Visual Effects Compositing in Saudi Arabia

Here is how this works in practice. We staff compositing artists and CG supervisors on the standard tool stack. Foundry Nuke is the industry standard for feature and episodic work — that runs at Pixomondo Riyadh, Manga Productions, Beyond Studios Riyadh, and Spider Eye Studios.

Other tools cover specific niches. Adobe After Effects handles motion-graphics-led work and Telfaz11 short-form. Blackmagic Fusion serves DaVinci Resolve users at Pixomondo. Autodesk Flame handles high-end finishing at MBC.

Here is the short of it. Pipelines handle the major camera RAW formats. The list has ARRIRAW (Alexa 35 and Mini LF — the workhorse cameras for AlUla and NEOM features), RED R3D, Sony Venice X-OCN, Blackmagic 12K BRAW, and Canon Cinema RAW Light. Resolutions span 4K to 8K. Color works in ACES with linear EXR multi-channel intermediate files.

Here is the breakdown. Standard comp work for Saudi shoots covers several recurring scenarios. Examples have greenscreen extractions on Riyadh studio interiors composited against AlUla canyon plates. NEOM Line and Trojena futurism set extensions. Diriyah At-Turaif period reconstruction digitally removes today's elements while preserving heritage stone. Empty Quarter dune sims composite under live-action cars.

Here is what that looks like on the ground. Other recurring jobs have respectful CGI standins for Mecca and Medina off-limits-filming holy sites. Wire and rig removal cover AlUla stunt sequences. Riyadh Season concert and Saudi Pro League broadcast graphics round out the slate.

Here is how the picture comes as one. Saudi Arabia's VFX heritage is anchored by Pixomondo Riyadh. It is the country's flagship VFX-with-LED-Volume site, staffed with Star Trek Discovery and The Mandalorian alumni. Other facilities have NEOM XR Lab (Unreal Engine 5 real-time virtual production for ICVFX in-camera VFX), Manga Productions Riyadh (the Saudi-Japan anime JV with Toei Animation Japan), Beyond Studios Riyadh, and Spider Eye Studios.

Here is what we have to work with. Global features that wrapped at AlUla and NEOM mostly split VFX between two pipelines. Saudi front-line plate prep happens in-country. Overseas finishing happens at DNEG (UK and India), Image Nation Abu Dhabi, Mr.X Dubai, BlackMisfits Dubai, and Buf Cairo branch. Recent examples have Kandahar (2023, Gerard Butler), Desert Warrior (2024, Anthony Mackie), Cherry (Apple TV+, partial AlUla), and Hellraiser 2022 plates. Domestic features (Telfaz11's Sattar 2022, Shahad Ameen's Scales) finish fully in country.

Here is the layout. We deliver to each distribution chain. Theatrical DCP goes to AMC Saudi Arabia, VOX Cinemas, Muvi Cinemas, Empire Cinemas, and the Red Sea Global Film Festival. Broadcast AS-11 MXF goes to MBC and Saudi Broadcasting Corporation. Streaming IMF wraps go to Shahid VIP, Netflix MENA, Apple TV+ Arabic, Amazon Prime Video Arabia, and Disney+ MENA. Billing is in SAR, with 15% VAT and a Sunday-Thursday workweek.