Sherborne Media, a global financing partner for film production, is now registered in Abu Dhabi as Sherborne Media FZ LLC and offers financial support options to producers looking to create content in the emirate.
Abu Dhabi’s Creative Media Authority (CMA) has announced a significant financial milestone aimed at bolstering the emirate’s film and TV production industry. The latest development comes with the registration of Sherborne Media FZ LLC, a global film financing firm, as the first-of-its-kind within Abu Dhabi’s creative sector.
This move follows the recent enhancement of the emirate’s production rebate programme, which now offers incentives starting at 35% and going up to 50% for qualified productions as of January 1, 2025. With Sherborne Media’s presence, production companies operating in Abu Dhabi will have access to financial support options, executive producer services and content finance advisory.
This development is hoped to be the first of many which will provide a variety of film financing options and offer a complete financing cycle all from Abu Dhabi.
Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director General of Creative Media Authority, said: “The financial cycle of securing funds ahead of shooting can often be a challenging process to navigate, something we’ve recognised and attracted leading LA-based film financing business Sherborne Media to Abu Dhabi. The first-of-its-kind relationship with Sherborne Media, will no doubt pave the way for other local and international financial establishments to enter the creative ecosystem of Abu Dhabi and bolster the potential for on-ground production and postproduction through upfront financial assistance.”
Alastair Burlingham, Co-Chief Executive Officer of Sherborne Media, added: “We are proud and excited to be the first speciality media finance company operating in Abu Dhabi and working with the CMA partner ecosystem to provide cashflow solutions to qualifying media productions looking to utilise the Abu Dhabi rebate enhancement. This is an essential step in attracting international and regional productions to the Emirate and in the development of its film and TV production industry. As well as offering a suite of project financing options to producers from across the world, Sherborne Media FZ LLC will attract and liaise with production companies and teams globally who are looking for a supportive rebate and on-the-ground expertise to communicate and monetise Abu Dhabi’s offering. We will also work with suitable companies in the country and across the Middle East who require advisory and executive producer services in terms of film production and film financing.”
