Abu Dhabi company Imagenation has set up an arm to develop films and digital content from Middle Eastern talent with an eye to international markets.

The division is to develop and fund five to sevenprojects working with creative talent from the region.

No budget has yet been announced but the move again sets out the international ambitions of the business - a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Media Company- which launched last year.

In November, the company closed a $250m financing deal with Ashok Amritraj's Hyde Park Entertainment to develop, produce and distribute up to 20 films over seven years.

That was thethird major partnership with Hollywood, following previously announced deals with Participant Media and National Geographic Films.

The new initiative gives some shape to the stated ambitions to put the local talent on the global map.

Edward Borgerding, CEO of Imagenation Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Media Company adds, 'There are so many untold stories in the Middle East that have the potential to transcend borders and cross over to the global market, thus to educate and entertain audiences throughout the world it is our mission to help that potential unfold.'

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