The Creative Media Authority (CMA) and the Abu Dhabi Film Commission (ADFC) provided six UAE-based interns with the opportunity to gain invaluable on set training and experience during the production of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t in Abu Dhabi. Working across key departments from camera and wardrobe to production and location management, the interns received direct access to witness the pace, collaboration and standards of a major international shoot. Lionsgate’s Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, now playing in cinemas worldwide was the #1 movie in the world in its opening weekend and has taken in $147.5 million at the global box office to date.
These placements enabled participants to build practical skills, understand professional workflows, and contribute meaningfully to day-to-day production tasks. The experience strengthened their confidence and deepened their understanding of how global productions operate, reflecting CMA’s commitment to empowering emerging creatives through access to real industry environments.
Aysha Al Jneibi, Director of Talent Management at CMA said: “Our goal is to ensure that potential talent in Abu Dhabi are not only inspired by the creative industries but are actively shaping them. Through initiatives like this we are providing real on set experience that matches each intern’s skills and passion while meeting the needs of our production partners. This is how we grow a sustainable and skilled creative workforce that can thrive in an increasingly global industry.”
Since 2020, CMA and ADFC have facilitated more than 300 internship placements across more than 100 productions including feature films, documentaries, reality shows, and commercials, both in the UAE and abroad. More than 50 percent of participants have been Emirati nationals, and 19 interns have gained international experience in countries such as Romania, Egypt, Australia, Canada, Bulgaria, Hungary, Malta, and the United States. More than 40 former interns are now working professionally within Abu Dhabi’s film and media sector, reflecting the lasting impact of CMA’s commitment to building career pathways for creative talent.
The interns who took part in the production shared how the opportunity helped shape their ambitions for a future career in film. “I will never forget this experience as it has broadened my perspective of the industry and what I would like to do,” said production intern Bushra Wasim. Costume intern Sheikha Al Junaibi added: “Such opportunities are important because they give you real experience, from fittings to styling. I would like to thank CMA for giving me this chance to be part of this production.”
By providing emerging creatives with on-set training and mentorship through international productions like Now You See Me: Now You Don’t, CMA and ADFC reaffirm their role in nurturing local talent and advancing the UAE’s vision to grow its cultural and creative industries.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is produced by Lionsgate Motion Picture Group and is now showing in cinemas worldwide.
