RIP Tim Smythe

[Vithya Sharma]

Staff at Dubai-based Filmworks have confirmed that CEO Tim Smythe has died following a battle with cancer.
Producer Smythe was well-known in both the regional and global industry, and is credited as the man who brought major Hollywood movies including Syriana and Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol to the city. Smythe's Filmworks was also heavily involved in local productions including City of Life, and a host of regional ads for clients including Pepsi and Audi. Smythe was originally from South Africa, where he honed his skills making a number of films and TV series opposing the apartheid regime, as well as numerous international commercials. He founded Filmworks in Dubai in 1998 witht he aim of building a facility on a par with the best in Europe in the emirate. Looking at the quality of shoot he has brought to Dubai since, it would be fair to say he had some success.
It would be hard to have worked in the production industry in the UAE without crossing paths with Smythe at some point, and judging by the eulogies filling social media sites yesterday many of those who met him will miss his focus and drive, as well as the man himself. All of us here at DPME.com also offer our deepest sympathies and condolences to Smythe's family, friends and Filmworks colleagues.