From the release:

Independent creative studio Heckler has announced its expansion into the Middle East, appointing John Hassan as managing director to lead operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider region.

The move marks the next phase of Heckler’s global growth, building on its established presence across Sydney, Singapore, Shanghai and Europe, and extending the creative studio’s ability to deliver high-end creative, with a hybrid approach that blends cutting edge AI with live action production and traditional VFX craft, delivering market ready work at speed.

Hassan brings more than a decade of experience producing large-scale campaigns and content across the Gulf. His work spans global brands made meaningful for regional audiences, flagship Expo activations, international sporting events, and national storytelling initiatives led by government clients. His appointment signals Heckler’s commitment to a long-term presence in the region, combining on-the-ground expertise with access to the studio’s global network of artists and technologists.

“Taking on this role is both a personal milestone and an exciting opportunity,” said Hassan.

“The Middle East is a region I know deeply, and being able to lead an established independent studio like Heckler here is something I’m incredibly proud of. What we’re building isn’t just a local presence, it’s a powerful combination of regional understanding backed by world-class creative talent across our global studios. That gives us the confidence to deliver ambitious, high-impact work for clients across the region.”

Heckler has already delivered several significant projects in the Middle East, including campaigns for Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism featuring Chris Hemsworth, work for Qatar National Bank, and large-scale destination and cultural films tied to Saudi Arabia’s evolving global profile.

The expansion enables clients in the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the broader GCC to access Heckler’s hybrid model, combining AI-driven workflows with premium craft across VFX, design and post-production.

Heckler co-founder Will Alexander said the move strengthens the studio’s global offering and reflects growing demand from the region.

“The Middle East is an incredibly dynamic and important market for our clients,” said Alexander. “Expanding into the region is a natural step in Heckler’s evolution, allowing us to better support partners with both local leadership and seamless access to our international studio network. Our global footprint means we can collaborate across time zones and deliver complex, high-quality work with efficiency and consistency.”

Operating across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, Heckler’s Middle East presence will focus on supporting agencies, brands and government partners with end-to-end creative production, from concept development through to final delivery.

The expansion reflects continued confidence in the region’s creative and commercial growth, positioning Heckler to contribute to – and collaborate within – one of the world’s fastest-evolving marketing landscapes.