SA mobisode makes MIPCOM shortlist

At these Mobile and Internet TV Awards on 10 October 2007, an international grand jury presented awards in nine categories to the most compelling projects submitted.

Of the 288 entries, a panel shortlisted four productions for consideration for the award: “Best short form audiovisual entertainment made for mobile and/or Internet drama” category. Representing Ochre Media at the awards were the mobisoap's executive producer Stan Joseph and producer Bronwyn Berry.

A mobisoap is a soap opera that has been produced specifically for screening on mobile phones. Each mobisode is about one minute in length and is broadcast to subscribers' phones on a daily basis. This is conventional storytelling, with authentic characters but told using first-person camera in a non-linear form.

Conceived in the digital age

Drawn tells the story of a relationship conceived in the digital age and is a multimedia lifestyle experience. It offers a fly-on-the-wall, voyeuristic perspective of a relationship unfolding as two 20-something South Africans meet, fall in love and are drawn into a relationship within a virtual world that plays out on mobile phones, websites and print. The series balances drama, comedy, and romance in spellbinding style.

While ‘Drawn' did not take home the award, Levern Engel, CE of Ochre Moving Pictures, is delighted to be in such lauded company, saying, “The nomination has confirmed the company's vision in committing a creative and financial investment into developing great content for cellular phones.”

Joseph adds that, “As a team making its first steps in short form mobile media we were delighted to be nominated for the Mip TV Mobile Awards. We learnt a lot from the international exposure and received positive feedback from our peers that included the creator of ‘Lonely Girl 15.”

Ochre Moving Pictures produces award-winning series including Zola 7, Takalani Sesame and Scandal. It is part of the Johnnic Communications group of companies.