JEDDAH: Hollywood actress Emma Roberts is set to star in a film shot at AlUla Studios in Saudi Arabia, according to Film AlUla and global media company Stampede Ventures.
The movie, the “Fourth Wall,” will begin shooting in AlUla in the first quarter of 2025. It is part of a deal between CEO Greg Silverman’s Stampede Ventures and Film AlUla that was announced last year.
“The initial collaboration has been recalibrated to focus on producing a specific slate of four films well-suited for production at AlUla Studios and to further the key objective of knowledge-sharing and mentoring local talent,” a press release stated, explaining a shift from the previously announced 10 film deal down to four films that will “further the key objective of knowledge-sharing and mentoring local talent.”
Although the film title was revealed last year, this is the first time Roberts has been publicly attached to the project.
The film follows a former child star from a popular TV sitcom who is kidnapped and wakes up in a complete recreation of the show’s set with the rest of the cast.
This is where she must work through her trauma and recreate iconic moments from the series to stay alive and find a way out.
Written by Jerry Kontogiorgis, the film will be produced by Silverman and Grant Torre of Stampede Ventures and directed by Alexis Ostrander (“Servant”).
US actress Roberts (“Space Cadet,” “Holidate”) will have the lead role.
Stampede Ventures is among the first to use Film AlUla’s production facility, which includes a soundstage, backlot, production support buildings, workshops, warehouses, recording studio, and training and rehearsal space, all over 2,787 sq. meters.
There will be an emphasis on using Saudi talent during the production process, with introductory workshops and on-site training across various departments. This includes production staff, camera crew, art department, set operations, lighting, locations, transportation, sound, wardrobe, and makeup.
In a statement, Silverman said: “After a very positive recent experience shooting ‘K-Pops’ on location in AlUla, Stampede Ventures is now thrilled to bring more films to our partnership with RCU.
“Our productions will celebrate the unique allure of AlUla as a setting for cinematic creativity and the inspiring energy and love for filmmaking of the men and women of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The “K-Pops” production was directed by eight-time Grammy winner Anderson .Paak.