MUSCAT: As the project of opening the University College of Media Arts and Sciences (UCMAS), fully owned by Majan Consolidated Company, is underway, the CEO of UCMAS told Times of Oman that their primary market is definitely Oman, which includes Omanis as well as expatriates. “Our second target would be the GCC countries and Middle East, and the third market would include countries like Morocco, Spain, Italy, Turkey, all the way to Asia and Africa,” Professor Gary Allen English said. This is the first project of its kind in the region, stressed Prof. Gary. “There are some studies related to media like mass communication. However, it is for the first time in the region a university devoted to media arts and sciences will be established with high level of specialisations,” he said.

Devoting oneself to one special area is vital, he pointed out. “Media is not only limited to one area, but there are other several specialisations in media itself, including screenwriting, art direction, sound design, and much more. When someone devotes him/herself to one special area it is like recollecting pieces of a puzzle and putting them together,” he said.

“We do not want a student to feel lost by collecting bits from each area. In fact, we want the students to give full concentration in one area,” Prof. Gary added.

When did the idea of establishing the university come up? “This was born in my heart four years ago. In fact, we could have done this in the UAE, Qatar or Bahrain. When we talked with His Highness Sayyid Barghash bin Said Al Said and Sayyid Nawaf bin Barghash bin Said Al Said, our hearts just came together, and I said “This is the place!”.

During casual conversations with the youth of this country, I found some of them were interested in joining the university, Prof. Gary said. “The other day I met a young man at Qurum City Centre. He asked me what am I doing in the country? I answered ‘We are making a new university’. He said ‘Another university!’ I said ‘Yes.’ He then asked what is the university about. I said ‘Media’. He simultaneously asked, ‘Will we be able to make films? If yes, then I have four friends who would love to join.” In a quick talk with Times of Oman, Gary L. Pudney, the popular TV producer from Hollywood, said: “There is no business like show business.” He added: “I want to be convinced with the support we are getting. We won’t achieve anything if we are not backed up.

Their Highnesses in the Sultanate have showed their enthusiasm to complete the project. If they didn’t want to do it, I wouldn’t have wanted to do it either.” Asked if any obstacles have appeared on the way, Gary said, “I believe that money is name of the game. However, I am delightful with the reception we got from Sayyid Barghash and Sayyid Nawaf. They have shown their full support to complete the project.”

Would Omanis be interested to join the university? “There are very smart young people that I have met here in Oman. I believe that this is a great opportunity for the young generation. In fact, if the cultural awards programme will be introduced, the young generation here would have the opportunity to learn how this kind of shows are put together to be screened,” Pudney added.

A legend

Pudney is an industry legend. He is the highest ranking talent executive in the history of broadcasting. His star-driven Television Projects and Specials have won over 50 Emmy Awards and his vast personal experience with stars, celebrities, royalty, industry leaders, politicians, socialites and world famous personalities have given him the reputation as ‘the man who knows more famous people than anyone else alive’.

He has been responsible, and was the ABC producer, for such mega events as TV’s Academy Awards, American Music Awards, American Comedy Awards, Emmy Awards and live event such as the International Special Olympics Opening Ceremonies and ABC’s 50 Anniversary Radio City Music Hall Gala Celebration. Pudney is actively involved with various charities and other diverse and humanitarian causes. Using his star drawing power, Gary has been able to raise millions of dollars for organisations. Pudney is the President of the Gary L. Pudney Company, a production company formed in October, 1988 to provide Entrepreneurial and Executive Producer services for television, theatrical and event programming.

His specials for the ABC Television Network have included the ratings powerhouse Happy Birthday, Elizabeth: A Celebration of Life, the World Music Awards, the Champions of Magic, which he co-produced with Princess of Monaco, The 30th Anniversary of Caesar’s Palace and Rolling Stone Magazine’s 30th Anniversary Special.