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28 March 2024

The sting of the Scorpion

Published
By Keith J Fernandez

(SUPPLIED)    

 


A Dubai events company hopes to put itself and the city on the map by making an investment of Dh75 million in five new offices over the next few years.

 

Scorpion Productions, a UAE-based entertainment, talent and production agency, will invest Dh15 million each in new offices in London and New York this year, followed by similar expansions into other key entertainment centres around the world, says Managing Director Vishal Kewalramani.

 

“The entertainment market is huge, but there is no single global player operating around the world. We want to be that player,” he tells Emirates Business.

“So that, if you want to shoot a film that requires locations in the desert, beaches in Australia and temples in Nepal, for example, we can be your single point of contact.”

Kewalramani says his funds are coming from business proceeds.

 

“We reinvest 90 per cent of the profits,” he says. Scorpion posted total billings of Dh26 million in 2007, up from Dh14 million the previous year. With 32 staff today, he hopes to have a team of 300 by 2012.

 

Besides London and New York, he wants to expand into Tokyo, Milan and Paris, before further investing into establishing a presence in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Mumbai and Singapore.

 

Kewalramani says these new offices will include tie-ups with world-class entertainment and production companies to promote the exchange of international entertainment and talent across countries to meet production requirements of clients worldwide.

 

“The exchange of international talent and entertainers will provide cutting-edge and futuristic shows and help us bring together the best from across the globe,” he says.

 

Eventually, he hopes to grow his firm to handle celebrity management, both representing and booking stars.

 

He adds that having a worldwide presence not only helps the celebrity negotiate, but also allows potential bookers easier access.

 

Kewalramani set up Scorpion Productions five years ago, on the back of winning a Nissan Patrol in a petrol-station draw during the DSF.

 

“I’d been looking for finance to start my own company, but nobody would help me,” he says.

 

“Back then you could still enter a draw if you bought phone cards, and I must have bought thousands, which I sold on at a small loss.
 
On day 27, I won a car, I was able to start my agency with an investment of Dh70,000.”

 

Beginning with model representation, he progressed into events, growing to handle film production.