Plot Twist: Hollywood series Paper Empire Moves to AlUla

All roads lead to AlUla. The historic county in Saudi Arabia, home to an ancient landscape that was once inhabited by the Romans, Nabataeans, and Lihyanites over millennia, is now welcoming a new cinematic empire. Acclaimed filmmaker Robert Gillings brings his latest production – the cryptocurrency drama Paper Empire – to this epic setting for […]

All roads lead to AlUla. The historic county in Saudi Arabia, home to an ancient landscape that was once inhabited by the Romans, Nabataeans, and Lihyanites over millennia, is now welcoming a new cinematic empire.

Acclaimed filmmaker Robert Gillings brings his latest production – the cryptocurrency drama Paper Empire – to this epic setting for its next chapter. The series follows the main character, Laurence Fintch, a wealth management guru determined to create a dominant cryptocurrency and corner the world’s banks. However, his algorithm inadvertently gives birth to a “digital limbo,” triggering an uncontrollable financial Armageddon.

In its latest season, set in AlUla, Robert embarks on a mission to blend the worlds of digital assets and global finance, with AlUla’s ancient landscape acting as a foil to the gripping and high-stakes plotline, abounding in deception and powerplays.

“By filming the new season of Paper Empire in this ancient region, I saw an opportunity to bring new discoveries and insights from this region’s rich human history to the screen,” Robert said of the decision to shift the setting of the show.

Charlene Deleon-Jones, Executive Director for Film AlUla, the film agency for the county, echoes this sentiment, stating, “We are delighted that the Paper Empire team will be basing their new season in AlUla. We’ve worked with Robert Gillings and his creative team to provide locations that underscore the glamour, opulence, and world-class production value of the series.”

A New Creative and Cinematic Landscape

Robert has long been fascinated by Saudi Arabia and its transformative potential; in particular, he believes that Paper Empire’s multifaceted and female-driven storyline will resonate with Saudi Arabia’s diverse and youthful demographic.

In AlUla, Robert will be further assisted by Film AlUla, through not only rebates and incentives but also logistical and administrative support. He will also have access to brand new state-of-the-art facilities including its upcoming studio complex, featuring a 30,000 square foot soundstage, backlot, production support buildings, workshops, warehouses, recording studio, training and rehearsal space, cafeteria, event space, and an iconic administration building. The soundstage will be 14 minutes from the Film AlUla Residence, the purpose-built crew quarters with 300 high-quality, fully furnished accommodation units, film-friendly office space for short and long-term stays, and a range of high-end and mid-range accommodation options.

Robert will also have creative talent on hand. Saudi Arabia has a creative community on the rise, steadily making its mark on the global stage through its compelling and unique stories. Film agencies like Film AlUla are also fostering a pool of talent behind the cameras, upskilling talents to take on and deliver pre- and post-production tasks, admin, and logistics.

A Focus on Authenticity

Robert’s primary mission for Paper Empire was to provide an authentic representation of Saudi Arabia. He drew inspiration from Saudi Arabia’s historical significance as a trading hub and a cultural crossroads. Robert eagerly shares his process: “I apply a design method of focusing on what’s novel, what is worthwhile and contributes to the Paper Empire storyline. In Saudi Arabia, there was an opportunity to create “firsts” as well as build bridges that connect new audiences to this exciting and progressive country.”

In the pre-production phase, Robert collaborated with Film AlUla, production companies like Yellow Camel Studios, as well as local talents and consultants to build a narrative that was true to his vision, the show’s plot, and the historic setting. The collaborative approach made the process a breeze for Robert. In his words, the only real challenge was “packing my bags.”

A Glimpse into the Future with Crypto

When asked why he chose crypto as the focus for his project, Robert explains, “There is nothing more exciting or captivating than when science fiction is transformed into fact, the future evident by the success of technologies. They have and continue to remodel the planet and change our way of life.”

Robert firmly believes that cryptocurrencies are not just transforming the tech industry but also paving the way for an entirely new genre of entertainment. He poses a compelling question: “Why wait for Hollywood or anyone else to do it first, to portray it on the screen?”

Robert recognises the inherent fascination in portraying the impact of crypto, much like how Hollywood has previously explored the transformative power of AI. As he eloquently puts it, “What creates intrigue is that there will always be those that fight against change and those that are for it. This makes compelling entertainment”. Through the series, he aims to explore the transformative nature of technologies like crypto, and their potential dark side of anonymity and misuse.

Paper Empire’s gripping storyline and strong characters not only entertain but also make you think about how societies work. By blending the intrigue of crypto with Saudi Arabia as a backdrop, Paper Empire promises to be a pioneering narrative that explores the complexities and implications of this technological revolution while at the same time providing insight into the financial sector of Saudi Arabia.

ITP Media Group newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.