HECKLER EXPANDS INTO MIDDLE EAST WITH JOHN HASSAN AT THE HELM

Independent creative studio Heckler has expanded into the Middle East, appointing John Hassan as managing director to lead operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The move strengthens Heckler’s global footprint, blending AI-driven workflows with traditional craft to deliver ambitious, high-quality creative work for regional clients.

Independent creative studio Heckler has announced its expansion into the Middle East, appointing John Hassan as managing director to spearhead operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia and the wider region. The move represents the next phase of Heckler’s global growth, extending its established presence in Sydney, Singapore, Shanghai and Europe, while reinforcing its ability to deliver high-end creative through a hybrid model that fuses cutting-edge AI with live action production and traditional VFX craft.  

Hassan’s appointment signals Heckler’s commitment to building a long-term presence in the region. With more than a decade of experience producing large-scale campaigns and content across the Gulf, his portfolio spans global brands tailored for regional audiences, flagship Expo activations, international sporting events and national storytelling initiatives led by government clients. His leadership combines deep local expertise with access to Heckler’s global network of artists and technologists, positioning the studio to deliver ambitious, high-impact work at speed.  

“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 made its mark in the Middle East with several significant projects, 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 now 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.  

Co-founder Will Alexander emphasised that the move strengthens Heckler’s global offering and reflects growing demand from the region. “The Middle East is an incredibly dynamic and important market for our clients,” he said. “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.