ABU DHABI, May 20 — With the backing of “American Psycho” and “Badlands” producer Ed Pressman, the International Showbiz Expo was announced at Cannes with an October 20-22 schedule planned for this year’s debut.

It’s an opportune moment for Abu Dhabi to announce its suitability as a host for international film productions, with “Star Wars Episode VII” having commenced shooting there this month.

As well as Pressman, who will be given a lifetime achievement award during the Expo’s debut run at the ADNEC complex, Singaporean management company Xeitgeist Entertainment Group was present in Cannes as one of two organisational partners for the event.

Xeitgeist CEO Joe Thomas said the ISBE, which is to encompass digital, TV, multimedia and music industries as well as film, “will offer great potential for information and skill transferring to benefit all aspects of the entertainment industry,” according to Variety, while the head of events company MCI, Ajay Bhojwani, said that the expo’s purpose was to “cement the region’s reputation as a creative hub year after year.” — AFP-Relaxnews