UK-based The Edge Picture Company opens its first international office in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, December 13, 2011: The Edge Picture Company, the leading corporate film production company in the world, has announced the expansion of its operations with the opening of its first international office in Abu Dhabi’s twofour54 media zone.

The company offers film production services to a wide spectrum of organizations in the private and public sectors that are seeking new ways to market themselves, and who regard film as an engaging, rich and effective communication tool.

Arsalan Al Hashimi, General Manager of The Edge Abu Dhabi, said: “There’s a high client demand coming out of the GCC for corporate films to help organizations and destinations tell their story on the international stage. Having now partnered with local entities such as the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council, Sorouh and The National Health Insurance Company – Daman, it made perfect sense to open our first office outside of London in Abu Dhabi.

“Abu Dhabi is emerging as a vibrant creative hub for film production and content creation, and as the leading global company in our field, we’re excited to be at the heart of this growth industry,” concluded Al Hashimi.

This year, The Edge has been chosen by the New York Film and Television Festival as their ‘Production Company of the Year’ worldwide for the fifth consecutive year.

The Edge has made a deep mark in the Middle East with the success of, 1001 Inventions and the Library of Secrets, the mini-feature film commissioned by The Foundation for Science, Technology and Civilisation.

The film, which showcases the ‘Golden Age’ of Muslim Civilisation and its impact on the world today, became a global cultural phenomenon since its premiere last year. It has now been downloaded over 14 million times and has helped in changing perceptions about the Muslim world and its legacy inside and outside the region, proving the power of film as an effective tool to stimulate curiosity and engage minds.

“We believe in putting down roots where there is a passion for film-making and Abu Dhabi is testament to this belief. We’re really excited to have a presence here in the region to demonstrate how film can help organisations really tell their story.” explained Pete Stevenson, Executive Producer/ Co-Owner at The Edge Picture Company. “We also believe that our new office here gives our business a significant advantage, and we plan to nurture its strengths, culture and appeal,” added Stevenson.

In its 20 years of activity, The Edge Picture Company has conveyed many powerful messages through film. It has earned a reputation for creativity and excellence in storytelling, attracting an experienced production team and the best-of-breed in talent. Many industry accolades have been picked up along the way: 126 Awards from the International Visual Communication Association (IVCA) in London and 118 Awards at the New York Film Festival. This year, The Edge’s work in Abu Dhabi was also recognised when it collected a Gold Award on behalf of the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) for their film, Planning Ahead, as well as 22 individual awards for the acclaimed 1001 Inventions and The Library of Secrets film.

The Edge’s multi-faceted work in the Middle East has given the team an understanding of local culture and traditions. Its client base in the region is growing steadily and includes: Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC), The National Health Insurance Company – Daman, Sorouh, Tourist Development and Investment Company (TDIC), Jumeirah, Al Khaleej Gas (an Exxon Mobil/Qatar Petroleum joint venture), Arriyadh Development Agency, Georgetown University in Qatar, Muslim Heritage, National Commercial Bank of Saudi Arabia, Qatar Foundation, Qatargas, Qatar Shell, Qatar Science and Technology Park, SABIC, Saudi Aramco, and Zain.

The Edge Picture Company is a dedicated film production company with offices in London and Abu Dhabi employing 60 full-time staff. Founded in 1991, The Edge specialises in the production of inspirational films which harness the emotional power of TV, inspiring viewers and ‘changing hearts and minds’ for government and business around the world.