Storyfied Ventures, a new Dubai-based company specializing in strategic partnerships between brands and entertainment content in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, is being launched by producer and marketing executive Casper Siraj.
The startup is touted as “the region’s first strategic branded entertainment partner built for the realities of the rapidly changing media and advertising landscape,” according to a statement.
Storyfied Ventures will operate a wide range of “film, television, documentaries, creator content, music-driven entertainment, children’s content, and branded storyworld extensions,” the statement said.
The company added that it aims to “use Screen IP as an anchor to help brands turn their stories into monetizable intellectual property, expanding into consumer products, licensing and other business lines as needed.”
Storyfied Ventures is backed by a board of directors comprised of Catherine Barr, Global Head of Marketing at Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and former global expansion and brand strategy leader at HBO Max. and Los Angeles-based entertainment attorney Joseph Lanius. Mr. Lanius will serve as Business Director of Storyfied Ventures through his Convergence Media law firm. His production credits include the upcoming film “Hershey,” directed by Mark Waters.
Siraj’s production credits include the new gourmet comedy “Holy Mole,” starring Tim Roth and Cristo Fernandez.
“In today’s hyper-fragmented media environment, brands require a true 360-degree relationship with their audience, and that can only happen when storytelling is built as IP,” Siraj said in a statement.
“Short-form can drive discovery, but long-form screen content is what captures attention, deepens engagement, and creates a lasting affinity. That’s the gap in the region today. There is no shortage of content, but there is a lack of unique narrative IP that can drive brand relevance and convert viewers into advocates.”
Siraj continued: “Our region is living through an incredibly difficult and defining time, but we are also entering a new era. This is a time when brand voice is more important than ever to restore confidence, build trust and connect more deeply with audiences, even in uncertain times. We believe it’s the right place and the right time. What comes next will be about gaining trust through the stories we tell. That’s why we exist now: to help define a new content economy for the region, built on brand-owned IP.”
