David Zucker, president of television at Scott Free Productions and recognised as one of Hollywood's top TV producers (executive producer of Numb3rs, The Company, and The Andromeda Strain), says he welcomes the opportunity to engage with representatives from the South African industry. "The Exchange provides access to an awesome roster of individuals and organisations, whether in Hollywood, London or Reykjavik.
“The resulting opportunities to interact, learn and consult with industry professionals across the globe are not only revelatory, but inevitably result in relationships which are valuable both personally and professionally. Given the breadth of our film and television production interests at Scott Free, we would welcome an opportunity to extend this reach by engaging with representatives from the South African industry."
Ron Taylor, VP of diversity development Fox Broadcasting Company and 20th Century Fox TV Studios, says, “Exploring the potential of new talent and opportunities brings mutual benefits and it would be most informative to hear more of where the comparatively young territory of SA is headed.
Procure film, TV production business
The Annual SA/Hollywood Exchange events are tailor-made, marketing conventions to procure film and television production business to SA in the form of facilitation and co-production finance. They are produced by the one of the top media consultancies in the global industry, MediaXchange (based in Los Angeles and London), in association with South African entertainment marketing company Metal Moon. The partnership spans over a decade.
The SA delegation includes approximately 10 high profile industry professionals ranging from the National Film and Video Foundation, some regional film commissioners and independent producers in film and television.
“This exchange provides unprecedented access,” says Dezi Rorich, “It is far easier to access the decision-makers one-to-one – on their own ground. In addition, there is genuine interest in South Africa and approaching with group force strengthens any marketing campaign. ”
The programme is split 50/50 film and television and, in terms of the latter, the group will meet with heads of production, acquisition and development at a number of major networks, as well as some of the top show runners such as CSI, Desperate Housewives, House, and Frasier, and in film, most of the major and mini-studios.
The Exchange kicks off with a major briefing session in Hollywood on Sunday 13 April and meetings run back-to-back from Monday through Wednesday in Los Angeles, and then Thursday and Friday in New York City.
There are still a few places open in the group. Contact Dezi Rorich on cell +27 (0)82 578 1456 or email for more information about applying.
