Riyadh, January 31, 2025 – In a significant move to elevate Saudi Arabia’s media and entertainment sectors, the Saudi Media Forum has announced the launch of the "Media Bridges" initiative, designed to foster collaboration between leaders of major global media production companies and Saudi talent and emerging companies. The initiative represents a critical component of the Kingdom’s broader efforts to strengthen its media and cinema industries, as part of its ambitious Vision 2030, which aims to support local production and make it globally competitive. By facilitating these connections, "Media Bridges" seeks to position Saudi Arabia as a rising hub for international media and entertainment.
The initiative was met with high-level participation from influential executives representing some of the world’s leading media production companies, all of whom have played pivotal roles in shaping the future of entertainment and digital content. Among the key participants were Tom Verica, Head of Production at Shondaland TV Company; Marius Rocholl, Vice President at Sony Pictures Entertainment; Larry Tanz, Vice President of Content for Europe, the Middle East, and Africa at Netflix; Karen Bailey, Vice President of Original Programming at Starz; and Samer Doumet, Editor-in-Chief of Content for the Middle East and North Africa at Apple Music. These prominent industry leaders joined forces with Saudi media professionals to explore opportunities for collaboration and to share their expertise with local talent.
"Media Bridges" is a strategic initiative aimed at creating a dynamic platform for knowledge exchange and collaboration between Saudi creators and global media giants. It offers local professionals and emerging companies an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their work to international executives and gain access to global networks, ultimately helping to raise the profile of Saudi content on the world stage.
The initiative also aligns with Saudi Arabia’s goal to become a key player in the global entertainment industry by developing a competitive local production ecosystem. As the Kingdom continues to invest in infrastructure, talent development, and innovation, initiatives like "Media Bridges" are expected to drive the growth of its media sector, offering new pathways for international partnerships and content distribution.
Through these efforts, the Saudi Media Forum is not only enhancing the local entertainment landscape but is also contributing to the broader transformation of Saudi Arabia's economy in line with Vision 2030, positioning the Kingdom as a leading center for cultural and creative industries in the region and beyond.