This episode of the program “Finjan” touches on a range of vital topics related to the Saudi artistic production industry and how it has evolved in recent years. Abdul Rahman Abu Malh hosts a group of prominent figures in the field of production, where they discuss the challenges facing this industry, including regulatory aspects and legislation, and their impact on the quality of the presented works.
The discussion also addresses the criticisms directed at Saudi production and the necessity of providing a work environment that enables talents to realize their potential. The importance of education and training as key factors in improving production quality is highlighted, as is how the establishment of specialized institutes can contribute to building a new generation of creators. The debate brings to light the difference between the old and new generations in the world of artistic production, and the necessity for the market to open up to both local and international competencies.
The desire to improve the quality of drama presented to the Saudi audience also manifests in the dialogue, while at the same time emphasizing the importance of understanding the market and its needs. Guests discuss the necessity of involving local writers and directors in the creative process and how this impacts the quality of the final work.
These topics intertwine with larger issues related to identity, art, and society, making this discussion interesting and filled with details that reflect the reality of the production industry in Saudi Arabia.
Saudi Television Production and Its Challenges
Television production in Saudi Arabia has seen significant developments in recent years, making it stand out as one of the most important cultural industries in the region. However, despite these advancements, there are still many challenges facing this sector, such as quality control, reliance on foreign expertise, and the need to train local talent. It is noted that the criticisms directed at television production often relate to the quality of the work, and whether it accurately reflects Saudi culture or not. These issues highlight the importance of the Saudi audience’s understanding of culture and art, which obliges producers to focus on texts and trends that express Saudi identity in artistic works.
Censorship and Legislation in Artistic Production
Censorship of content is one of the biggest challenges facing television production in Saudi Arabia. Every artistic work is required to obtain prior permits, which can lead to the disruption or cancellation of some projects. These challenges necessitate that legislators provide clear laws that support the arts and protect them from being halted due to criticisms or community pressures. These laws should include clear and agreed-upon criteria regarding what is acceptable and what is not in artistic works, which will contribute to enhancing creativity and encourage writers and directors to produce new and innovative content.
Training and Employment in Production
One of the key aspects of enhancing the television production industry in Saudi Arabia is training. Specialized institutes must be established to train young talents in writing, production, directing, and all other technical aspects. Academic education provides a solid foundation for trainees, helping them to better understand the entertainment industry. Educational institutions should collaborate with production companies to provide practical training opportunities for students, allowing them to gain real experiences in this field.
The Audience and Success Indicators in Artistic Works
Audience feedback is considered one of the most important indicators of success for artistic works. In the past, reliance on critics’ reviews was the primary method for measuring the success of a work, but today, social media platforms play a larger role in determining the acceptance of artistic works. The Saudi audience has become more aware and demanding, increasing pressure on producers to present content that aligns with their aspirations. Interaction through social media can be a useful tool for understanding audience interests, which helps improve the quality of upcoming productions.
Technology
Its Impact on Artistic Production
Technology plays a pivotal role in the development of television production. With the emergence of digital streaming platforms, producers can now reach a global audience, enhancing opportunities for success. Producers must leverage modern technology in all aspects of production, from filming and editing to marketing and distribution. Moreover, Saudi production requires adopting new storytelling techniques to ensure its competitiveness with international works. Investing in technology can enhance quality and help deliver more professional and engaging content.
Transformations in the Saudi Content Industry
The Saudi content industry is undergoing a significant transformation, moving towards diversifying production and providing content that resonates more with audience interests than ever before. In recent years, we have witnessed a noticeable increase in the quality of presented works and the diversity of topics being addressed, reflecting greater producer and writer engagement in meeting viewers’ needs and aspirations. A new generation of Saudi writers and directors is confidently stepping forward to produce works with deep content that tackle social and cultural issues and compete strongly with foreign works. In addition, the platforms showcasing these works have multiplied, increasing viewing opportunities. This shift is attributed not only to heightened public awareness but also to the presence of a new generation of professionals in writing, directing, and filming, striving to deliver the best.
For example, the series “Rashash,” which received widespread attention, reflects how a historical story can be presented with professional dramatic treatment, thereby attracting a large audience. This success mirrors the efforts of content creators who aim to present local stories in new and innovative ways, utilizing modern filming and production techniques. Moreover, the presence of Saudi professionals in various production fields, such as writing and directing, enhances the local production’s ability to deliver content aligned with the culture of Saudi society and realistically reflects daily life details in a compelling manner.
Challenges in Advertising and Marketing Production
Despite the success attained by the content industry, it still faces challenges in the realm of advertising and marketing production. The advertising industry requires speed and accuracy in execution, while television or cinematic content production necessitates more time and coordination with a larger number of individuals. This difference in operational mechanisms between the two fields illustrates how advertising production relies on small professional teams capable of completing projects in less time, whereas dramatic production is compelled to work with larger teams, increasing the time required to produce the final work.
For instance, while a good advertisement can be filmed and produced in just a few days, a dramatic series may take several months of planning and filming, affecting the speed of content release in the market. This discrepancy in timing and costs makes it essential for producers to be flexible in their strategies, considering their budgets and production expenses. This challenge requires companies to be innovative in their methods to balance quality, cost, and time, reflecting on the final efficiency of production.
The Role of Saudi Professionals in Improving Quality
The presence of Saudi professionals in fields like writing, directing, and filming is a crucial factor in raising the quality of local content. These professionals, who possess a deep understanding of Saudi culture, customs, and traditions, contribute to delivering works that accurately reflect the community’s identity. For instance, many Saudi directors and designers have begun to offer new and innovative perspectives, helping to enhance the Saudi artistic identity on the global stage.
Through their investment in education and training, these professionals have become capable of employing modern and innovative techniques in production processes, raising the quality level. For example, the existence of academies like the MBC Academy, which prepares Saudi youth in artistic production fields, significantly contributes to developing the skills necessary for creating diverse and distinguished content. The more professionals who possess the necessary skills, the greater the prospects for improving production quality, which will positively impact the industry as a whole.
Pricing
In Saudi Artistic Production
The issue of pricing in the artistic production industry is one of the most complex matters. Prices are determined based on several factors, including the level of professionalism, the type of project, and production duration. In this context, we found that prices can vary significantly between advertising production and dramatic production. Although some professionals in the production field may demand high wages, the existence of local options can provide additional cost savings while maintaining work quality.
It is worth noting that some Saudi directors and writers offer high-quality works at competitive prices compared to their counterparts from outside the kingdom. This competition indicates that the local industry has begun to earn its respect in the creative field, and we should consider the importance of investing in local talents, as having good local work not only contributes to improving the overall quality of work but also reflects positively on the local economy.
Cultural and Creative Impact of Saudi Series
Saudi series significantly contribute to enhancing cultural identity and boosting social interaction. These works serve as a window for the audience to various local issues, helping to raise awareness about social, economic, and cultural topics. Series that address societal issues such as poverty, daily challenges, family relations, and other sensitive topics contribute to stimulating public discussions around these issues.
When looking at successful works, we find that many of them have tackled themes close to the viewers’ lives, making them more relatable and realistic. The series “Amina Haf” is an example of a work that managed to attract an audience thanks to its portrayal of true and sometimes painful stories, which helped create an emotional connection with the viewers. This relationship between the work and the audience enhances the role of art as a means of expression, emphasizing the importance of providing content that reflects real-life situations.
The episode was summarized using artificial intelligence ezycontent
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