In an effort to expand the local film, TV and media production industry in the Middle East, global digital media company Digital Domain Media Group and Abu Dhabi government media initiative twofour54 have partnered to launch an animation, visual effects and motion capture studio and Digital Domain Institute media school in Abu Dhabi.

Beginning next year, DDMG will commence production of visual effects and animation in twofour54’s studios and recruit and hire staff from local and international talent pools.

The studio will eventually employ 500 people and DDMG also plans to develop a 150,000 square foot, state-of-the-art entertainment production complex, expected to be completed by the end of 2015.

The new Digital Domain studio will create animated feature films, visual and 3D effects, as well as produce original Middle Eastern-branded entertainment and contribute to international productions. Feature film VFX and animation work from the studio will also be closely connected to DDMG’s studios in Los Angeles, Vancouver, San Francisco, London, Florida and Mumbai.

The Digital Domain Institute media school in Abu Dhabi will be modeled after the Digital Domain Institute in West Palm Beach, Florida, with classes scheduled to begin early in 2014.

The latest collaboration follows on the heels of twofour54, which is home to the world’s first Cartoon Network Animation Academy, announcing that the Emirate of Abu Dhabi now offers a 30% rebate for film, television and commercial media projects.

DDMG, which has provided effects for films including Transformers and Tron: Legacy, is also currently establishing a studio in Beijing.

Pictured: John Textor, DDMG CEO and chairman (left), Wayne Borg, twofour54 deputy CEO and COO (right)