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Seven Media launches video production company 

UAE-based communications agency, Seven Media has launched a new video production company, Seven Studios. Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Seven Studios will produce cutting-edge social media content, consumer-focused multimedia campaigns, animations and innovative corporate videos across multiple sectors including government, sport, entertainment and hospitality. The company aims to satisfy the demand for multimedia content in the region and has already signed contracts to produce video content for international brands. The new company will also see the appointment of Jim Bartle to the role of Creative Director, where he will work closely with bands, create complex video projects and brainstorm fresh ideas with the creative team.

“This is an exciting and challenging time to work in this market, where we have really ‘seen it all’ and I find that clients are ready to be pitched ever more creative ideas to stand out from the crowd and tell their stories,” says Jim. “I’m certainly looking forward to meeting this challenge as Creative Director of Seven Studios.”

“The power of video story-telling is particularly strong in the Middle East, with 35% of all online time here spent watching video,” says Gregg Fray, Co-Owner, Seven Studios. “There has been a 90% year-on-year increase in mobile watch time and that trend is set to continue, so clearly organisations who want to cut through the noise need to be putting innovative, relevant and shareable video content out in that space. Seven Media has produced video for its PR clients for some time, but we launched Seven Studios in response to a growing demand for stand-alone video and video-led campaigns to really tailor that service.”

 

Shortlist announced for MEPRA Awards

The Middle East Public Relations Association (MEPRA) Awards 2018 shortlist has been announced. The awards have been divided into 26 categories including Large Agency of the Year, Small Agency of the Year and In-House Team of the Year and will have more than 30 agencies competing including ASDA’A BCW, Cicero & Bernay, Four Communications Group and Seven Media. The awards are designed to recognise exceptional returns on investments, creativity and strategic impact and the finalists will be awarded Gold, Silver or Bronze during the event. The winners will be announced on November 28, 2018 at the JW Marriott Marquis.

“The quality of entries submitted for this year’s Awards is very strong,” says Jonty Summers, Managing Director, Hanover Middle East and MEPRA Awards Judge. “There are some real stand-out entries, highlighting how public relations teams in this region are delivering impactful business results for organisations through creativity, storytelling and thoughtful planned campaigns. This year’s MEPRA competition is tough, and those recognized as finalists should be immensely proud of their work.”

Edelman DABO makes new appointment

Edelman DABO has appointed Kathleen Burbridge to the role of Senior Account Manager. With a wealth of experience in PR, Kathleen previously worked with Edelman DABO as Account Manager and most recently at Seven Media as Account Director. In her new role, she will focus on handling BMW Middle East and the importers for both BMW and MINI across the region.

“I’m excited to be back at Edelman DABO to not only work on BMW Group Middle East, but several other clients and to continue to grow my skillset in a changing communications landscape through the training and resources that Edelman provides,” says Kathleen.

 

PRCA MENA announces award winners

Winners of the PRCA MENA Awards have been announced following the conclusion of this year’s awards ceremony on February 21, 2018. Held at the Renaissance Hotel Downtown, the awards focused on recognising and celebrating the best of the best PR and communication campaigns, teams and individuals across the Middle East and North Africa.

Winners included Brazen for Best PR Campaign Media Relations and Small Agency of the Year, Seven Media for Large Agency of the Year and Best PR Campaign Digital, Hill+Knowlton Strategies for Best PR Campaign Business to Consumer, Markettiers for Best PR Campaign Results on a Budget and BPG Cohn & Wolfe for Best PR Campaign Influencer Relations. The awards also honoured Lauren Brush, Senior Communications Consultant at Active DMC for Rising Star of the Year and Lucy O’ Brien, General Manager at FleishmanHillard for PR Leader of the Year.

“It is a great pleasure to announce the winners of the PRCA MENA Awards 2018,” says Leanne Foy, General Manager, PRCA MENA. The breadth and depth of the campaigns, teams and individuals that we’ve seen this year demonstrates the strength of communications across the region.”

Solutions Leisure welcomes Lucy Perrott

Solutions Leisure has appointed Lucy Perrott to the role of Group PR and Communication Manager. Lucy previously worked with COPIA as Communications Manager, where she managed campaigns such as CATCH Dubai, Sass Café and Blue Marlin Ibiza Dubai. She most recently worked with Seven Media as PR Director and handled a number of clients including Jumeirah Restaurant Group, Nando’s KSA and INGLOT. In her new role, she will drive campaigns using creative tactics and forward-thinking strategies, while leading her team and educating them on communication and PR content.

“I aspire to see the world through my work, providing game-changing approaches across public relations, digital platforms and communication in a fierce, dynamic and fast-paced industry,” says Lucy. “As one of the most well-respected, fast-growing groups in the Middle East, I look forward to making an impact in a company I can grow with.”

PRCA MENA announces award winners

PRCA MENA has announced the winners of its inaugural awards ceremony that took place on February 08, 2017. Hosted at the H Hotel Dubai, the awards ceremony honoured and recognised individuals, teams and campaigns from the PR and communications industry across the Middle East and North Africa.

Winners included Q Communications for Best B2C Campaign, Weber Shandwick for Best B2B Campaign, Volkswagen for Best Influencer Relations, Instinctif Partners for Best Crisis Campaign, Dubai Multi Commodities Center for Best Integrated Campaign, MCS Action for Best Media Relations Campaign, Brazen for Regional Campaign of the Year, Golin MENA for Results on a Budget, Matrix Public Relations for Small Consultancy of the Year and Seven Media for Large Consultancy of the Year. Bassem Ayache, Associate Manager at Golin MENA won the Rising Star of the Year award and Ziad Hasbani, Chief Executive Officer at Weber Shandwick was honoured as PR Leader of the Year.

“It is a great pleasure to announce the winners of the inaugural PRCA MENA Awards,” says Leanne Foy, General Manager, PRCA MENA. “The breadth and depth of entered campaigns, teams and individuals, demonstrates the strength with which PRCA MENA is growing.”

Shortlist revealed for PRCA Awards

PRCA MENA has announced the shortlisted nominees for its inaugural awards ceremony that will take place on February 8, 2017 at the H Hotel, Dubai. The nominees include: Q Communications, Seven Media, TOH PR, Memac Ogilvy, Markettiers and Grayling as well as Hill+Knowlton Strategies, among other agencies of the region.

The awards will honour agencies and media professionals across 13 categories – B2C Campaign, sponsored by HAVOC Creative; B2B Campaign; Crisis Communications, sponsored by LexisNexis; Digital Campaign, sponsored by Markettiers; Influencer Relations; Integrated Campaign, sponsored by TINT; Media Relations; Regional Campaign of the Year and Rising Star, both sponsored by MCG Associates; Results on a Budget; PR Leader, sponsored by ICCO and Small Consultancy of the Year, sponsored by The Media Network as well as Large Consultancy of the Year.

“I am delighted to announce the shortlist for the awards,” says Leanne Foy, General Manager, PRCA MENA. “The work submitted demonstrated excellent work across the region. Congratulations to all shortlisted.”