Imagenation Abu Dhabi COO Stefan Brunner has left the company after two and half years.
Speaking to Screen, Brunner said: “I think we’ve accomplished some great things over the last two and a half years and now it’s on to a new adventure. I am extremely proud of what I and the team have achieved. We’ve done something that hasn’t been done in the Middle East before, with our Hollywood presence and ramping up the local production in the Gulf. Combining the expertise of our partners in LA with the talent here has been quite an adventure.”
Discussing his next step, Bunner expressed his desire to remain in the region: “I am exploring a few options in the region. It’s an incredibly fascinating part of the world – there are so many interesting things happening here.”
According to Brunner, the company is expected to take this opportunity to “restructure a little.” The company was unavailable for comment at press time.
Launched in 2008 as a subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Media Company, Imagenation Abu Dhabi has become a leading feature financier and a major player in the development of the film industry in the United Arab Emirates. During Brunner’s time at the company, the outfit created production and financing joint ventures with Participant Media, National Geographic Entertainment and Hyde Park Entertainment and invested in international titles such as My Name Is Khan and Furry Vengeance and the upcoming The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel.
The company last year wrapped on its first Khaleeji-language title Sea Shadow, directed by Nawaf Al-Janahi. Thriller Djinn, written by David Tully, is set to shoot in April.
Prior to his role at Imagenation, Brunner headed up the production and financing department of Munich-based Entertainment Value Associates.
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