Behind the scenes on 'Race Across The World' with Ozz Films' founder Said Andam

Ozz Films' years of experience in diverse content - from commercial to features to reality television - have made them a trusted partner for producers heading to film in Morocco.

Founder and producer Said Andam tells Screen Global Production about what sets Ozz apart, the challenges they've faced on production, and the unique benefits of undertaking a production in Morocco.

What is Ozz Films’ ethos and mission statement?

At Ozz Films, we build our services on trust, transparency, and long-term collaboration. With over 26 years of experience across Morocco, we’ve earned a solid reputation as a dependable service production company.

Our goal is straightforward: to deliver smooth, high-quality productions while supporting our clients every step of the way. From feature films and commercials to documentaries and photo shoots, we tailor our approach to match each project’s unique vision and needs.

What sets us apart is our mix of production experience, technical know-how, and narrative awareness. We don’t just handle logistics — we understand the purpose behind each shoot, whether it’s to sell, inspire, inform, or entertain. We listen closely to our clients’ goals and adapt our approach accordingly. Unlike standard service providers, we pay attention to every detail, including hospitality, cultural nuance, and crew comfort. Our strength lies in translating creative briefs into smooth, local execution — with solutions that are practical, respectful, and always aligned with the bigger picture.

What recent developments have their been in Morocco for incoming productions to take advantage of? 

Morocco has made significant progress in recent years to attract more international productions. One of the key developments is the introduction of a 30% cash rebate incentive, available to foreign productions that meet certain local spending and hiring thresholds. This has been a game-changer, making Morocco more competitive with other global filming destinations.

In terms of infrastructure, Morocco has seen consistent investment in production facilities and crew development. Studios are expanding, high-end equipment is increasingly available on the local market, and services are becoming more specialised and reliable.

All of this means fewer barriers and stronger support for incoming productions. Financial incentives are clearly defined and accessible, and the local crew base continues to grow in experience and professionalism. For producers, this translates to better value for money, smoother operations, and a wider variety of production-ready locations across the country.

What major international projects/collaborations did you work on last year? 

As a line producer, I've had the privilege of working on various genres, including feature films, commercials, music videos, documentaries, and reality television. Our company accepts projects, small and big, and we adjust our production approach accordingly. Each genre and production has unique challenges and creative opportunities, and we're confident in shifting gears between all sorts of content creation.

Morocco also has a challenge: the economic differences between the regions lie wide apart. But this same challenge can be turned into a productional advantage when dealt with in the right way. And doing this requires a lot of knowledge of the internal market.

For example, running a production in the cities of Casablanca or Rabat requires a different approach than running a project in the desert or mountain regions. All this practical terrain knowledge, which we acquired thanks to years of hands-on experience, must be applied in our breakdowns and location-scouting propositions.

Over the past year, we’ve had the chance to collaborate on several high-profile international projects across commercials, reality TV, branded content, and fashion.

One of the standout projects was a global Pepsi commercial where Marrakech doubled as downtown Doha. The shoot featured international football stars like Messi, Ronaldinho, and Pogba, which meant precise planning and coordination due to their limited availability.

We’ve also worked on multiple country-specific editions of the reality TV series Race Across the World, including productions for Sweden, Norway, and Finland. As the local line production company, we managed scouting, location coordination, logistics, and permitting across cities such as Marrakech, Agafay, Rabat, Casablanca, Chefchaouen, and Tangier. With contestants constantly on the move, these shoots were especially demanding in terms of timing and logistics — requiring flexibility, precision, and strong local coordination.

In the sportswear space, we partnered with TimmerTV, and Voetbalshop on PUMA's campaign for the new Morocco national team jersey. The film highlighted Moroccan pride and cultural identity in the lead-up to the Africa Cup.

For Sony, we facilitated the Moroccan shoot of the launch trailer for the Alpha ZV-E10 II vlog camera, in collaboration with Bedouin Films. Sony’s creative brief called for vibrant, cinematic backdrops, which led us to film across Agafay, the Marrakech Medina, and the coastal town of Essaouira.

We’ve also worked on commercial shoots for Audi, Aprilia, Louboutin, Mango, and Zimmermann, as well as music videos and numerous international photo productions.

How does Ozz stand apart from local competition?   

What sets Ozz Films apart is how we bridge international production expectations with real, on-the-ground Moroccan knowledge. We're more than just a service company — we understand the cultural codes, regional differences, and administrative realities that can make or break a production here.

We’re fully licensed to handle both film and drone permits directly, cutting out unnecessary layers and speeding up approvals — especially in remote or sensitive locations. Our long-standing relationships with local authorities, crew, and vendors mean we can solve issues before they become problems.

We don’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach. Whether navigating unpredictable weather in the Atlas Mountains or coordinating a multi-city shoot under tight timelines, our team brings calm, adaptable problem-solving built from years in the field.

Above all, we believe a well-managed shoot is one where nothing feels forced — where logistics support the story, and production flows without drama. That’s the Ozz difference.

What was a challenge you faced in filming a recent production, and how did you work to overcome it?

A recent challenge we faced was during the filming of Race Across the World – Norway Edition, which took place across Morocco. The show’s format meant that multiple mobile units were constantly moving in unpredictable directions, often with very little notice. We didn’t know where contestants would arrive next, or when — but we had to be ready, with everything from permits to accommodation and crew support in place.

The real challenge was keeping everything running smoothly without slowing down the pace of the race. Since each unit operated independently, we couldn’t rely on centralised coordination. Instead, we built flexible, self-sufficient teams — each led by a fixer capable of taking fast, humane decisions under pressure. Whether it was a last-minute location change, transport delay, or a logistical hiccup with the contestants, each fixer had the autonomy and experience to find on-the-ground solutions.

What made it work was choosing the right people. We focused on building teams that were not only technically skilled, but also resourceful, empathetic, and calm under pressure. In a format like this, the shoot never stops — it keeps moving the next day. So you need people who can think fast, act smart, and keep the production rolling no matter what happens.

What should international producers know about filming in Morocco?

Choosing Morocco as a filming destination means gaining access to striking production value in a cost-effective and secure environment.

One of the most compelling advantages is Morocco’s 30% cash rebate on eligible local spend — uncapped and available to international productions that meet a minimum spend of 10 million dirhams (around $1 million) and commit to at least 18 days of work in the country.

In addition to financial incentives, Morocco offers excellent value across the board: experienced local crew, talented actors, and access to professional equipment, all at rates considerably lower than in most Western markets. High-end gear is increasingly available locally, and any niche equipment needs can be easily met through temporary import from Europe via ATA Carnet.

What makes Morocco truly unique is the diversity and accessibility of its landscapes. With several international airports and robust tourism infrastructure, crews can easily move between beaches, mountains, deserts, and historic cities — all within a compact radius. From the Atlantic coastline to the medinas of Marrakech and the expanse of the Sahara, Morocco offers natural backdrops that require little to no set dressing.

The country has hosted a wide spectrum of productions — from Hollywood epics like Gladiator, Mission: Impossible, and Indiana Jones, to independent films, period dramas, and Bollywood blockbusters. This repeat interest from global filmmakers speaks to Morocco’s proven ability to support both large-scale and boutique productions with equal efficiency.