Work We Do
Our team works with major films, television shows, networks and streamers on everything including;
TV, Film, and Video Game Narrative, Art and Language Reviews, Community Outreach, Staffing Assistance. Corporate Storytelling and Educational Trainings along with Orginal Programming Labs and Workshops tailored for the needs of the MENA/SWANA community.
Creative Labs
Educational Trainings
Film and TV Consulting
MENA-SWANA ACCELERATION LAB
A first of its kind lab to provide aspiring to mid-level MENA-SWANA creatives with the opportunity to gain industry insights, artistic tools, foster community support, and more; featuring expert led panels and hands-on workshops.
In 2024, MAAC launched its original programming with an inaugural MENA-SWANA Acceleration Lab in collaboration with WBD Access. This unique 1-day lab provides community with a robust full day of programming. Providing writers, directors, and actors a day to hone their crafts, be inspired by industry leaders, and network with other MENA/SWANA writers, directors, and actors. Participants have the unique opportunity to gain insights and wisdom from MENA leaders in entertainment, who are at the forefront of their careers, creating a new path for MENA/SWANA creatives in entertainment.
The first edition of the Lab started with a captivating fireside chat featuring Emmy-nominated actor Arian Moayed and the Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at WBD Access North America. Followed by enriching workshops demystifying the casting process with live Q&A with casting directors and mock-auditions. A writer’s workshop focusing on character development in scripts. Along with personal branding development providing invaluable knowledge and skills to the cohort. Additionally, the lab held panel discussions featuring heavy hitters in the entertainment industry; the dynamic panel delved into the challenges and opportunities for MENA creatives in the entertainment industry.
Breakfast during check-in and lunch were not just meals, they were opportunities to network while sharing food and tea. These moments rounded out the Acceleration day, giving the cohort the chance to build community, and begin to build a space authentically and uniquely for MENA/SWANA Artists.
Film/TVCultural Consulting
MAAC has worked exclusively with high-level shows, producers and video game creators as cultural consultants. The work we do covers all aspects of TV, Film and VG including narrative, art, and language. We can also help you hire writers and actors, but we will refer you to the MAAC DATABASE or Impact Crew Database, that MAAC is currently partnered with.
Educational Trainings
MAAC has successfully provided educational trainings on “Reimagining Middle East/North African Representation.” These impactful educational trainings have helped reshape narrative in real time.
“MENA Arts Advocacy Coalition delivered an impactful education workshop to our content, marketing, and studio ops executives. The session was highly informative, rooted in academic research, and included the voices of several Middle East and North African creatives. The sharing of their lived experiences was particularly profound. We have no doubt that the comprehensive workshop delivered by MAAC will continue to resonate with our creatives as they develop and curate content for the world. “ Alex La Casse, Director Inclusion Netflix
The Importance of Hiring Authentic MENA Diaspora
Throughout history MENA stories have been told without us, don’t include us, and get the majority of cultural norms wrong. Often times mixing languages, wearing religious garments incorrectly, or for no good reason at all. While Hollywood plays often in stories around the MENA and South Asian regions, they often don’t even have more than the “translator” or “terrorist” on set as day players who would not and should not inform the director or producers on accurate portrayals. It is our recommendation to hire advisors, writers from the region and authentic talent above and below the line and pay them. BIPOC people are often left educating major players on how to tell our stories and aren’t offered compensation.
This is how inequity continues. Be on the right side of the story, and a part of the change. Start here.
Free Recommendations For The Actor
The fear of navigating the business and not knowing how to begin? From breaking into the business to how to prepare for your auditions and how to now navigate the world of self-tapes?
While we provide casting Q&A’s on social medias to assist actors, we do not work one-on-one with talent. Here is list of Free Recommendations on essential classes and websites to join as a starting point. And highly suggest you join our database for the opportunity to be seen.