Cartoon Network Arabic is in the process of switching its transponder from the North Africa-facing satellite (Transponder C04: 11,277 Mhz V) to Eutelsat 7 West A satellite at 7.3°W. The shift, which started on March 27, will finish on April 27. During this period of time, CN Arabic will be available on both satellites as part of a dual feed until the shift is completed.
To continue watching CN Arabic uninterrupted, viewers have to adjust the reception, using the on-screen menu on their television. Migrating from the current frequency to the new one is a short and simple process.
The new shift to Eutelsat will enable the better viewing experience of CN Arabic’s culturally relevant and imaginative content.
Sony Middle East & Africa further expands its E-mount lens lineup with the introduction of the FE 14mm F1.8 GM (model SEL14F18GM) – a compact, large-aperture, ultra-wide-angle lens that allows users to capture new perspectives, especially when shooting landscapes, architecture, starry skies and interiors.
The new FE 14mm F1.8 GM features a compact optical design, measuring just 83mm x 99.8mm and weighing just 460g (approx.), with advanced optical technology.
The 14mm F1.8 has 14 elements arranged in 11 groups, including one aspherical and two ‘extreme’ aspherical elements, as well as ED (extra-low dispersion) and ‘super’ ED glass to suppress chromatic aberrations. Sony’s ‘Nano AR Coating II’ helps prevent flare and ghosting when shooting into or around bright light sources.
In addition, its precise XA elements, a 9-blade circular aperture mechanism and optimally managed aberration allow the FE 14mm F1.8 GM to produce background without the undesirable onion-ring effect.
Using two XD (extreme dynamic) Linear Motors, focus can be acquired and maintained even when shooting with narrow depth of field at F1.8, giving professional shooters the reliability they need to get the job done in challenging conditions. Moreover, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM enables quiet AF with minimal vibration for smooth focus transitions.
The new lens also features several advanced and versatile control options including, a focus hold button, a focus mode switch and a focus ring to ensure smooth, efficient operation in a wide range of shooting environments. The FE 14mm F1.8 GM also features Linear Response MF for direct and precise manual focusing. An aperture ring that allows intuitive aperture control is also included. For added creative freedom, the FE 14mm F1.8 GM includes a rear filter holder that accepts standard sheet-type filters for ND, colour correction, soft filter, etc.
The lens has weather-sealing and a fluorine coating on the front element to repel water and oil. It also has a built-in petal hood that blocks extraneous light that can cause flare and ghosting.
The FE 14mm F1.8 GM is available in the Middle East and Africa from April 2021.
The TV conglomerate that dominates the media scene in the Middle East is MBC Group, out-performing its competitors by several light-years.
Based in Dubai, from where it manages at least 17 leading TV channels, including Arabic streaming platform Shahid, MBC Group is a major player in production, distribution, viewership, reach and advertising, with influence over the lives of millions of viewers.
In the cafeteria of MBC Group in Dubai, every weekday at 12 noon sharp – watches can be set to this – a tall man enters the cafeteria modestly and discreetly, without a briefcase or paperwork. Just an ordinary man looking for an empty seat in a crowded place. Let’s call him the tallest man at MBC.
He sits wherever he finds a free chair among energetic, noisy, hungry people who are always rushing to finish their meals and get back to their demanding jobs. He sits with editors, accountants, writers, directors, producers, secretarial staff – no big deal for him or them. Many new faces chat briefly and candidly with this amiable, friendly and polite Englishman, who asks them about their jobs – what they like and don’t like – without revealing much of what he does. He mainly listens.
The tall man could easily order a meal to his office, but he goes daily to the cafeteria because he likes people to have direct access to him.
The tall man is Sam Barnett, CEO of MBC Group.
Being tall is not the only thing that distinguishes him. He also enjoys the trust, support and love of 2,800 MBC employees. He fully understands Arabic and speaks it his way, making the language part of his daily routine.
Sam also has access to the thinking patterns of Group Chairman Sheikh Walid Al Ibrahim. Sam has proved himself most capable of translating Sheikh Walid’s ideas into policies, procedures, standards, processes and professional energy – everything required to run the Group smoothly.
Under Sam’s guidance, MBC Group has held no secrets. Every month, he sends a group email that explains the highlights of the successes, challenges and shortcomings facing the Group, making everyone feel – through a unifying transparency and clarity – part of the success stories or upcoming challenges.
There are plenty of senior executives. What is rare is a leader who is capable of growing and progressing within a highly aggressive and competitive environment, and able at the same time to unify the Group top to bottom, vertically and horizontally, like a well-performing orchestra.
It may be easy to look at numbers and make them green. It is much more difficult to base the emotional system of a business on a spirit that reaches every office and every hallway, allowing growth to blossom.
It may be easy to get rid of a red line here or there with a stroke of a pen. It is much more difficult to build a firing growth engine while maintaining security and balance within the rank and file.
As you walk from the ground floor of MBC to the fifth, you see TV screens on the walls airing updated information about the company’s various projects and the figures and results they are achieving. Everyone knows what they’re doing 24 hours a day, and they realise the full economic impact on everyone else.
For over 17 years, Sam Barnett has patiently mastered the nuts and bolts of MBC Group, connecting its various limbs and leading it towards profitable new ventures and widened TV offerings. He is the fiercest believer in Sheikh Walid Al Ibrahim’s vision of focusing aggressively on the Saudi market.
MBC Group is not merely a commercial operation. Like the US media institutions whose contributions have defined and cemented American identity, MBC Group’s ambition is to play a leading role – through long-lasting investment in media – in the radical transformation of KSA under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohammad Bin Salman.
MBC Group, under Sam Barnett, is heading to compete directly against Netflix in the region. It aims to build a drama and cinema entertainment industry through MBC Studios, with MBC Academy tirelessly scouting for Saudi talent in all aspects of the audiovisual industries.
Sheikh Walid has provided strategic leadership, but Sam Barnett has transformed that doctrine into clear models and processes followed by thousands of employees. Yes, there will be challenges along the way. But Barnett has taught everyone how challenges can be reasons for progress and prosperity.
MBC Group is not merely an entertainment network. It is the story and strategy of leadership, advancement and influence.
Barnett wanted to prove to colleagues that anyone can achieve their personal goals. On the morning of November 17, 2017, after two years of hard and steady training, he swam continuously for nine hours and 54 minutes, covering 23 kilometres stretching around the Dubai World Islands project. He broke the world record by over an hour. That’s the spirit that leads MBC.
So don’t be surprised if you visit MBC someday and meet a tall Englishman with a friendly smile in the lift. That man will be Sam Barnett.
Discovery+ has launched on Intigral’s OTT service, Jawwy TV in KSA. Jawwy TV users now have access to Discovery content in a dedicated discovery+ branded area which boasts over 4,000 hours of on-demand content. This includes numerous discovery+ originals; Donald Trump: A Faking It Special, Luda Can’t Cook, Super Soul – Oprah, Lady Gucci, What Killed Maradona, The Vaccine Conquering Covid and Jonbenet Ramsey: What Really Happened? Alongside the originals, the platform will also feature global franchises such as 90DF, Wheeler Dealers, Deadliest Catch, Gold Rush and Say Yes to the Dress.
Each month, new documentaries will be uploaded to the platform across content categories such as lifestyle and relationships, home and food, true crime, adventure and natural history, science, technology, and the environment.
The launch of discovery+ is part of a new long-term strategic partnership between Intigral and Discovery Inc., which was announced earlier this year. In addition to discovery+, Jawwy TV subscribers can also access seven of Discovery’s international linear channels: Discovery Channel, Fatafeat, TLC, Discovery Family, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Investigation Discovery. More channels will become available in the near future.
Commenting on the partnership, Jamie Cooke, Group SVP and GM Central Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Russia, said: “Discovery is continuing to diversify our consumer touchpoints through strategic partnerships such as with Intigral. We are delighted to be able to offer Jawwy TV’s customers access to our plethora of much-loved content, also offering the diversity for them to access their favourite shows across both linear and OTT platforms. We continue to build upon our commitment to Powering People’s Passions and we’re excited to bring superfans our discovery+ originals, in addition to the region’s favourite programmes from the home of Arabic cooking – Fatafeat.”
Markus Golder, CEO of Intigral, said: “Intigral continues to seek opportunities to enhance its entertainment offerings by adding new and exciting content that caters to our broad subscriber base, delivering on our commitment to offer viewers across the MENA region an enhanced and distinctive entertainment viewing experience. Through our strategic partnership with Discovery, Intigral continues to deliver against its strategy, expanding on our already extensive VOD library of 25,000+ entries and enriching our linear TV offerings of premium and free channels even further.”
Discovery and Intigral will make discovery+ available to STC’s mobile customer base across the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain, with subscribers receiving complimentary access to discovery+ as a value-added offering to their subscription.
Audiomack has partnered with MTN Nigeria to offer the Audiomack+MTN Data Bundle programme, which offers MTN subscribers tailored data bundles for streaming unlimited music and accessing content on Audiomack free of data charges.
The partnership will see MTN subscribers gain free access to Audiomack’s streaming service via their mobile devices on weekly and monthly subscriptions. The weekly plan offers 1.2GB + free Audiomack at N270 ($0.66) while the monthly plan offers 2.5GB + free Audiomack at N550 ($1.35).
Commenting on the partnership, Dave Macli, CEO and Co-Founder of Audiomack Africa said: “At Audiomack, we recognise the importance of access to quality music, and this coupled with Nigeria’s vibrant music industry has influenced this partnership. This relationship not only allows us to create shared value for MTN subscribers by delivering the best musical experiences but also enables us to further connect with the Nigerian music fans.”
Charlotte Bwana, Head of Business Development and Media Partnerships for Audiomack Africa described the partnership as a reinforcement of Audiomack’s commitment towards democratising music streaming, a mission from which MTN subscribers will greatly benefit from.
He added: “High data costs are one of the barriers to music streaming and we are glad to be partnering with Africa’s leading telecommunications company to provide the Audiomack+ Data Bundle. We are truly excited to offer the best and hottest new musical tracks—a mix of real-time trending, top charts, and expertly-curated playlists to MTN subscribers.”
Srinivas Rao, Chief Digital Officer, MTN Nigeria stated: “Collaboration is not just rhetoric for us; it is the guiding philosophy behind everything we do. We are good together. We recognise the growing need of our customers to have more options to access entertainment and have partnered with Audiomack to offer them an uninterrupted stream of the best, newest and most diverse music selections.”
With millions of monthly active users in Nigeria, Audiomack continues to demonstrate its commitment to moving music forward across the region by providing accessibility for all.
The Komodo is a far cry from the original Red One or even the DSMC1/2 series of cameras. A tiny cube, very similar in form factor to a Z-Cam, it weighs under 1kg unrigged on its own and features a 6K global shutter sensor with a brand new colour science. The global shutter alone is enough to make this model interesting to most people, allowing more natural action and elimination issues with strobing light, but the new sensor also performs particularly well in terms of highlight roll-off.
Like all RED cameras since the introduction of the EPIC, the Komodo is modular. This allows people to design their rigs from the ground up to suit the nature of the content they plan to capture.
Andrew Clemson says the Komodo is an ideal choice for a first-time RED buyer.
One of the most interesting aspects of the new design is that it has done away with one of my personal pet peeves over the years, RED cameras’ lack of support for third-party media. The Komodo accepts CFAST2.0 memory, which is usable across a number of different cameras, making it a boon for rental houses that don’t want to invest too heavily in one type of card.
Like its larger siblings, the Komodo records both Redcode Raw and ProRes to the internal cards at resolution and framerate combinations, with record times dictated by the option you choose. At the highest quality, you’ll get just under an hour of material per TB.
The Komodo is the first RED camera to feature a built-in screen for monitoring. Like the rest of the camera, it’s tiny, so not much use for focus (even though it does have peaking), but in a pinch you can certainly use it for framing, fantastic in a crash cam situation. The Komodo also features full 4K out via a 12G SDI port, which gives you the option to record to an offboard monitor or recorder for proxies, backup record or just use instead of internal memory if you have a lot of SSDs for long interview situations.
The last way to monitor is via an ad-hoc WiFi network straight to your phone or tablet. While there is (very low) latency, I’d say this is more for framing or remote viewing than for real-time focus.
“If you’re shooting for 4K native delivery or just want to run with the smallest camera package possible for high-intensity shooting without rolling shutter issues, the Komodo is your answer” -Andrew Clemson, DoP
When I first heard of the lens mount choice on the Komodo, I had no experience with RF lenses so was a bit surprised, but having seen what it allows the camera to do, I’m an instant convert. The brain features a Canon RF mount, previously seen on Canon’s mirrorless range of stills/hybrids. With a similar shallow flange depth to the ever-popular MFT and E-Mounts, this offers the same adaptability in the form of mount adapters, to allow electronic control of a whole range of lenses. I’ve shot projects on the Komodo using both EF lenses and PL mount cinema lenses, but you really can’t discount the RF lenses that work natively.
The Komodo autofocus is fantastic. Using Phase Detect AF, you can use native RF (and EF via an adapter) lenses to track subjects and maintain autofocus. I haven’t tried the native lenses, but I can only assume they work faster than the EF we had via adapter.
Taking another nod from Prosumer cameras, the Komodo has two power slots on the back that accept BP batteries. While that would spark alarm in the larger RED cameras, the Komodo has very low power consumption in comparison, allowing around two hours of operation on a single charge when using a larger capacity BP battery.
The two slots double this capacity and allow hot swapping. You can, of course, use a V-Lock battery via an adapter, for even longer run times and power accessories via D-Tap – around five or six hours with a larger capacity battery, absolutely crazy for a cinema camera.
Audio-wise, the Komodo has only one 3.5mm jack. This is unsurprising given its size and real strength as a crash/action camera. You can feed a scratch mic into the brain to capture audio, but you would want to capture any important audio via an external recorder and sync.
The camera itself is very quiet. I actually found my Atomos monitor to be much louder, which is very surprising for a RED! The real strength of the Komodo is the fact that it is so compact and portable. Though once you throw in V-Lock batteries, PL mount lenses, matte boxes and other KAS, you find yourself in the same size and weight territory as with one of the larger DSMC2 cameras.
“The Komodo autofocus is fantastic. Using Phase Detect AF, you can use native RF (and EF via an adapter) lenses to track subjects and maintain autofocus” – Koko Boutchakjian, focus puller and owner of Media Max
I have a RED Gemini, and during the shoots on which I’ve used the Komodo, I didn’t feel any real difference between the two. But, when using the native batteries and a small prime lens, it’s small enough to be used like a DSLR, or on one-hand gimbals like the Ronin-S.
So that brings me to the real question. Will this replace the other RED cameras in the wild?
This comes down to a few factors. Is this the only RED you have access to? What kind of material are you be shooting, and how do you need to capture it?
The answer, when you look at all these factors, is no.
Koko Boutchakjian was one of the first to invest in a Red Komodo in the UAE.
Each RED camera has a unique role. The Komodo is a 6K camera with the ability to capture footage up to 40FPS. If you need to capture footage at a higher resolution, the Helium or Monstros (which also gives you a fullframe option) are still necessary. The sensor, while working admirably, is not as good as the Gemini in low light.
But if you’re shooting for 4K native delivery or just want to run with the smallest camera package possible for high-intensity shooting without rolling shutter issues, the Komodo is your answer. I can also see it as a mainstay for remote documentary filming, due to the ability to carry multiple days of power and media in a single backpack.
It can of course be an A camera in most situations if needed. The Komodo still shoots 6K resolution Redcode Raw and will no doubt become an indie film darling. For people wanting to get into the RED ecosystem, the Komodo is an obvious choice, given its absurdly low price point. If you’re already a RED owner, it can be an unbeatable B or C camera, rather than an outright replacement. But if I was buying a RED for the first time? The Komodo in a heartbeat.
FilmGate Productions and Zayed Higher Organization for People of Determination (ZHO) have launched a global casting call, seeking an experienced Film Director and Executive Producer from People of Determination (those with disabilities), as part of the second phase in the production project announced last year.
The casting call comes as part of a unique project, which will be funded and produced by FilmGate, with an aim to have the majority of its cast be People of Determination- including writing, acting, filming and production.
FilmGate, an independent productions company based in Abu Dhabi, founded the idea in line with its commitment to provide opportunities for people of all ages, genders, nationalities and abilities to showcase their creative talents. From its end, ZHO is providing its limitless expertise and global database, as it is the leading government organisation in the UAE responsible for supporting People of Determination. The phrase ‘People of Determination’ was a term coined by the government of the UAE to refer to all persons with special needs- primarily those with physical and intellectual disabilities.
The first phase of selecting the writers was completed after FilmGate and ZHO began the awareness campaign for the project in Q4 of 2020, as they launched a joint invitation on social media for writers from People of Determination. Within five days, the invitation had received more than 300 submissions from around the world. A talented team have now been selected, which includes Mohammed Al Azmi from Kuwait, Ahmed bin Salem Al Hajji from Oman, Mouhannad AlAkous from Syria, and Shady Todary from Egypt.
The casting process is expected to take place over the next few months, beginning with the Director and Executive Producer, who will play an active role in the selection of the cast and crew and working with the writer’s Jury to finalise the requirements for their scripts.
The pre-production process is then expected to continue over the next several months, as applications for all roles will be thoroughly considered, and then those who have been shortlisted will be contacted for further interviews and assessments. Filming for the series is set to take place mainly in Abu Dhabi, with a plan to begin in Q4 of 2021.
Interested applicants can apply on the website. A casting call will soon also be launched to fulfil various other roles for the series.
Isar Aerospace had signed a deal for launch services with Airbus Defence and Space. The deal sees Airbus Defence and Space commit to one launch, plus options, of a small Earth Observation (EO) satellite into orbit with Isar Aerospaces Spectrum launch vehicle.
This is a significant deal as according to Munich-based Isar Aerospace it constitutes the first major launch contract between an established space company and a privately financed European launch company. Airbus said that the Spectrum launch vehicle is complementary to existing medium and large launchers in Europe. The vehicle is designed to carry payloads up to 1.2 tons to Low-Earth Orbit (LEO).
Alexandre Dalloneau, Vice President of Mission and Launch Operations at Isar Aerospace, said: There is an enormous need for access to space from companies around the world, but launch capacity is still limited, expensive and inflexible. We are proud to offer customers a flexible alternative for their individual space transportation needs.
Canon has announced the details of EOS R3 – its latest high-speed mirrorless camera, designed for professional sports and news photographers to meet challenging demands.
The EOS R3 features a new Canon-developed BSI stacked CMOS sensor, a DIGIC X imaging processor, shooting capabilities of 30fps with AF/AE tracking, eye, head and body detection and a new autofocus Eye Control Function. It is suitable for action photographers looking for quality images, both still and moving, of objects travelling at intense speeds.
Built on the EOS R System, with its RF Mount and paired with one of Canon’s RF lenses, the camera offers a lot. With lenses like the RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM, professionals can achieve optical excellence and performance.
The EOS R3 will feature the Eye Control Function, which enables users to simply select and move the AF point using their eye via the viewfinder. This feature offers natural and speedy control over AF.
Professionals can expect the same durability and dust and water resistance as provided in Canon’s EOS-1 series bodies.
The EOS R3 will be compatible with Canon’s Mobile File Transfer smartphone app. This provides a new way to transfer images and speed up workflow whilst on the move, using mobile network services and without the need for wired LAN equipment.
Canon is launching version 1.2 of its Mobile File Transfer for iOS in June, which is compatible with Canon’s EOS-1D X Mark III, EOS R5 and EOS R6.
Canon also announces the RF 100mm F2.8L MACRO IS USM – a macro and portraiture lens with 1.4x close-up magnification. In addition to this Canon also revealed details of a new RF 400mm F2.8L IS USM and RF 600mm F4L IS USM, two telephoto prime lenses designed to meet the demands for sports and wildlife professionals, with incredible focal lengths and capabilities, especially when paired with EOS R3.
Shahid VIP – the premium, subscription-based service of Shahid, has announced the launch of Toota Toota, the very first Shahid kids’ original series.
Making its debut at the beginning of this Ramadan season, Toota Toota presents a short bedtime story aimed at preschool children. Less than 10 minutes long, each episode is hosted by MBC3 presenter Dania El Shafie.
Commenting on the series, El Shafie said: “Toota Toota is inspired by the [Arabic] word ‘hatoota’, which translates into ‘story’ – and a term commonly associated with the stories mothers and grandmothers used to tell their children before bedtime. It’s entertaining whilst educational at the same time; presenting some fun stories to young viewers around ages 3 to 6. The aim of the series is for children to develop a love of reading, whilst taking into account that a lot of content is now consumed digitally via an electronic screen.”
El Shafie added: “Filming Toota Toota was a wonderful experience, and we’ve received great support from the parents and children involved. It’s important that we present content that is in line with our culture and values, whilst also entertaining and educational.”
The move is in line with Shahid’s mission to produce more original premium quality content for younger viewers. This series is just one of many already existing titles in Shahid VIP’s library, which includes shows and films from Disney, Nickelodeon, and more.
The series is available on Shahid VIP, daily at 2 PM KSA time.
The second season of Toota Toota has already been commissioned with production expected to begin shortly.
Taking another nod from Prosumer cameras, the Komodo has two power slots on the back that accept BP batteries. While that would spark alarm in the larger RED cameras, the Komodo has very low power consumption in comparison, allowing around two hours of operation on a single charge when using a larger capacity BP battery.
