CJZ producing TV in Dubai

Michael Cordell, Matt Campbell, Damian Trewhella, Rachel Antony, Nick Murray.

Producers CJZ are about to begin production on their very first TV series in Dubai.

Dubai 999 is an observational series filmed with local ambulance drivers -who all drive Maseratis.

CJZ revealed the project at an AACTA Awards Masterclass held at Event Cinemas in Bondi Junction last night.

Nearly three years ago CJZ began plotting projects for the Middle East because so little access had been made available in the factual space in the region.

“The hoops we had to jump through, and are still jumping through, in order to get into Dubai has been something quite incredible,” Group CEO Matt Campbell said.

“You can’t make a meeting unless you are actually there on the ground. So you go over there and you sit and wait for the call. (Rachel) did that with great patience and it is finally paying off. We’ve spent a lot of money and it has been a nail-biting exercise.”

It took 7 months just to open a bank account. Campbell also revealed he is a company director in Dubai “which means I am now a resident of Dubai… I’m not allowed out of there for more than 6 months at a time!”

The next show on their wish list is Supercar Cops.

“What guy is not going to watch that?” Campbell added.

TV Tonight is a partner of the 2019 AACTA Awards.

Amended.