Pioneering film producer, Tim Smythe, who was instrumental in putting the UAE on the global film scene, passed away on Monday. Smythe, 54, died after a long battle with cancer. Tributes to the filmmaker have been pouring in ever since the news of his demise broke out. Smyth founded The Filmworks, a Dubai-based production company […]
Pioneering film producer, Tim Smythe, who was instrumental in putting the UAE on the global film scene, passed away on Monday. Smythe, 54, died after a long battle with cancer.
Tributes to the filmmaker have been pouring in ever since the news of his demise broke out.
Smyth founded The Filmworks, a Dubai-based production company in 1998. The company is best known for attracting big-budget Hollywood blockbusters to shoot in Dubai and at the helm of its operations, Smythe was the man behind bringing films such as MI4– Ghsot Protocol, Syriana, The Kingdom and Djinn to be shot in the UAE. He also facilitated the shoot of Chinas action thriller Switch starring Andy Lau as a special agent, billed as Chinas answer to James Bond.
Originally from South Africa, Smythe moved to the UAE in 1993 and within a span of a few years he became a well-known name on the UAE film circuit. Associated closely with Dubai Film & TV Commission, Smythe is credited for kick-starting the feature film production industry in the country.
His passing away has been described as a big loss by prominent figures of the film fraternity. Having mentored new talent from the region, Smythe will be remembered fondly for leaving behind a rich legacy.
