In an illuminating conversation with Robert Gillings, the visionary creator behind the acclaimed TV show Paper Empire, we delve into the audacious decision to set the show’s third season in none other than Saudi Arabia’s full-service, world-class production facility ALULa Studios created by Film ALULa. Gillings, renowned for his imaginative storytelling, takes us on a journey through his inspiration and experiences as he ventures into this new landscape.
Paper Empire, a gripping tale revolving around Laurence Fintch (Robert Davi), captures his quest to create a dominant cryptocurrency. His algorithm, however, inadvertently gives birth to a “digital limbo,” triggering an uncontrollable Financial Armageddon. With a cast including Wesley Snipes and Denise Richards, the show delves into power, greed, and deceit in the global financial realm.
The season will be based entirely in the region, with all ten episodes to shoot in the diverse locations and breathtaking landscapes Film AlUla offers. Choosing to utilize Film ALULa’s brand-new film production studio was an easy choice for Gillings. The Production hub includes two 25,000-square-foot sound stages, a backlot, support buildings, workshops, warehouses, recording studios, rehearsal spaces, a cafeteria, and more. Located only 20 minutes from ALULa’s international airport and outside the flight path, it is highly convenient for any international productions to utilize their facilities.
The decision to shift the show’s narrative to film at ALULa Studios in Saudi Arabia was fueled by Gillings’ fascination with the transformative potential that emerged after the nation embraced tourism in 2018. In a candid interview, Gillings passionately articulates, “Just as an archaeologist uncovers hidden gems of the past, revealing secrets to the world, I saw an opportunity to bring new discoveries and insights from this region’s rich human history to the screen.” And Film ALULa’s state-of-the-art production facility has given Robert Gillings a place to do so.
He also highlights the Kingdom’s remarkable social progress under Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman’s leadership. “The expansion of women’s rights and increased female participation in all facets of life has been placed at the forefront of reformation efforts,” explains Gillings. Gillings sees this as a pivotal factor that drove him to film in Saudi Arabia, as the country moves steadfastly towards equality and the empowerment of women.
Respecting Saudi Arabia’s deeply rooted religious and traditional cultures was a paramount concern for Gillings. “One must always respect a deeply religious culture and society,” Gillings explains. “Understand the do’s and the don’ts of the land. I prepared myself to respect the values and traditions of the people and their social etiquette. Do that, and you’re in for a wonderful experience.” To overcome any potential language or cultural barriers, Gillings capitalized on English as a widely spoken second language and fostered collaboration with local talents and consultants. This collaborative effort ensured a harmonious production experience that respected the cultural nuances of the region.
Gillings remarks, “Though the desert of Saudi Arabia makes it somewhat geographically challenging, at the same time, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia makes it a unique experience and a filmmaker’s paradise.” The backlot of Film ALULa studios includes dunes, mountains, riverbeds, valleys, and miles of unobstructed views. The diligence of key players like the Royal Commission of ALULa, Charlene Deleon-Jones (Executive Director of Film ALULa), and Rasha E. AlEmam (Managing Partner Producer, Founder, and CEO of Yellow Camel Studios) streamlined the production process, allowing Gillings to focus on his creative vision.
Charlene Deleon-Jones echoes this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted the Paper Empire team will be basing their new season in AlUla. We’ve worked with the creative team to provide locations that underscore the glamour, luxury, and world-class production value of the series.”
Delving deeper into the authenticity of the show’s portrayal of Saudi Arabia, Gillings immersed himself in the study of the nation’s rich heritage. He drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s historical significance as a trading hub and the birthplace of Islam. Gillings eagerly shares a list of captivating sites that caught his attention.
“ALULa is called ‘The World’s Masterpiece’ for an excellent reason. Here you can find The Tombs of Hegra, which remained untouched for 2,000 years, or the Old Town, one of the only places on this planet to experience a town founded in 6 BC”. Gillings also speaks of modern developments. “The World’s largest glass building, The Maraya Concert Hall, reflecting the beauty of ALULa, to name but a few.” These awe-inspiring locations provided a profound sense of history and cultural significance that was essential to infuse the TV show’s storyline with a genuine and mesmerizing representation of Saudi Arabia’s rich past and promising future.
Gillings is resolute in dispelling stereotypes about Saudi Arabia. He passionately states, “Saudi Arabia is not just about oil and reserves. Forming opinions without firsthand experience can lead to prejudice. By filming in Saudi Arabia, Paper Empire can help provide the world with an understanding of a country that’s moving forward with equality, that is opening its borders to tourism, placing a welcome mat out to the outside.”
As anticipation mounts regarding the local audience’s reception in Saudi Arabia, Gillings believes the show’s multifaceted storyline will resonate with a diverse audience. “The female characters, the women, are portrayed to be independent, strong, empowered, and I feel will appeal to the women of Saudi Arabia, young and alike,” Gillings explains. As of June 2023, the Kingdom has undergone significant progress in promoting gender equality and empowering women. The ban on women becoming lawyers, engineers, or geologists has been reversed, and “aggressive affirmative action programs” have been established, resulting in the doubling of the female labor force participation rate. Notably, historic milestones have been achieved, with its first female newspaper editors, diplomats, TV anchors, and public prosecutors appointed, along with a female head of the Saudi stock exchange and a female member on the board of Saudi Aramco. Furthermore, the guardianship system for women has been dismantled, signifying a transformative step toward greater gender inclusivity in the Kingdom.
In the pre-production phase, Gillings collaborated with Rasha AlEmam, Founder/CEO of Yellow Camel Studios, a trailblazing figure in Saudi Arabia’s entertainment landscape. Gillings commends her, describing her as an “amazing woman” and one of the Kingdom’s youngest CEOs, carving her path in a predominantly male-dominated industry.
As “Paper Empire” takes center stage in the stunning backdrop of ALULa, Saudi Arabia, utilizing Film ALULa’s revolutionary production facility, ALULa Studios, get ready for an exciting story that mixes thrilling drama with a vibrant look at a changing nation. With its gripping storyline and strong characters, the show not only entertains but also makes you think about how societies work. Through Robert Gillings’ eyes, you’ll experience Saudi Arabia’s rich history and changing culture, showing how the country is moving forward. It’s a show that combines financial mysteries with the power of human determination, offering a peek into a nation on the brink of change and progress.
For more information on the television series https://paperempireseries.com/
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