Abu Dhabi Media Hub TwoFour54 Sells First TV Shows to Local Broadcasters

ABU DHABI – TwoFour54, the Abu Dhabi-based media organization, has shepherded its first two TV series developed with local directors into production.

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Shooting on both unscripted formats – Peeta Planet and Nayla's 100 – is scheduled to begin in November.

Peeta Planet is a 13-episode half-hour series that follows two entrepreneurial Emirati brothers around the world.

The twist is that the public decides where they travel to next via social media.

Nayla’s 100 is also a 13-episode half-hour series that tracks the progress of a 100 dirham note ($27) as it passes from hand to hand.

The show is the brainchild of Emirati director Nayla Al-Khaja, whose short film Malal (Bored) TwoFour54 also supported.

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Transmission is scheduled for the first half of 2013.

The organization has funded more than 30 shorts as part of its remit to seed local talent.

TwoFour54 helped organize production of both pilots that have sold to broadcasters.

Teh company's deputy CEO and COO Wayne Borg said: "Part of TwoFour54’s remit is to develop the talent pool. This television drive is part of developing that talent. Our role is to help provide support and guidance and help produce a compelling pilot that convinces broadcasters."

Last year TwoFour54 announced a separate three-year development deal with local producer C Sky Abu Dhabi to develop TV series and feature films.

C Sky Pictures is creating a TV series and a movie through the deal.

Walid Al Awadi, CEO of C Sky Pictures, said: "We want to lift up the level of television production in the Emirate. Our TwoFour54 deal has given us the space to breathe and think about development."