DUBAI: The crew of Stampede Ventures’ movie “Chasing Red” is being welcomed to the area by Saudi Arabia’s Film AlUla, the film agency of the Royal Commission for AlUla, ahead of filming in December.
The romance will star actors Madelaine Petsch (“The Strangers”) and Gavin Casalegno (“The Summer I Turned Pretty”).
Based on the young adult web novel by Isabelle Ronin, “Chasing Red” follows straight-A student Veronica (Petsch) and rich playboy Caleb (Casalegno), who are brought together by a series of unexpected events.
The romance will star actress Madelaine Petsch. (Getty Images)
Mackenzie Munro is directing the adaptation, while Stampede Venture’s Greg Silverman will serve as producer with Grant Torre alongside Webtoon Studios’ David Madden and Jason Goldberg.
It is the first in a raft of four films being produced at AlUla Studios, where a training scheme is also in place for knowledge-sharing and mentoring local talent. Stampede Ventures, alongside Gateway Entertainment, will deliver a training program to 50 local people that combines classroom instruction, on-set experience and departmental rotations.
“Productions like Chasing Red contribute directly to the development of AlUla’s creative sector,” said Phillip Jones, chief tourism officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla.
“They create jobs, build local capability, and expand international visibility for the destination at a time when global interest in AlUla is growing. They also help accelerate our investment in training and workforce development by giving emerging talent hands-on experience with international crews,” he added.
Gavin Casalegno also stars in the upcoming film. (Getty Images)
“Mackenzie brings such an elevated, romantic vision to Isabelle Ronin’s captivating love story that developed an astounding following on Wattpad, and Madelaine and Gavin are the perfect actors to finally bring Veronica and Caleb’s story to audiences around the world,” Silverman said of the film and its cast.
AlUla Studios is run by The MBS Group. The complex features two soundstages, each spanning 2,399 sq. meters, with a further 1,650 sq. meters of dedicated production buildings. The studio includes construction workshops, set offices, prop shops, wardrobe and costume spaces, catering facilities, and expansive backlot areas offering potential for bespoke set builds.
