Squint/Opera, the creative studio, is partnering with Droga5 to produce a series of films as part of the launch campaign for Qiddiya City in Saudi Arabia.
Qiddiya City extends to over 360 square kilometres and is a new centre for entertainment, sport and culture. It features a carefully curated and integrated selection of prestigious venues, facilities, and accommodation.
A multipurpose stadium on the Qiddiya cliffs, a Formula 1 ready circuit with 21 turns, the first Six Flags theme park outside of North America, and an extensive cultural arts centre are among the attractions on offer.
Squint/Opera is creating a series of multidimensional films using Virtual Production techniques which will promote the city. These films form part of Qiddiya Investment Company’s international launch campaign, which aims to reach hundreds of millions of people.
Multidimensional approach
The City Speed Park was created by former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz and circuit designer Herman Tilke. It has 21 turns and 108 metres of elevation change.
Its first corner, dubbed the Blade, climbs 70 metres above a live music venue, and another turn features a glass-floored swimming pool that appears to float above the track. A section of the course will run alongside the Six Flags theme park, which will be home to the world’s tallest, longest, and fastest roller coaster.
Abdullah Aldawood, managing director of Qiddiya Investment Company, explains: “The Speed Park Track will be a true embodiment of Qiddiya’s power of play philosophy and position Qiddiya City as the home of Saudi motorsport and one of the world’s leading motorsport venues.”
YouTube gaming personality TmarTn, comments: “They’re making Rainbow Road IRL.”
Squint/Opera has created a motorsports film which presents the multidimensional track using Virtual Production filmmaking. It has been used as part of Droga5’s comprehensive campaign to promote the vision of City Speed Park, spanning a range of platforms and reaching millions of viewers.
Within an hour of its release, the film trended at number one on X in Saudi Arabia. Its total social media reach was 363.9 million. In addition, it generated 653 press articles across 50 countries.
David Croft, Formula 1 commentator at Sky Sports, says: “21 turns doesn’t do it justice at all… If you haven’t seen this on social media, check it out, it’s brilliant.”
Squint/Opera was recently asked to create immersive exhibits for Showtown, a new museum of fun and entertainment in Blackpool, UK. Visitors can go behind the scenes at Blackpool’s circus, magic, theatre, and dance cultures, as well as its iconic beachfront and illuminations. Six themed galleries explore Blackpool’s fascinating history and celebrate the people who have made the town famous.
