Imagenation rebrands, restructures

LONDON -- Abu Dhabi's $1 billion production arm Imagenation Abu Dhabi is rebranding to become simply Image Nation and has also created two divisions -- Image Nation Abu Dhabi and Image Nation International -- in order to better align its core objectives. Image Nation Abu Dhabi will oversee a slate of Emirati pics, including two titles scheduled for release this year: coming-of-age story "Sea Shadow" and Tobe Hooper's horror thriller "Djinn." It will also lead a number of initiatives geared toward developing local talent both in front of and behind the camera, including internships and casting programs. Image Nation International will manage the company's strategic relationships with a number of producers, including its joint ventures with Participant Media and Hyde Park Entertainment, and relationships with Parkes/Macdonald Productions and Warner Bros. Through its partnership with Participant Media, Image Nation Intl. co-produced two pics faring well at the U.S. box office: "The Help," which spent 25 days at number one, and "Contagion," which opened in the top spot and has grossed nearly $68 million in less than a month. Mohammed Al Otaiba will head up Image Nation Abu Dhabi and will report to Image Nation CEO Michael Garin. He will be responsible for Image Nation's local film activities and will work to develop the division's industry networks both regionally and abroad, while identifying opportunities and potential partners for the company's local productions. Al Otaiba previously spent the past 10 years working as a diplomat where he represented the UAE at the United Nations in NY, Beijing and London. He has also written a number of short film scripts and created docu "Afghan Days." "Our new company structure reflects Image Nation's mission to build the foundations of a strong local film industry in the UAE," said the company's chairman Mohammed Al Mubarak. "Both our local and international activities contribute to the local industry; we are developing projects and talent within the UAE, while supporting them through vital international partnerships and investments." "By aligning all of our activities under two distinct divisions, we will be able to better balance our local and international activities," added Garin. "Over the next few months we look forward to releasing our first two local films and a number of programs to help develop local talent, both supported by the resources and knowledge transfer afforded by our international partnerships." A comprehensive new brand for the company will be rolled out over the next few months. Contact Diana Lodderhose at diana.lodderhose@variety.com

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