US film company launches Gulf division, to produce 20 Films in Dubai in 2006
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 Fortitude Entertainment Group, a U.S.-based film production company, has announced plans to launch a division of its firm in Dubai and to produce as many as 20 films in the emirate this year.
The launch celebration took place during the Annual World Cup Horse Race in Dubai in March in the presence of Dubai’s royalty and the company’s president, Hunt Lowry. Fortitude is best known for its production of films such as Dreamer, A Cinderella Story, and The Divine Secrets of the Ya Ya Sisterhood.
"We at Fortitude are focused on underserved demographics and markets outside of the United States. We believe the Gulf region, and specifically Dubai, is a prime multi-cultural market capable of becoming the next Hollywood," said Steve Delaportas, CEO of Fortitude Entertainment.
Fortitude Gulf is expected to include a production studio and a theme park, the company said in a statement.
"Many people are asking 'why Dubai?' Our answer is that Dubai is the diamond of the Middle East. It is very progressive and multi-national and has become the hotspot for vacationers worldwide, especially from Europe and Australia," said Lisa Marie Butkiewicz, president of Fortitude Entertainment.
Fortitude Entertainment Group, founded by Delaportas and Butkiewicz in 2004, has studio facilities in California, an animation house in India and regional ventures in Croatia, Germany, and South Africa.
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