Filming of 'Chasing Red' with Madelaine Petsch and Gavin Casalegno to take place at Saudi Arabia's New AlUla Studios

Production on the romantic drama Chasing Red is set to begin this month, marking the first film to be shot at the newly inaugurated AlUla Studios in Saudi Arabia. The film stars Madelaine Petsch from Riverdale and Gavin Casalegno from The Summer I Turned Pretty. This project is the result of a partnership between Film AlUla and Stampede Ventures. AlUla Studios, located in the country's northwest, is situated in a desert region known for its dramatic sandstone canyons, ancient Nabataean tombs, and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Saudi Arabia plans to leverage these iconic landscapes to attract global film and television productions.

The collaboration between Film AlUla, part of the Royal Commission for AlUla, and Stampede Ventures, alongside its regional branch, Stampede Arabia, will eventually lead to the production of a series of four films at AlUla Studios. Additionally, the initiative will include a mentorship program in partnership with Gateway Entertainment, offering hands-on training for 50 Saudi participants in various key production roles.

This announcement coincides with the Saudi Arabia's Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah, underscoring the country's ambition to become a major global entertainment destination.

About the Film

Chasing Red is adapted from Isabelle Ronins popular Wattpad story, which has garnered over 260 million reads. The narrative follows Veronica (Petsch), a dedicated straight-A student, and Caleb (Casalegno), a campus heartthrob. Their unexpected connection quickly blossoms into an intense and all-encompassing romance. The film is directed by Mackenzie Munro (known for Boot Camp) from a script written by Lauren Schacher. The production is led by Greg Silverman of Stampede Ventures, alongside Grant Torre and Webtoon Studios David Madden and Jason Goldberg.

Projects like Chasing Red play a key role in the development of AlUlas creative industry, said Phillip Jones, Chief Tourism Officer of the Royal Commission for AlUla. They create job opportunities, enhance local capabilities, and raise global awareness of AlUla at a time when international interest is surging.

Zaid Shaker, Acting Executive Director of Film AlUla, remarked, Chasing Red is a prime example of how our facilities can support a production from world-class studios to breathtaking natural locations while providing significant training opportunities that strengthen the local film ecosystem.

Greg Silverman, CEO of Stampede Ventures, expressed his enthusiasm for the ongoing collaboration with Film AlUla, stating, Mackenzie brings a romantic and elevated vision to Isabelle Ronins captivating love story. The characters of Veronica and Caleb, brought to life by Madelaine and Gavin, are sure to resonate with audiences worldwide.

About AlUla Studios

The AlUla Studios, managed by The MBS Group, offer state-of-the-art production facilities, including two fully equipped soundstages and nearly 18,000 square feet of production space. The facilities feature workshops, prop shops, wardrobe, catering buildings, and vast backlot areas ideal for large-scale set constructions. Besides the filming of Chasing Red, the studios have hosted various international projects, such as Anderson .Paaks K-Pops and Gerard Butlers Kandahar.

Author: Olivia Parker