Syria Reaches Out to International Audiences

For more than 10 years Syria has been expanding its production capacities as a premier name in the world of Arabic television dramas. These programs have reached every house in the region and every Arabic channel on TV (some are even broadcasted outside the region). Many people say it is a genre all its own, getting into the hearts of individuals through its light-hearted comedy, historical meaning, and its reflection on life's daily struggles.

Some of the most successful drama episodes on Arabic TV are produced by Syria Art Production International. The company has produced a number of popular dramas that are familiar to a HUGE regional audience, including shows like "Letters of Love and War", "Ishtar", and the six seasons of "Spot Light". Many say that Spot Light is the most successful Syrian drama comedy ever produced for TV, with a courageous attitude and willingness to deal with different social issues in the Arab world.

If you’ve never seen these shows before, you may be surprised by how much they have in common with the drama shows produced in areas like Hollywood and Bollywood. The most valuable asset in these markets is the professionalism of the actors and actresses, and like in LA or Mumbai, areas like Damascus attract a lot of regional talent.

Although the drama content in these cities may be similar, Syrian TV still lacks the technological advancements that can enhance the quality of the production process. Some have said that government subsidies could help in making the industry a new player comparable to the powerhouses of Egypt and Lebanon, but so far these calls seem to have fallen on deaf ears. DVD sales may be another opportunity to increase regional exposure, and in fact there are a lot of Syrian shows currently sold on DVD in the GCC. Unfortunately many of these are pirated.

Will this industry make the impact it seeks in 2010? The verdict is still out, but let us know what you think by writing us at editor@o2mc.net.