With the entertainment and content markets in the Middle East maturing, we’re slowly
seeing the emergence of original content. This is the first in a series of articles
with regional content producers that examine the growth and future for these industries
in the region.
We also look at the relevance and opportunities for advertising and marketing within
this spectrum, identifying our role in spearheading popular culture movements for
brands, through these platforms.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what got you started on Xero Error?
I started my career as a visual artist, gained popularity in my school days illustrating
for Khaleej Times & doing comic books in the US. After my studies, I eventually
set up Xpanse CGI at Dubai Media City and branched off into 3D animation & film
making. Being Indian born, Dubai raised and US educated I consider myself very lucky
to experience a variety of cultures and have good friends from all over. After returning
from Houston Texas, I noticed there was a distinct lack of creative outlets here
in the UAE for fantasy, scifi & comic book art. For several years I had been frustrated
for not having an opportunity to create something new and unique, something artistic
and satisfying. Xero Error arises out of this need.
What is Xero Error about, what kind of audience do you think it will find here in
the region and outside?
Xero Error is a science fiction animated short film about a Cyborg, XE7, who discovers
the supernatural in his journey through time. It is planned to be showcased at all
major Film Festivals and will be actively promoted and distributed for TV internationally.
Being a science fiction ‘super hero’ based movie it is accessible to a wide audience
and we intend to promote it worldwide. Viewers of all ages enjoy ‘Dark Knight’ or
‘Iron Man’. We hope Xero Error, which is a much smaller production in comparison,
will appeal to all none the less.
How far have you come with Xero Error? What is the current status? Who are your collaborators?
We are early into production for Xero Error. So far we’ve managed to design the
scenes and characters, and completed the audio voiceovers. We are currently doing
the 3d models of the environments, and rigging the characters. Once done we aim
to have the first glimpses of the animation very soon. Every day is a step forward
and taking on a big project like this is a learning experience too.
The guys on this project are people we work with at Xpanse CGI and some professionals
we’ve sought out for specific tasks. 3D environments are being produced in association
with Distinct, audio production is being done by Tambi Studios, web site is being
handled by Forte & TwoKB, and Valkieser is doing the color grading. We are now seeing
support from people we've been in talks with since Jan. We still do not have any
financial support for the project. Virgin Megastore & Dubai Studio City are providing
publicity support.
How sophisticated do you think the CGI and animation industry is here, currently?
What do you see for the future?
The CG work produced from the region is predominantly commercial based. No big ILMs
or Pixars here yet. Xero error is by no means a yardstick to judge Dubai’s creative
or animation talents. I am sure there are many more talented individuals and teams
who deserve recognition. What I am very confident about though, from the kind of
encouragement we continue to receive, Xero Error will open up many doors and opportunities
for other CGI & film talents from the region and beyond.We're really trying to make
a difference by doing something against the norm, and prove that a notable animated
film can be produced here with very limited resources.
We're seeing slow and steady growth of original entertainment content coming out
of the Middle East (Teshkeel Comics, Freej and now XeroError) What does this say
of the market and the audience?
It is this creative freedom and pioneering spirit that brought many accolades for
the west. With more people from different backgrounds giving rise to unique creator
owned projects, we can expect to see many success stories from this part of the
world too.
Do you at all see the advertising industry playing a role in original entertainment
content creation for the region? This has obviously happened successfully world
over. Do you think there are opportunities here? What are your thoughts?
If people start seeing the potential of new entertainment content, I am sure the
advertising Industry will capitalize on these new characters and ideas to reach
out to the people using these icons. Freej has been a good example of this and the
characters have been used as almost brand ambassadors for the UAE. Plenty of hidden
opportunities are present here, just waiting to be unearthed.
How fast do you see the local entertainment content market to grow? What are the
pros and cons?
Unlike the west, original intellectual properties like comic books, gaming, memorabilia
etc. are not as sought after or in demand in the gulf. Locally produced films, comics
and games will take time to be recognized as main stream. I think this is only the
start to a local entertainment industry. I am sure we will see a gradual increase
in such content here and see an increase in demand too.
What is your vision for Xero Error? Where do you see yourself as creator/director
in 5 years from now?
Many years from now I hope Xero Error gains recognition internationally as the first
CG SciFi film and starts a positive creative chain reaction for the region. I hope
to follow up Xero Error with a feature length film and Xpanse CGI to continue the
trend by introducing new and cutting edge computer generated films.
Finally, any last words for women in the entertainment content business? Is it any
different for them in terms of opportunities or obstacles?
Art is a medium that is accessible to everyone not being limited by gender or race.
Some of the most creative people I know are women. I am positive Dubai will see
women having a very prominent role in shaping the future of its film and entertainment
industry.
Preeps76
is a digital creative suffering from periodic attacks of intelligence. The above
was not penned during one of those bouts.
For rants and raves please click here.