NEOM Media Academy drives Saudi Arabia’s creative transformation

A new generation of Saudi filmmakers, editors, and game developers is emerging from NEOM’s Media Academy and Industry Learning programs, as the Kingdom accelerates its investment in the creative economy under Vision 2030.

Since 2021, more than 1,500 Saudis have been trained through NEOM’s initiatives, with over 100 placed on live productions – including the award-winning Saudi feature “Hobal,” filmed entirely in NEOM and staffed by local graduates.

NEOM’s Media Academy is positioning Saudi Arabia as a rising force in global entertainment by aligning talent development with Vision 2030’s drive to diversify the economy and expand opportunities for youth.

“The Academy supports Vision 2030’s ambition to diversify the economy and create opportunities for young Saudis,” Neil Peplow, Director of Industry Learning at NEOM Media, said.

“By equipping talent with the skills needed to enter the fast-growing media sector, we are supporting the Kingdom’s aim to build a sustainable creative economy that attracts international productions and develops homegrown content.”

At the heart of this strategy is practical, hands-on training in areas where demand is surging across the regional film and media industry.

According to Peplow, the greatest demand is for production-ready skills – such as cinematography, editing, sound, VFX, games development, and production management.

Under NEOM’s Media Academy, the programs have been designed in close collaboration with industry partners to ensure training is practical, hands-on and aligned with the needs of both global productions and the emerging Saudi industry, he said.

Graduates of these programs are already making their mark on major film and gaming projects across the Kingdom.

“We are already seeing the talent we trained taking on roles in high-profile productions filmed in NEOM and across the Kingdom, and in games development companies,” said Peplow.

“Their presence is creating a pipeline of local professionals who are raising standards, strengthening the media sector’s capacity and inspiring the next wave of Saudi creatives to pursue careers in media.”

For trainees, the opportunity to work on live productions has proven transformative.

“There is no substitute for real-world experience,” said Peplow.

Being on set exposes trainees to the pace, standards and collaboration required in professional productions, the director said, adding that it accelerates learning by turning theory into practice and builds confidence by giving trainees “direct responsibility in a live environment.”

Many alumni have already progressed into key industry roles, including assistant directors, production coordinators, camera operators and games developers, working on both international productions in NEOM and major Saudi projects, Peplow said.

“Their progress demonstrates that the talent pipeline is delivering measurable results. The presence of NEOM’s established production services and studio infrastructure has been a vital magnet, ensuring sustained opportunities for graduates to move directly into the workforce,” he noted.

Looking ahead, Peplow believes this new generation of Saudi professionals will redefine the region’s creative landscape.

“Saudi-trained talent will be central to building a competitive regional hub for film, TV and games,” he said.

“Over time, we expect this generation to become leaders who define the regional creative economy.”

NEOM’s advanced studio facilities, coupled with its diverse filming locations and industry partnerships, are cementing its role as a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s evolving media ecosystem.