In a first-of-its kind agreement in the Middle East, Bahrain’s brand architect and futurist, Vahid Mehrinfar has won exclusive regionwide representation rights for Hollywood’s much-acclaimed futuristic conceptualist, designer and artist Syd Mead.
In a tie up which will see Mead’s services marketed throughout the region, Syd Mead Incorporated has signed the representation agreement with Manama-based Vahid Associates, headed by Vahid Mehrinfar.
“I have watched Vahid’s progress over the past 25 years and with his talent and current standing, wanted to seize the opportunity to combine our talents to consolidate business prospects in the region,” said Syd Mead.
“I have long admired Vahid’s level of professionalism and exceptional communications skills and feel we have enormous opportunities lying before us. I feel confident that with this agreement, the possibilities are endless and expect a long and productive collaboration.”
Syd Mead, a legendary designer and visual futurist, is a former designer for Ford Motor Company and advisor to US Steel and Philips Electronics. After establishing himself as a ‘futurist’ consultant, he visualised technology and products for companies like Sony, Chrysler and Mechanix Illustrated. His movie designs have appeared in science fiction classics, including ‘Blade Runner’, ‘Star Trek The Motion Picture,’ ‘2010’ for which he designed the spaceship Leonov and all of its interiors and attendant craft, ‘Short Circuit’ to which he lays claim to robot Johnny 5, and ‘Timecop,’ amongst many others.
“This is the right agreement at the right time for the Middle East where the need to conceptualise future developments is essential given the huge and individual developments taking place throughout the region,” said Vahid.
“Syd’s talents and abilities can ensure that a new vision is brought to the region in many business facets, especially real estate and industrial sectors so that projects are benchmarked among the best in the world.”
Syd Mead is now planning his first visit to the Middle East to cement the relationship and to begin contacts with various business houses and universities in the region.
“We hope that Syd will be able to pass on some of his knowledge and inspiration to the generation which will lead the region in the future. Tomorrow’s leaders need to have vision and insight into the future – and that is what Syd can deliver,” added Vahid.
Vahid Associates also plans to translate into Arabic and Farsi and market Syd Mead’s best-selling books including Sentury and Oblagon:Concepts of Syd Mead, described as “a must have for artists, designers, professionals of all disciplines, as well as industrial design students and illustrators.”
“It is essential that Syd’s works are available to Middle Easterners in their own language at a time when the regional media industry is taking huge steps forward,” said Vahid. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
