News

Will Smith Launches Red Pearl Pictures

Will Smith and his Overbrook Entertainment partners James Lassiter and Ken Stovitz will team up with D Media's Diana Jenkins to launch Red Pearl Pictures, a company that will distribute Western films throughout the Middle East.

The company will have offices in both Los Angeles and in the Middle East. It is currently seeking a Chief Executive. The principals provided no details about the venture other than to say that it will satisfy the growing demand for Western-themed entertainment in Middle Eastern markets like Qatar, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt, among other locations. With a population of over 300 million people, the Middle East offers a relatively untapped market of people under 30 who have an interest in commercial entertainment.

We recently reported the launch of the Tribeca Film Festival Doha, which will take place in Doha, Qatar next year, further evidence of the Middle East's viability as a marketplace for films.

—The ARTISTdirect Staff
12.11.08