First phase findings of “Project Gaullywood’, a comprehensive sector review of the film industry in Gauteng, reveal that the province contributes R2bn per annum to the national economy. Gauteng accounts for 70% of TV production in South Africa and 44% of all commercials filmed in the country are shot in Gauteng.
Results of the study, commissioned by the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC), were presented at the Gauteng Film Indaba in Johannesburg on 6 November, by accounting firm Deloitte who researched the industry for a period of six months.
According to the study, the number of commercials shot in Gauteng has grown steadlily over the past three years and the province is increasingly being used as a base for the facilitation and provision of logistical and technical services for foreign productions.
Other findings indicate that whilst the province is strong in the initial stages of the value chain (ie. pre-production, production and post production), there are still spatial inequalities around distribution of the final product with most cinemas being located in the urban areas of Johannesburg, Tshwane and Ekurhuleni. Studio capacity is extensive with current demands met. Location fees are generally still very low across the province. Some 900 organisations are registered on the GFC database.
GFC Chief Executive Terry Tselane described the study as the most comprehensive sector review carried out in Gauteng today. “This is the first of its kind in illustrating the true size and impact of the Gauteng film cluster.’
Finance and Economic Affairs MEC Paul Mashatile added: “The research findings show that the film industry must be regarded as a key growth sector for the province. We want to ensure that we position the film industry in Gauteng as a globally competitive sector.’
See full report on research findings in January 2008 issue of Screen Africa.
