For years, Ranch de Diabat has collaborated with film production companies on the creation of feature films for American Hollywood and Indian Bollywood cinema, as well as on numerous music videos, presentations of new cars and off-road motorbikes, as well as commercials for local or international television as part of the tourist promotion of the city of Essaouira.
What's more exciting than seeing what you've worked for on television?
Seeing the places where people live, work, and organize themselves broadcast to millions of people during a film shoot. It's always a great joy to be able to watch on the big screen what they work so hard to achieve behind the scenes, with grueling production schedules, and where the greatest reward is seeing the finished product.
The Ford Experience
I remember as if it were yesterday, Mr. Ford's private plane landing in Essaouira with his staff, coming to the Ranch de Diabat to inspect the site to approve the organizational logistics of the official launch of the 2019 Ford Raptor.
Meeting high-caliber people, not just professionally but personally, and working side by side for a whole month of hard work and joy, resolving small daily logistical challenges, was as rewarding as being able to smile at the results achieved once the work was completed.
We set up camp on the highest dunes of Cap Sim, carried tons of gear along the beach, calculated tides, and navigated nearly nonexistent roads until we reached our magical destination, near the lighthouse, on the magnificent sand dunes. In front of us, framing this unprecedented adventure, was the Atlantic Ocean.
Every week, charter flights privatized by the Ford group landed at Essaouira Mogador International Airport, carrying auto and motorcycle journalists from various countries.
To welcome them, a parade of shiny Ford Raptors that would host all the journalists who arrived to evaluate this jewel of an automobile.
An off-road route designed for the occasion: through the Amogdoul Wind Farm, the village of Ouessen overlooking Taguenza Bay, which has become one of the largest fishing ports in the Essaouira region.
From here the route began to become interesting and intricate, with sand dunes alternating with rocks on the cliffs surrounded by tamarind trees.
Once they reach the great dunes of Cap Sim, the Ford Raptor team is welcomed by the Ranch de Diabat staff, who, under the Khaima del Deserto tent, decorated in Moroccan tradition, serve Moroccan tea with traditional sweets, coffee, and mini sandwiches of all kinds. A relaxing break to recharge before setting off for the test track located in front of the tent, which traverses the dunes at various difficulty levels. The journalists will have to test the circuit themselves and then give their feedback.
After a couple of hours of testing, the Ford Raptor Team heads towards Essaouira: through the beach and the fishing village, until reaching the Sofitel Mogador hotel, official partner of the event, where lunch and the technical meeting take place.
In the afternoon, a visit to the city of Essaouira, followed by dinner at the Heure Bleue Palais Chateau Relais hotel and a night spent at the Sofitel Mogador hotel.
The next day is surrounded by another picturesque route along the north coast, reaching Bahibe beach with a tea and coffee break at The Bubble Hotel Dar Danse which will offer another excellent tea and coffee break.
Working on this event down to the last detail required preparation, commitment, and focus from the entire Ranch de Diabat staff, who collaborated closely with the Ford team to ensure the success of the official launch of the Ford Raptor.
An important opportunity for professional growth and learning that led to a satisfying and meaningful experience.
For years, Ranch de Diabat has been organizing events and actively participating in the organizational logistics of films, reports, and advertising, drawing on its consolidated experience.
See you on the next adventure!
