The South African film industry is one of the sectors that continue to add value to the wider economy. According to statistics from the Department of Trade and Industry, the total value of the South African entertainment industry is about R7.7 billion, comprising film and television production, broadcast, cinema and interactive industries. Of this, the local production industry accounts for approximately R1.4 billion. The value chain of the film and television industry extends to other sectors of the economy through the creation for demand of products and services, and therefore creates a catalytic growth effect.
“MultiChoice recognises that there is a need in our country to provide a developmental platform for aspiring filmmakers. This is a great opportunity for individuals who have talent but do not have financial support to pursue their dreams. The main objective of this programme is to nurture local talent which will contribute to the building of an authentic, indigenous filmmaking culture in South Africa,” explains Itumeleng Letebele, MultiChoice CSI manager.
The Film Talent Incubator Programme offers previously disadvantaged individuals an environment in which to develop production and technical skills such as scriptwriting, directing, editing and production management. This interactive full-time 20-week programme also ensures that after graduation, individuals are equipped with the necessary management and entrepreneurial skills which enable them to develop and manage a television and film business.
The pilot programme saw the graduation of 16 talented individuals from diverse backgrounds and according to MultiChoice, these individuals are currently flourishing in workplace positions within the television and film industry. Thato Moloi is one such successful story: soon after gradutation, MTV asked Moloi to be its trainee director. Speaking with triumph after accepting the offer, she happily commented, “The MultiChoice film talent incubator provided me with the skills to become an independent film maker and to do things for myself.”
This programme is one of a number of MultiChoice's focused CSI initiatives.
