Done+Dusted Expands in Middle East, Opens Saudi Office Led by Clare Baarda (EXCLUSIVE)

Pantheon Media Group’s production shingle Done+Dusted has launched an office in Saudi Arabia, appointing veteran executive Clare Baarda to serve as country manager. Baarda, whose hire was announced Thursday, will report to Done+Dusted Group CEO Simon Pizey, and reps the latest expansion for the company in the Middle East.

Baarda has spent two decades working on productions inside Saudi Arabia, most recently via senior positions at TAIT and Imagination Saudi Arabia. Her credits include G20 Cultural Activations, Bujairi Terrace for Diriyah Gate Development Authority, Ashar Valley for The Royal Commission for AlUla and World Tourism Day for the Ministry of Tourism.

More from Variety

Emmys Producer Done+Dusted Elevates Melanie Fletcher to North America CEO (EXCLUSIVE)
Norman Lear Celebrates His 100th Birthday With a New Tribute Set to Air This Fall on ABC (EXCLUSIVE)
Reggie Hudlin and Done+Dusted to Produce the Emmys For Third Consecutive Year, This Time for NBC (EXCLUSIVE)

“Clare knows the Middle East terrain inside and out and has seized its explosion of opportunities with unmatched experience and vision,” Pizey said in a statement. “Her ability to deliver excellence at scale makes her a brilliant addition to our team, ensuring world-class live storytelling that sets the global standard.”

At Done+Dusted, Baarda will focus on expanding the company’s involvement in large-scale productions, original IP and branded live experiences across the region.

“This region is setting a new global benchmark for ambition in live experiences, and Done+Dusted is world class at delivering on that kind of vision,” Baarda said in a statement. “I’m excited to lead the charge from within the Kingdom.”

Done+Dusted is already well-established in the Middle East, where it has a headquarters in Abu Dhabi. There, the company has been behind four consecutive editions of the Joy Awards, the Battle of the Baddest Riyadh Season opening ceremony, the 1001 Seasons of Elie Saab fashion event and the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. Done+Dusted was also behind the E-Sport World Cup closing ceremony, the Fury vs. Usyk heavyweight title fight opener, and Qiddiya Gaming presentations of the Throne + Liberty drone show and the ZZZ Hoyaverse immersive showcase. Done+Dusted has also launched large-scale, immersive production “Fame Factory,” designed for Saudi audiences.

The live events producer behind productions like Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, the League of Legends Opening Ceremony and the Kennedy Center’s Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Done+Dusted operates offices in Los Angeles, London and Abu Dhabi. It’s a part of Pantheon Media Group, WME Group’s unscripted content business.

Best of Variety