More related content on the BRIDGE
- Picture Workshop 10 December 10:00AM - 12:00PM
scene to screen How to be a Cinematic IDEA machine 2\2
Day 2 — From Script to Screen The workshop focuses on translating scripts into cinematic stories. Covers genre, plot structure, collaboration, and common adaptation challenges, with practical exercises to turn participants’ ideas into visual narratives.
Workshop Room 1Speakers
- Picture Fireside 8 December 4:50 - 5:05PM
Five Decades on: Yousra's Secret to Staying Timeless
For decades, Yousra has defined Arab entertainment, evolving with each generation while staying true to her artistic core. In this conversation, she reflects on what it takes to endure in such a shifting industry: adapting to new mediums, embracing creative risks, and cultivating the mindset and passion that turn success into legacy.
Forum StageModerator
- Media Speech 10 December 9:45 - 10:05AM
A Decade of Satire – Did It Work?
Satire redefined civic courage and cultural commentary, challenging power through laughter and irony. Few embodied that moment more than Bassem Youssef, whose sharp wit became a symbol of freedom across the Middle East and beyond. In this conversation, Youssef reflects on what satire achieved, where it fell short, as a tool for truth, accountability, and reform.
Forum StageSpeakers
- Picture Fireside 9 December 4:25 - 4:40PM
Achieving Outsized Returns on Entertainment & Media Investments
Two of the industry’s most influential voices, Chuck Roven and Dr. Roy Salter, come together for a rare joint dialogue on identifying E&M Industry investments possessing outsized return potential in often misunderstood or overlooked business areas including (a) investing in theatrical and streamed “Guideline Content” matching the most profitable and risk mitigated content produced and released by the world’s leading Content Creators and Major Distributors; (b) investing in brand-building social-media advertising to drive outsized Guideline Content value; (c) investing in the adaptation of large-audience-proven music IP into Guideline Content; and (d) leveraging these & other strategies in an innovative US Exhibitor-Affiliated distribution company focused on high-return high-concept and elevated-genre Guideline Content. Mr. Roven will combine his decades of producing globally successful Guideline Content with Dr. Salter’s decades of advising on thousands of successful E&M transactions to illuminate how creative judgment, disciplined production capability and clear-minded investment analyses and structuring can be combined with strategic capital, social-media ad-techniques, proven Guideline Content sources (i.e., large-audience music IP adaptation), a US Exhibitor-Affiliated theatrical feature distributor and other resources have the potential to generate extraordinary economic returns.
Forum Stage - Creator Economy Panel 9 December 12:00 - 12:15PM
Breaking Down the Creator Monetization Stack
The creator economy is set to exceed $500 billion by 2027, driven by over 50 million individuals building businesses on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Patreon, according to Goldman Sachs. While brand deals remain dominant, creators are increasingly monetizing through subscriptions, affiliate marketing, merchandise, and direct-to-fan models. The UAE is at the forefront of this shift, with initiatives like the New Media Academy, 1 Billion Followers Summit, and regulatory exemptions contributing AED 2.5 billion to GDP in 2024. As monetization channels multiply and governments invest in creator-friendly infrastructures and supports, how can creators further grow revenue stacks to reflect their values, engage their communities, and support long-term growth?
Academy StageModerator
- Technology Panel 8 December 11:35AM - 12:00PM
A Blueprint for Building Iconic Media Brands
As legacy publishers and digital platforms expand across borders, the question is no longer just how to grow, but how to belong. For global media brands, this means pairing editorial excellence with strategic innovation, turning reputation and reach into lasting relevance. From licensing and partnerships to data-driven audience insights and regional storytelling, companies are rewriting their global playbooks to balance commercial ambition with cultural authenticity. AI now sits at the center of this transformation, powering translation, personalization, and creative experimentation while reshaping how media companies connect with audiences and partners alike. This session explores how trusted brands are blending technology, storytelling, and business strategy to scale influence across markets.
Forum StageSpeakers
