DEADLINE:Moving to Saudi Arabia is quite a leap.
What brought you here?
CHESNEY:I always like to build things.
Tawfik Alzaidi, Paul ChesneyRed Palm Pictures/Sven Arnstein
We can really build something here over the next few years.
DEADLINE:Part of the strategy involves the launch of acquisition and distribution company TwentyOne Entertainment.
What was the thinking behind the creation of this arm and how will it operate?
We will self-distribute in the region directly into exhibition or streamers, content that weve either made or acquired.
Well also partner in certain parts of the world, with the content being the main priority.
For example, forNorah.
We will look at whats the best thing for film.
DEADLINE:Soyoure not going to be running a classic international theatrical sales outfit?
DEADLINE:But will you be giving mandates to traditional sales companies?
The film was made for cinema.
That has been Tawfiks vision for the last three, four years.
It will get a theatrical release.
DEADLINE:How are you planning to roll it out internationally?
CHESNEY:Were thinking about giving it a festival strategy outside of MENA.
Were not going to rush release it.
We think its the first one.
AlZAIDI:I believe in them.
Cinema is not new in Saudi Arabia, but the industry is.
It took me four, five years to makeNorah.
It was really hard.
DEADLINE:What is the first project you plan to work on under the deal?
Its about women living in the desert one hundred years ago, strong women who are fighting for revenge.
DEADLINE:Paul, you havent announced any other filmmaker signings as yet.
Are there are other announcements to come in the near future?
CHESNEY:Its very early days but Ive met some really good talent.
DEADLINE:Whats your long-term goal for the company?
Were not going to rush things.
Im not going to run before I can walk.
Tawfik is the first part of the jigsaw.
DEADLINE:Will you be tapping into your Universal web link?
DEADLINE:In the press release, the companies are described as privately owned.
Can you say who is behind them?
CHESNEY: Its a group of private investors.
