Made in Abu Dhabi: Netflix releases first teaser of ‘War Machine’

ABU DHABI: The latest Hollywood movie to film in Abu Dhabi, Brad Pitt’s “War Machine,” released its first teaser Thursday, revealing it will launch on Netflix on May 26.

The satirical comedy, produced by Netflix and Pitt’s production company, Plan B Entertainment, filmed for 22 days in Abu Dhabi at the end of 2015, facilitated by twofour54. The production also took advantage of Abu Dhabi Film Commission’s 30 percent rebate.

Filming took place at 20 locations around the capital, transforming parts of Abu Dhabi in order to create a fictional American Embassy in Kabul. Scenes were also shot at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Center ( ADNEC), in remote areas of the Abu Dhabi desert, as well as in nearby emirate Ras Al- Khaimah. The film included 2,300 extras representing 20- plus nationalities, coordinated by twofour54- based casting agency, Miranda Davidson Studios. In partnership with twofour54, the production also gave the opportunity to seven young UAE nationals to intern on the set of the film.

Maraym Al-Mheiri, twofour54’s acting CEO, said: “We can’t wait to see Abu Dhabi featured in another Hollywood movie, this time as the backdrop to a number of scenes in ‘War Machine.’ Close collabora- tion from across the UAE’s government entities, especially the military, ensured a smooth filming experience for the production team, cast and crew.”

The film was inspired by the bestselling book “The Operators: The Wild and Terrifying Inside Story of America’s War in Afghanistan” by the late American journalist Michael Hastings. The film stars Brad Pitt, Anthony Michael Hall, Will Poulter and Topher Grace.

In addition to “War Machine,” Abu Dhabi has attracted a number of major film productions in recent years including two of the top six films of all time, “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” and “Fast & Furious 7.”