In January, Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett led the Middle East’s largest broadcaster through a very successful IPO, which gave the Saudi-owned linear TV operator and streamer a $222 million financial boost.
This was preceded by the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, that, as expected, has been taking its toll, in terms of both advertising intake and programming.
Below, Barnett speaks to Variety about how he’s been navigating an undoubtedly exceptional year so far.
What’s the rationale behind the flotation of 10% of Mbc that took place on the Saudi stock exchange in January?
The shareholders perceive that Mbc is a regional media champion. Having been a private company for some 33 years, it seemed a natural progression for us to become a public company and have the opportunity of raising funds from the market for its expansion.
Bloomberg called it “the world’s best-performing IPO.” What makes Mbc so attractive to investors?...
This was preceded by the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October 2023, that, as expected, has been taking its toll, in terms of both advertising intake and programming.
Below, Barnett speaks to Variety about how he’s been navigating an undoubtedly exceptional year so far.
What’s the rationale behind the flotation of 10% of Mbc that took place on the Saudi stock exchange in January?
The shareholders perceive that Mbc is a regional media champion. Having been a private company for some 33 years, it seemed a natural progression for us to become a public company and have the opportunity of raising funds from the market for its expansion.
Bloomberg called it “the world’s best-performing IPO.” What makes Mbc so attractive to investors?...
- 4/30/2024
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Dubai-based CEO Sam Barnett leads the Middle East’s largest broadcaster Mbc as it turbocharges its Shahid streaming service through a scripted content drive, and gives Netflix a run for its money.
Shortly before the holy month of Ramadan, which is marathon TV time in the Arab world, Barnett spoke to Variety about the still crucial relevance of Ramadan season in luring eyeballs, Mbc’s need to offer “interesting new types of content” outside of the holy period, and why the company remains resolutely pan-Arab while riding the wave of Saudi’s production boom.
There is a perception that Mbc is becoming more “Saudi-centric” since it now plays an important role in Saudi’s drive to become a major content producer. Can you talk to me about how this shift is playing out in your overall production strategy?
Mbc has always played a major role in the media in the Kingdom,...
Shortly before the holy month of Ramadan, which is marathon TV time in the Arab world, Barnett spoke to Variety about the still crucial relevance of Ramadan season in luring eyeballs, Mbc’s need to offer “interesting new types of content” outside of the holy period, and why the company remains resolutely pan-Arab while riding the wave of Saudi’s production boom.
There is a perception that Mbc is becoming more “Saudi-centric” since it now plays an important role in Saudi’s drive to become a major content producer. Can you talk to me about how this shift is playing out in your overall production strategy?
Mbc has always played a major role in the media in the Kingdom,...
- 3/13/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Veteran TV exec Peter Smith is stepping down as managing director of Mbc Studios, the production arm of top Middle East broadcaster Mbc Group.
Smith, a former president of NBCUniversal, had joined Saudi-owned Mbc in 2018 as it ramped up production while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Over the following four years he oversaw a burst in production activity as Mbc Studios pumped hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. Mbc moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.
Smith has lead the production of many flagship Mbc Studios shows, including “Rashash, Rise of the Witches”; “The Devil’s Promise,” which is a series created by Tony Jordan (“Life on Mars”) helmed by British director Colin Teague; “Slave Market”; and big-budget Saudi actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star...
Smith, a former president of NBCUniversal, had joined Saudi-owned Mbc in 2018 as it ramped up production while launching its Shahid VIP streaming service, alongside its linear channels. Over the following four years he oversaw a burst in production activity as Mbc Studios pumped hundreds of millions of dollars in high-end productions in Saudi Arabia as part of the ongoing effort to help kickstart the kingdom’s nascent industry. Mbc moved its headquarters from Dubai to Riyadh last year.
Smith has lead the production of many flagship Mbc Studios shows, including “Rashash, Rise of the Witches”; “The Devil’s Promise,” which is a series created by Tony Jordan (“Life on Mars”) helmed by British director Colin Teague; “Slave Market”; and big-budget Saudi actioner “Desert Warrior,” featuring an all-star...
- 1/26/2023
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Exclusive: Peter Smith is leaving Mbc Studios after four years as Managing Director.
We’ve learned the international industry veteran is stepping down from the premium production arm of Middle Eastern and North African network Mbc, though he’ll continue to advise on production and distribution.
In a statement to Deadline, Mbc CEO Sam Barnett confirmed the exit and said a successor would be named “in due course, in coming days.”
Smith is a former NBCUniversal International President and was CEO of Cineflix Studios and Greece-based broadcaster Antenna Group.
He joined Mbc Studios in 2018 as it launched as the production arm of free-to-air network Mbc, which is the largest media company in the Mena region. He was tasked with increasing Mbc’s original film and TV output and and he has gone on to overseen the launch of shows such as Rashash, Rise of the Witches and The Devil’s Promise.
We’ve learned the international industry veteran is stepping down from the premium production arm of Middle Eastern and North African network Mbc, though he’ll continue to advise on production and distribution.
In a statement to Deadline, Mbc CEO Sam Barnett confirmed the exit and said a successor would be named “in due course, in coming days.”
Smith is a former NBCUniversal International President and was CEO of Cineflix Studios and Greece-based broadcaster Antenna Group.
He joined Mbc Studios in 2018 as it launched as the production arm of free-to-air network Mbc, which is the largest media company in the Mena region. He was tasked with increasing Mbc’s original film and TV output and and he has gone on to overseen the launch of shows such as Rashash, Rise of the Witches and The Devil’s Promise.
- 1/26/2023
- by Jesse Whittock
- Deadline Film + TV
The Vice Media Group is expanding its business in Saudi Arabia and has signed a deal to produce content for Mbc Group, the Saudi-owned Middle East giant with the largest media operation in the region.
Unveiled on Wednesday, the deal — which was first rumored last year (The New York Times said it was potentially worth “at least 50 million” — will see the youth-focused digital media company create bespoke, Arabic-language content across food, music, fashion, the visual arts and video games, alongside providing mentorship and training opportunities. It will be run from Vice’s offices in Riyadh, which first opened in 2021.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
“Mbc Group is the leading media platform in the region, and we are happy to help extend its reach while highlighting the vibrant, emerging youth culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – where more than half the population is under the age of 35 – and across the Arabic-speaking world,...
Unveiled on Wednesday, the deal — which was first rumored last year (The New York Times said it was potentially worth “at least 50 million” — will see the youth-focused digital media company create bespoke, Arabic-language content across food, music, fashion, the visual arts and video games, alongside providing mentorship and training opportunities. It will be run from Vice’s offices in Riyadh, which first opened in 2021.
Financial terms weren’t disclosed.
“Mbc Group is the leading media platform in the region, and we are happy to help extend its reach while highlighting the vibrant, emerging youth culture in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – where more than half the population is under the age of 35 – and across the Arabic-speaking world,...
- 1/25/2023
- by Alex Ritman
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Dubai-based Mbc Group CEO Sam Barnett is navigating what he calls the “difficult transition” of going from being the Mena region’s top satellite free-to-air player to also being its top premium streamer.
At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which is marathon TV time in the region after iftar (breaking fast), Barnett spoke to Variety about how the Saudi-owned broadcaster is managing this feat. Edited excerpts.
Mbc is now operating in both the linear TV and the streaming space. How’s the streaming side going?
We are celebrating this month because we just got data in that [Mbc’s streaming service] Shahid VIP has become the market leader in streaming in Mena. We’ve pulled ahead of Netflix and the others.
Terrific, what are your numbers?
If I compare ourselves to the competition, in terms of subs, we hit the two million figure last year. We got there towards Ramadan, and then it dipped.
At the start of the holy month of Ramadan, which is marathon TV time in the region after iftar (breaking fast), Barnett spoke to Variety about how the Saudi-owned broadcaster is managing this feat. Edited excerpts.
Mbc is now operating in both the linear TV and the streaming space. How’s the streaming side going?
We are celebrating this month because we just got data in that [Mbc’s streaming service] Shahid VIP has become the market leader in streaming in Mena. We’ve pulled ahead of Netflix and the others.
Terrific, what are your numbers?
If I compare ourselves to the competition, in terms of subs, we hit the two million figure last year. We got there towards Ramadan, and then it dipped.
- 4/6/2022
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
The 12 emerging filmmakers receive £5,000 each.
UK screen support body the Film & Television Charity, formerly known as as the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, has unveiled the 12 emerging names to receive the second round of the 2018 John Brabourne Awards.
The list is of comprised of writers, producers, directors, a designer and a marketing and distribution Ma student.
Recipients include writer-director Scout Stuart, whose debut screenplay Mud was selected for the low-budget film initiative iFeatures in 2014; and TV drama writer-director Claire Elizabeth Alberie, whose Paper Dolls was selected for the Bafta Rocliffe Forum List 2017.
Each will receive up to £5,000 to help them...
UK screen support body the Film & Television Charity, formerly known as as the Cinema and Television Benevolent Fund, has unveiled the 12 emerging names to receive the second round of the 2018 John Brabourne Awards.
The list is of comprised of writers, producers, directors, a designer and a marketing and distribution Ma student.
Recipients include writer-director Scout Stuart, whose debut screenplay Mud was selected for the low-budget film initiative iFeatures in 2014; and TV drama writer-director Claire Elizabeth Alberie, whose Paper Dolls was selected for the Bafta Rocliffe Forum List 2017.
Each will receive up to £5,000 to help them...
- 11/13/2018
- by Ben Dalton
- ScreenDaily
Former president of NBCUniversal International Peter Smith has been appointed head of Mbc Studios, the new production unit of top Middle Eastern free-to-air satellite network Mbc Group, which is based in Dubai. The new unit is expected to make a major push into high-end Arabic scripted content to help kick-start a film and TV industry in Saudi Arabia.
Smith, a respected industry veteran who more recently headed the Antenna Group, has been charged with stepping up Mbc’s output of “local and international film and TV drama series” that can resonate with audiences in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, an Mbc statement said.
“Due to the existence of an untapped story reservoir in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Ksa) and the rest of the Middle East across all genres of content, Mbc Studios will take the initiative to produce the region’s most compelling stories for cinema,...
Smith, a respected industry veteran who more recently headed the Antenna Group, has been charged with stepping up Mbc’s output of “local and international film and TV drama series” that can resonate with audiences in the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region, an Mbc statement said.
“Due to the existence of an untapped story reservoir in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (Ksa) and the rest of the Middle East across all genres of content, Mbc Studios will take the initiative to produce the region’s most compelling stories for cinema,...
- 9/18/2018
- by Nick Vivarelli
- Variety Film + TV
Let's get our shop on!
There's no place a Jersey kid likes more than a mall, so it was quite fitting that Joe Jonas and his Dnce bandmates helped celebrate the reopening of Westfield Century City in Los Angeles on Oct. 3.
Photo: Getty Images
Also on the fashion front, Miley Cyrus donned a white T-shirt, splattered overalls, Moscot’s black Mensch frames and a statement necklace as she sat alongside Jimmy Fallon for the “No Big Deal” segment during on Oct. 5.
Photo: Andrew Lipovsky/NBC
More: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Cuddle on the ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Carpet in Rare Joint Appearance
Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz looked slick in a nude-hued hat, patch-covered denim jacket, skinny gray pants and tan boots at the Men’s Fitness Game Changers event at Sheats-Goldstein Property in Los Angeles on Sept. 28.
Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Men's Fitness
And we can't get enough of the pretty neon pink dress star...
There's no place a Jersey kid likes more than a mall, so it was quite fitting that Joe Jonas and his Dnce bandmates helped celebrate the reopening of Westfield Century City in Los Angeles on Oct. 3.
Photo: Getty Images
Also on the fashion front, Miley Cyrus donned a white T-shirt, splattered overalls, Moscot’s black Mensch frames and a statement necklace as she sat alongside Jimmy Fallon for the “No Big Deal” segment during on Oct. 5.
Photo: Andrew Lipovsky/NBC
More: Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth Cuddle on the ‘Thor: Ragnarok’ Carpet in Rare Joint Appearance
Fall Out Boy's Pete Wentz looked slick in a nude-hued hat, patch-covered denim jacket, skinny gray pants and tan boots at the Men’s Fitness Game Changers event at Sheats-Goldstein Property in Los Angeles on Sept. 28.
Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Men's Fitness
And we can't get enough of the pretty neon pink dress star...
- 10/13/2017
- Entertainment Tonight
Who knew coloring could so spooky?! From horror writer and illustrator Alan Robert comes The Beauty of Horror II: Ghouliana's Creepatorium, a new coloring book from Idw Publishing. As the title suggests, this coloring book is the continuation of Ghouliana's attempts to get colorers to unleash her fiendish spell, and we have release details and information on when and where you can meet Robert at autograph signings.
Press Release: New York, NY (September 19, 2017) - Life of Agony's Alan Robert has established himself as a prolific horror illustrator & writer over the last several years. Since 2010, Robert has created several award-winning titles through Idw Publishing (Crawl to Me, Killogy, Wire Hangers, The Shunned One). However, nothing would prepare him for the wild success of his 2016 breakout hit The Beauty of Horror: A GOREgeous Coloring Book. Nerdist hailed it as being "The World's Creepiest Adult Coloring Book" and it was Idw's #2 top-selling book last year.
Press Release: New York, NY (September 19, 2017) - Life of Agony's Alan Robert has established himself as a prolific horror illustrator & writer over the last several years. Since 2010, Robert has created several award-winning titles through Idw Publishing (Crawl to Me, Killogy, Wire Hangers, The Shunned One). However, nothing would prepare him for the wild success of his 2016 breakout hit The Beauty of Horror: A GOREgeous Coloring Book. Nerdist hailed it as being "The World's Creepiest Adult Coloring Book" and it was Idw's #2 top-selling book last year.
- 9/27/2017
- by Tamika Jones
- DailyDead
If you ever thought you knew a movie would be a bomb when you first saw the trailer — you might be right. A study from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management that covered 122 moviegoers found that their brain waves produced “surprisingly accurate information” about a film’s eventual box office fortunes after watching trailers. Neuroscience and business professor Moran Cerf and neuroscience Ph.D. researcher Sam Barnett directed the study, in which they developed a new technique using electroencephalography to analyze participants’ brain waves as they engaged with trailers in real time. Also Read: Hashtags to Cash: Twitter Buzz Can Boost Box Office,...
- 3/22/2017
- by Matt Pressberg
- The Wrap
Funko's Pop! vinyl figures have given collectors new ways to view iconic characters, and some of those unique looks will now come to life on the paneled page, as Idw Publishing and Funko announced at Toy Fair that they are teaming up for one-shot comics this May, including The X-Files, Ghostbusters, Judge Dredd, and more.
Press Release: San Diego, CA (February 17, 2017) – Get your Funko on this May! The insanely popular Pop! vinyl figures have successfully reshaped the collectibles landscape and are now primed to take comics by storm in a special month-long event from Idw Publishing. Funko and Idw are combining forces to bring fans Funko-ized versions of some of the most recognizable and beloved characters in all of pop culture.
Funko Universe Month will feature some of the most sought after Pop! vinyl figures coming to life in five off–the-wall one-shots courtesy of Idw’s creative stable: Ghostbusters,...
Press Release: San Diego, CA (February 17, 2017) – Get your Funko on this May! The insanely popular Pop! vinyl figures have successfully reshaped the collectibles landscape and are now primed to take comics by storm in a special month-long event from Idw Publishing. Funko and Idw are combining forces to bring fans Funko-ized versions of some of the most recognizable and beloved characters in all of pop culture.
Funko Universe Month will feature some of the most sought after Pop! vinyl figures coming to life in five off–the-wall one-shots courtesy of Idw’s creative stable: Ghostbusters,...
- 2/22/2017
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
The companies will co-develop and co-produce the action drama, Im Global Television President Mark Stern (pictured) announced on Monday.
Scott Dacko created the story and will serve as executive producer and write the script.
LD50 takes place in a world where a virus has decimated the male population and left them outnumbered by infected women.
Idw Publishing executives aim to publish comic books based on the story in summer 2017.
Idw Entertainment develops, finances and produces television properties based on Idw Publishing properties and third-party content. Its properties include Dirk Gently starring Elijah Wood and Sam Barnett and Wynonna Earp, which airs on Syfy Channel.
Im Global Television recently signed a deal with David Goyer and its slate includes Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle and crime noir Den Of Thieves by Sebastian Gutierrez with Trigger Street’s Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti on board as executive producers.
Scott Dacko created the story and will serve as executive producer and write the script.
LD50 takes place in a world where a virus has decimated the male population and left them outnumbered by infected women.
Idw Publishing executives aim to publish comic books based on the story in summer 2017.
Idw Entertainment develops, finances and produces television properties based on Idw Publishing properties and third-party content. Its properties include Dirk Gently starring Elijah Wood and Sam Barnett and Wynonna Earp, which airs on Syfy Channel.
Im Global Television recently signed a deal with David Goyer and its slate includes Kurt Vonnegut’s Cat’s Cradle and crime noir Den Of Thieves by Sebastian Gutierrez with Trigger Street’s Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti on board as executive producers.
- 11/7/2016
- by jeremykay67@gmail.com (Jeremy Kay)
- ScreenDaily
Recently at the show’s Comic-Con panel, it was announced that Wynonna Earp will return for a second season on Syfy in 2017:
Press Release: San Diego, CA (July 23, 2016) – SEVEN24 Films and Idw Entertainment, a subsidiary of Idw Media Holdings (Otc Pink: Idwm), today announced that Syfy has renewed Wynonna Earp for a second season. The announcement came during the Wynonna Earp panel at Comic Con International in San Diego where the full cast appeared as guests. The freshman series scored big with both critics and fans, becoming a hit on social media, spawning hashtags, and trending weekly with each new episode. It recently nabbed the E! News TV Scoop Award for Best New Series of 2016.
Developed by Showrunner and Executive Producer Emily Andras, the series stars Melanie Scrofano, Shamier Anderson, Tim Rozon, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, and is based on the Idw Publishing comic book series created by Beau Smith.
“In just one season,...
Press Release: San Diego, CA (July 23, 2016) – SEVEN24 Films and Idw Entertainment, a subsidiary of Idw Media Holdings (Otc Pink: Idwm), today announced that Syfy has renewed Wynonna Earp for a second season. The announcement came during the Wynonna Earp panel at Comic Con International in San Diego where the full cast appeared as guests. The freshman series scored big with both critics and fans, becoming a hit on social media, spawning hashtags, and trending weekly with each new episode. It recently nabbed the E! News TV Scoop Award for Best New Series of 2016.
Developed by Showrunner and Executive Producer Emily Andras, the series stars Melanie Scrofano, Shamier Anderson, Tim Rozon, Dominique Provost-Chalkley, and is based on the Idw Publishing comic book series created by Beau Smith.
“In just one season,...
- 7/26/2016
- by Derek Anderson
- DailyDead
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