'Furious 7': Abu Dhabi in fast lane with Vin Diesel's release [video]

With the release of 'Furious 7' this weekend, and the glowing praise it has been receiving from critics, there's no doubt that the buzz surrounding Abu Dhabi's featured spotlight in the film has reached fever pitch in recent weeks.

It's a big deal when Hollywood comes courting, especially at a time when the UAE is trying to position itself as a major hub for filmmaking and production, the report said, adding, that the filming of 'Furious 7' in the UAE is about more than just gaining prominence for Abu Dhabi, it was the chance of a lifetime for local industry buffs to work directly on a major Hollywood picture.

Casting agency Miranda Davidson Studios was put in charge with providing over 200 locally-based cast for the film a year before pre-production began.

The daunting task gave many first-time actors the opportunity to showcase the best of the UAE's diversity on the big screen.

"We provided all the background extras for the Abu Dhabi portion of the movie. In a movie like The Fast and the Furious, the background is key. They had to go through a string of approvals before being accepted. Every extra was literally hand picked," said company CEO, Miranda Davidson.

With financial cash-back incentive plans on offer as well as a strong team of advocates ranging from the grass roots level to the Film Commission, Davidson feels that the film will be a game changer for the local film industry as more outsiders discover the benefits of shooting here.

"I hope that outside productions see that the UAE is capable of servicing a film of this magnitude and that they will consider us a serious contender in the global film market," she said. "As far as the internal perception, I hope more people will see that there is a future in this country for anyone who wants to be a part of the film industry. I think it will help ignite awareness, passion and interest in the local entertainment business."

In Dubai, which in 2011 witnessed its biggest Hollywood production with 'Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol', the film's impact on local tourism could never be truly quantified but was nevertheless significant.

As movie goers unfamiliar with the Middle East watched Tom Cruise climb on the facade of the world's tallest building, they began asking, "Where in the world is this place?"

Thanks to incredible special effects in 'Furious 7' which sees supercars smashing through the Etihad Towers alongside high-adrenaline desert drag races, that same question will be mused over with Abu Dhabi in mind, the report said.

If there's one thing that has kept audiences glued to the franchise, it's the high-octane driving. 

PP-Performance company, owned by Emirati businessman Salah Almoudi, provided the calibre of cars required for the film.

Professional stunt driver Ben Menzies had the privilege of driving some of the world’s most expensive cars provided by the company during the local shoot.

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