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The Saudi Film Commission will now be tasked with issuing licenses and permits for the film industry instead of the General Authority of Media Regulation, the commission said in a post on X yesterday. Its scope of work will include licenses for the production of films and series, the operation of studios, and distribution of foreign movies. It will also issue licenses for operators to run permanent, temporary, and specialized cinemas.
The rationale: The transfer of competence to the Film Commission comes as part of its key role in developing the industry’s value chain. You can explore the licenses on offer through the Abde’a platform here.
It’s all to drive demand: The Film Commission approved last month imposing a lower sales tax on the sale of tickets at the local box office, in a move it said will help encourage private cinema operators to reduce ticket prices and drive demand. The commission approved slashing licensing fees levied on operators to run permanent, temporary and specialized cinemas.
