SABC2 has announced that it is inviting submissions from local producers for 12 new productions for the channel, ranging from talk shows and sitcoms to documentaries and a family game show. The briefs reflect a commitment to the industry to the tune of more than R 38-million.
The programme commissioning briefs outline a range of compelling programmes that will affirm the channel's family values in an entertaining and informative manner, and reflect a common heritage across communities and cultures. These go beyond the specific language groups with high-quality crossover programming for the whole nation.
At Sithengi 2002, the SABC hosted an open forum with independent producers to outline its proposed commissioning policy and procedures for television, and reaffirm its commitment to the local industry.
SABC's Chief Operating Officer Solly Mokoetle led the process. "Local content is at the very core of our mandate and business strategy and is integral to the transformation of our society. It is critical that we maintain a healthy and thriving relationship with the independent production sector to enable the SABC to consistently and successfully deliver high quality programming that entertains, educates and informs," stated Mokoetle.
Acting SABC2 general manager, Aletta Alberts, says, "Although drama will remain the mainstay of our output, we're diversifying our programme mix to increase delivery on our public service obligations. We're also increasing our factual output with the creation of a talk show, lifestyle documentaries as well as a history and biography documentary strand.
" With these briefs, we want the local industry to help us reflect our experiences of living in South Africa today. At SABC2, we pride ourselves in being dignified, tasteful, warm, honourable, proper and having high integrity. With all this in mind, we would like to entertain and surprise our viewers and hook hearts and minds with compulsive programming, breakthrough formats and unique concepts."
According to Alberts, the channel has an excellent track record on delivering its public broadcast mandate. The 12 commissioning briefs are in line with SABC2's public service commitments to comply with local content quotas, promote nation building with coverage of nationally important events, increase its African language delivery, and award 45% of commissions to BEE and 10% to women in the industry.
The specific briefs are as follows:
A weekly talk show with a positive, female slant that will improve viewers' lives. It must be uniquely formatted and offer loads of fun and enthusiasm, mixed in with real issues but not specifically current affairs, except where these fit into the lifestyle mix of the show. (52 x 24', with the possibility of extending it to 2 x weekly, in both Sotho and English.) History and Biography documentaries about South Africa's great entertainers, covering all genres including moviemakers, actors, musicians, writers, painters and sculptors. Each should have a clear focus and depth of coverage. (13 x 48', in English or English subtitles.) Lifestyle documentaries about ordinary people who have shaped what South Africa is today. The programmes must allow the channel's viewers to get to know each other and the different nuances of living in our society. (13 x 48', in English or English subtitles.) Special event documentaries that will help SABC2 deliver on its PBS mandate to broadcast major annual or special events of national importance, including the opening of Parliament, elections, state funerals, celebration of national public holidays, etc. (24' or 48', in English or English subtitles.) A flagship, family game show that must be host-driven and able to compete in a strong movie environment during prime-time television viewing. Again an innovative format is sought with a money/prize-orientated focus and a host that embodies the brand personality of the channel. (26 x 24', in English.) A Sotho family game show that must be variety orientated, build knowledge in an informal way, be lots of fun for the whole family and provide audience and viewer participation. (26 x 24', in Sotho - Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, and incorporating Xitsonga and Tshivenda, where possible.) An Afrikaans music and variety show that must have broad appeal to all Afrikaans speakers in South Africa. It should be lively, colourful and relevant to contemporary living but should not be studio based. (26 x 48', in Afrikaans.) A comedy show that reflects South African society and bridges diversity. It must be predominantly Sotho and family orientated, featuring new local talent in a non-studio environment. (26 x 24', in Sotho and English.) A Sotho weekly drama/soap with engaging story lines, to drive a large and loyal audience. This drama soap series should revolve around the micro cosmos of a hospital, with clever storylines and a high production value. (52 x 24', in Sotho - Sepedi, Setswana, Sesotho, and incorporating Xitsonga and Tshivenda, where possible.) An Afrikaans sitcom with mass appeal that will deliver huge audiences at peak time. It should be "sit back and relax" viewing with lots of fun and laughter. Story lines should reflect South African family life, steering away from political rhetoric and old issues. (13 x 24', in Afrikaans.) A Sotho sitcom with mass appeal that will deliver huge audiences at peak time. As with the Afrikaans sitcom, it should reflect South African family life, while steering away from political rhetoric and old issues. (13 x 24', in Sotho.) A weekly pre-teen magazine programme that will cover all areas of interest to the 9 - 12 age group. The emphasis should be on "fun" and should not be pedantic or educational. (26 x 24', predominantly in English.)All programmes should appeal to SABC2's broad target audience defined as All Households within the LSM 5-10 group, and more specifically, LSM 5-8 through Sotho language delivery and LSM 7-10 through Afrikaans language delivery.
The full programme commissioning briefs for 2003/2004 will be available on the SABC2 website - www.sabc2.co.za and from all the SABC regional offices around South Africa, including its head office in Auckland Park, from Friday, 11 April 2003. The closing date for the submission of proposals varies from brief to brief. Full details are available within the briefing document.
