The Royal Film Commission – Jordan Hosts its Annual FAM Tour for Major Film Companies

Sep 26, 2024
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The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) hosted a delegation of five high-profile representatives of prominent international cinema and television studios and production companies for a familiarization tour of Jordan from September 15-21, in partnership with the USAID Economic Reform Activity, Olivewood Studios, and Royal Jordanian. 


The tour introduced the visiting delegates to Jordan’s amazingly diverse and unique camera-ready locations, as well as to the country’s solid film infrastructure and skilled crew base.


The participating delegation included members the following studios and companies:
Michael Silver, Vice President, VFX & Physical Production for CBS Studios; Divya D'Souza, Producer & Senior Vice President at Invention Studios; Olivia Koterska, Physical Production Manager at Skydance Media; Mike Mosallam, CEO of Shadowbox Studios Global; Robert Ortiz, EVP and Head of TV Production at MRC Television. They learnt about the comprehensive production services, facilitations, financial incentives, and tax exemption programs offered by the RFC when filming in Jordan.


During the weeklong tour, the participants visited some of Jordan’s most iconic and diverse filming locations, including Amman, Jerash, Ajloun, As-Salt, Wadi Rum, Petra, Aqaba, and the Dead Sea. These locations, combined with Jordan’s modern film infrastructure and experienced local talent, offer a unique and versatile environment for a wide range of film genres. The RFC also highlighted the country’s production incentives, including up to 25 percent cash rebates, available to international filmmakers.


The delegation met partners and officials from Aqaba Development Corporation and Royal Jordanian, as well as tourism representatives, hoteliers, logistical services providers, local production companies, and the filmmaking community.  


“This initiative reflects our ongoing commitment to positioning Jordan as a premier destination for international film production,” said Mohannad Al Bakri, Managing Director of the Royal Film Commission. He added, “Through our partnership with USAID, we are excited to showcase the incredible locations and advanced film infrastructure that Jordan has to offer. We also extend our gratitude to the support and contribution from Royal Jordanian and Olivewood Studios.” 
The tour is part of a broader initiative under Jordan’s Economic Modernization Vision, which aims to attract foreign investments and strengthen key sectors, including the creative industries. By hosting high-level decision-makers from Hollywood, the RFC aims to generate more international productions and further establish Jordan as a global hub for filmmaking. The USAID Economic Reform Activity supported the trip as part of its efforts to attract investment to Jordan in priority sectors, of which the creative industry is one. 


During the closing reception of the tour, held at Olivewood Studios, the members of the delegation expressed that Jordan has indeed developed a strong filming infrastructure to attract international productions, building on its stunning landscapes, historical sites, and modern facilities. They also stated that the country’s ability to host diverse projects has been supported by the availability of skilled local crews, advanced equipment, and accessible locations. Moreover, the hospitality of the Jordanian people and the welcoming nature of the community play a crucial role in bridging language and cultural differences for visiting film teams.

About the Royal Film Commission – Jordan
The Royal Film Commission – Jordan (RFC) is a public institution, with administrative and financial autonomy, established in 2003 with a mandate to promote for and contribute to the development of an internationally competitive Jordanian audio-visual industry. The RFC organizes training workshops, screenings and provides production support services.
For any further information, please call: +962797557116