Behind the Scenes on the Set of the Jordanian Sesame Street – Ahlan Simsim

Client Collaboration with Slate Media and Jordan Pioneers

Jordan Pioneers and Slate Media engaged in a unique project to produce the Jordanian version of Sesame Street, known as "Ahlan Simsim." The task was to photograph Unit Stills and Key Art for the production. Muppets, specially brought in from New York, were handled with meticulous care by trained wranglers to ensure they remained in pristine condition throughout the shoot.

A Distinctly Cultural Adaptation

In this Arabic version of Sesame Street, almost all the characters depicted were renamed to better resonate culturally, ensuring the content remained relevant and engaging for the local audience. Previously, work was done with the sister company, Black Iris Media, on a commercial shoot for the international telecommunications company Orange. That experience paved the way for this more relaxed and flexible shoot.

The Music Video Shoot

A Farewell Directed by Ahmad Alyaseer

The shoot, a music video for Sesame Street, was directed by Ahmad Alyaseer, a seasoned director whose work on Ahlan Simsim has earned critical acclaim, including an Emmy nomination. This shoot marked his last directorial project on the show before moving on to a new role at Netflix, making it a poignant farewell for him and the dedicated team that brought countless hours of educational content to children across the MENA region.

Production at Olivewood Studios

The production took place over two days at Olivewood Studios, a new film studio in Jordan inspired by iconic lots in LA and Chicago. Olivewood Studios represents a significant advancement for Jordan's film industry, providing comprehensive facilities from production offices to green rooms, makeup rooms, and more. Jordan has long been a favored location for international productions, from Disney’s Marvel and Star Wars to classics like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Indiana Jones." With such facilities, there's hope for even more extensive local collaboration on future projects.

Collaborating with a Trusted Crew

Seamless Coordination with Assistant Director Ali Mango

Assistant Director Ali Mango played a key role in this project, having previously recommended the same photographer for a commercial shoot with Orange. The long-standing professional relationship with Ali ensured smooth collaboration on set. His trust allowed for efficient photography, capturing special moments without disrupting the flow of production. The images, often unnoticed during the shoot, were delivered swiftly, leaving the crew pleasantly surprised by the results.

Familiar Faces and Strong Rapport

Many crew members were familiar from past projects, which fostered a comfortable and non-intrusive environment. The existing rapport meant that everyone, from production assistants to executive producers, felt at ease, allowing for authentic captures. This trust extended to the gaffer and grip teams, who often went above and beyond to assist with lighting and equipment, ensuring optimal conditions for photography.