Film effects company DDMG plans Abu Dhabi studio

A visual effects company that helped bring to life scenes in “Titanic” and the “Transformers” movies says it is partnering with a state-backed media company in Abu Dhabi to set up a studio in the oil-rich emirate.

Digital Domain Media Group said Monday its partnership with Abu Dhabi’s state-backed twofour54 will include an animation, visual effects and motion capture studio and a media school in the Emirati capital.

It expects to begin hiring immediately and start work at the studio by early next year. Over time, DDMG plans to employ about 500 people at the site and open a 150,000 square foot (14,000 square meter) production center by the end of 2015.

Abu Dhabi’s government is providing $100 million in grants for the project.