shoots on location. Matt Leonetti, president, physical production for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said: 'The Now You See Me films have always taken audiences on global adventures, and this film is no exception. Abu Dhabi's iconic locations and incredible people will be part of what makes this film so enjoyable and memorable for worldwide audiences.' Mohamed Dobay, Acting General Director of Creative Media Authority, said: 'We are thrilled to have been a key filming location for the Now You See Me: Now You Don't, seamlessly facilitating and wrapping yet another international Hollywood production in just 13 days across multiple iconic locations. The Lionsgate team benefited not only from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's financial rebate offering, but also from the support of our key partners, Miral Destinations, facilitating key filming locations and last but not least the expertise of our local crew, led by Epic Films. The involvement of 175 skilled local crew members and six enthusiastic young talents from our community further highlights the growing strength of Abu Dhabi's film industry. We eagerly anticipate the release this November, when audiences will see some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic locations come to life on screen.' Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations, which manages several of the production locales, said: 'At Miral Destinations, we are proud to collaborate with global productions like Lionsgate's next Now You See Me film, further establishing Yas Island as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and leisure. This accomplishment reflects the seamless cooperation with ADFC and key Abu Dhabi stakeholders, providing unrivalled access to iconic locations on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Building on the success of previous international projects, as well as our high-profile Yas Island campaigns featuring A-list ambassadors such as Kevin Hart, Jason Momoa, and Ryan Reynolds, we remain committed to creating unforgettable experiences for both visitors and production partners.' Set for release this November, the heist thriller film benefits from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's leading support including a cashback rebate and multi-layered logistical advice. Ruben Fleischer, the superstar director of the blockbuster hits Zombieland, Venom, and Uncharted, takes the helm. The film's screenplay's is by Seth Grahame-Smith and Michael Lesslie and Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese, with a story by Eric Warren Singer, based on characters created by Boaz Yakin & Edward Ricourt. The film is produced by Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. Now You See Me: Now You Don't is among more than 180 major productions that have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, benefiting from the diversity of its locations, pool of talented professionals, award-winning facilities and generous 35%++ cashback rebate. Alongside hotly anticipated future releases like F1, the major productions include Hollywood hits such as Dune, Dune: Part Two, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix's 6 Underground and War Machine as well as franchises Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Fast and Furious. Photo – – – View original content:
Al Etihad
24-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Al Etihad
Lionsgate wraps filming for "Now You See Me: Now You Don't" in Abu Dhabi
24 Apr 2025 20:15 ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)Abu Dhabi residents might have captured an exciting glimpse of several scenes from Lionsgate's highly anticipated movie "Now You See Me: Now You Don't", which wrapped an action-packed 13-day shoot across iconic locations in the star-studded cast of the film, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt, with Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman, brought their magic to life across Yas Island and other Abu Dhabi landmarks, including breathtaking locations like Louvre Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, and the stunning Liwa desert. When the film hits screens later this year, fans will recognise landmarks including CLYMB and Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit, W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island, and several Abu Dhabi streets, where thrilling scenes and stunts have been filmed. With the assistance of 175 local crew including, the team at Epic Films, six UAE-based aspiring filmmakers secured internships on set through the talent development arm of the CMA, creative lab. These interns were exposed to on-set learning experiences and were able to apply their creative lab training, whilst seeing how an anticipated international blockbuster shoots on location. Matt Leonetti, president, of physical production for the Lionsgate Motion Picture Group, said, 'The Now You See Me films have always taken audiences on global adventures, and this film is no exception. Abu Dhabi's iconic locations and incredible people will be part of what makes this film so enjoyable and memorable for worldwide audiences."Mohamed Dobay, Acting General Director of Creative Media Authority said: 'We are thrilled to have been a key filming location for the Now You See Me: Now You Don't, seamlessly facilitating and wrapping yet another international Hollywood production in just 13 days across multiple iconic locations." He added, "The Lionsgate team benefited not only from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's financial rebate offering but also from the support of our key partners, Miral Destinations, facilitating key filming locations and last but not least the expertise of our local crew, facilitated by Epic Films. The involvement of 175 skilled local crew members and six enthusiastic young talents from our community further highlights the growing strength of Abu Dhabi's film industry. We eagerly anticipate the release this November, when audiences will see some of Abu Dhabi's most iconic locations come to life on screen."For his part, Liam Findlay, CEO, of Miral Destinations, which manages several of the production locales, said "At Miral Destinations, we are proud to collaborate with global productions like Lionsgate's next Now You See Me film, further establishing Yas Island as a premier destination for world-class entertainment and leisure. Findlay added, "This accomplishment reflects the seamless cooperation with ADFC and key Abu Dhabi stakeholders, providing unrivalled access to iconic locations on Yas Island and Saadiyat Island. Building on the success of previous international projects, as well as our high-profile Yas Island campaigns featuring A-list ambassadors such as Kevin Hart, Jason Momoa, and Ryan Reynolds, we remain committed to creating unforgettable experiences for both visitors and production partners." Release in November Set for release this November, the heist thriller film benefits from Abu Dhabi Film Commission's leading support including a cashback rebate and multi-layered logistical advice. Ruben Fleischer, the superstar director of the blockbuster hits Zombieland, Venom, and Uncharted, takes the helm. The film's screenplays are by Seth Grahame-Smith and Michael Lesslie and Paul Wernick & Rhett Reese, with a story by Eric Warren Singer, based on characters created by Boaz Yakin & Edward Ricourt. The film is produced by Bobby Cohen, Alex Kurtzman, and Roberto Orci. Now You See Me: Now You Don't is among more than 180 major productions that have used Abu Dhabi as a location in recent years, benefiting from the diversity of its locations, pool of talented professionals, award-winning facilities and generous 35%++ cashback rebate. Alongside hotly anticipated future releases like F1, the major productions include Hollywood hits such as Dune, Dune: Part Two, Sonic the Hedgehog, and Netflix's 6 Underground and War Machine as well as franchises Mission: Impossible, Star Wars and Fast and Furious. Source: Aletihad - Abu Dhabi
