Levern Engel and Sivan Pillay have been appointed Joint Managing Directors of TV production company, Endemol South Afirca. Engel has 10 years experience in entertainment production, while Pillay has a decade in commercial affairs, sponsorship, promotions, IP exploitation and sales.
Having jointed Edemol SA in January this year as Head of Infotainment and Entertainmnet, Engel has been in charge of all the group’s productions across South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. She has also overseen the creative department, charged with the development of new IP for television and digital media platforms. Levern was previously Head of Ochre Moving Pictures.
Pillay joined Endemol South Africa in 2000 and was responsible for all of the company’s business affairs across South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa, most recently as Head of Commercial Business. Pillay also pioneered the company’s digital media business with the launch of Mobivision in 2004, which has delivered innovative new business especially in the mobile space.
Engel and Pillay will report to Marco Bassetti, Chief Operating Officer of Endemol, who comments: “Levern and Sivan are highly skilled professionals who have long and proven track records in their fields. Their combined experience in business affairs and entertainment production places Endemol South Africa under strong leadership and paves the way for further regional growth.’
Engel says: “What sets Endemol South Africa apart is its outstanding creative and production resources as well as its understanding of Sub-Saharan regions and their respective audiences. Our capacity and track record makes us one of few producers in the region who are able to develop and deliver quality content, often on a scale few companies would contemplate. This, combined with alternative business models, perfectly positions us to take our success story forward. ‘
Sivan Pillay adds: “Endemol South Africa has already become a formidable player in South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa. Our aim now is to further expand and diversify the business to become one of the region’s premier TV and digital media entertainment content providers. We hope to drive the business forward with energy and enthusiasm and continue to attract the best talent to Endemol.’
Endemol South Africa’s current productions include a third series of Big Brother Africa for M-Net, which broadcasts across over 40 countries on the African continent; hit daily soap Isidingo for SABC3, which is now in its tenth year; popular game show Doen met ‘n Miljoen for kykNET and Advance Warning for MTV Base Africa.
Upcoming shows include game show hit The Kids Are All Right for SABC1, entertainment show Forgive and Forget for e.tv and Nigerian talent show Let’s Dance for M-Net.
