Netflix signs five-year partnership with Saudi studio Myrkott

Video streaming service Netflix has signed a five-year exclusive partnership with Saudi Arabian animation studio Myrkott to produce Saudi-focused shows and films.

The deal will also provide Netflix with a five-year first look option on Myrkott’s upcoming projects.

The partnership will involve the production of new and exclusive seasons of the Masameer series, Masameer upcoming movies, a new licenced original adult animation series, and a licenced original feature film, a statement said.

Netflix will also have access to a library compilation of all previous seasons of the Masameer series with special exclusive edits.

“We are continually investing in authentic stories from Saudi Arabia to share their stories across the Arab world and globally. We want to give our members access to great stories that can travel far and wide,” said Nuha El Tayeb, director, Content Acquisitions, MENAT at Netflix.

Abdulaziz Almuzaini, Myrkott CEO and co-founder, added: “We think about this partnership beyond the production aspects. By working with Netflix, we inspire Saudi and Arab talents to dream big and support an ecosystem that recognises equal opportunity, talent and creativity.”

There has been an increase in the consumption of streaming services in the region in recent months due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Earlier this week, UAE-based video streaming service Starzplay said its subscriber numbers have grown by 600,000 this year, from 1.25 million at the end of 2019 to 1.85 million at present.

The increase was driven by user growth in Saudi Arabia and the UAE, specifically during the months of April and May.

Read: UAE video streaming service Starzplay adds 600,000 subscribers so far this year