The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) has announced its intention to support the production of production-ready low budget feature films as a slate of films. This move is part of the GFC’s revision of its industry support and development programmes and was initiated as a way of supporting the South African film industry during the current economic downturn and crisis in local production.
To this end, the GFC is calling for Gauteng-based filmmakers to submit film projects for consideration. As per a statement, “the GFC commits to supporting films that aspire to excellence and accomplished storytelling, and substantially contribute to the development of the Gauteng film industry. Support will be given to assist emerging filmmakers with the development, production, post-production and distribution of their films.’
The GFC proactively strives to support “Made in Gauteng’ projects and practitioners through providing:
· development funds, for features, drama, documentary and digital media
· production assistance in targeted initiatives, one-off projects, or in collaboration with broadcasters or other funding entities
· grant funding for internships, mentorship and training programs with more experienced practitioners
· support to projects that enhance employment and professional development opportunities, and the creation of a vibrant screen sector for independent filmmakers.
Says GFC CEO Terry Tselane: “The current crisis within which companies in the sector are finding themselves is providing an opportunity to re-evaluate the dominant business and employment model within which such companies operate. Reliance on the public broadcaster (and other broadcasters more broadly) through commissioned projects has proven to be anti competitive and in the long run cannot be depended upon. Without dictating to or regulating the industry, the GFC seeks to provide guidance and leadership in exploring and facilitating the development of alternative business models that enable resilience in challenging climates for the long term sustainability of the sector.’
Tselane notes that the GFC has been working with local independent filmmakers for the last two years to introduce creative content creation that is linked to an alternative distribution model. This has resulted in projects such as Jerusalema and White Wedding which have shown that local demand not only exists but that local films can be financially viable.
“With the DTI rebate now in place much more opportunities also exist for local filmmakers working in the R2.5 – R10m budget bracket. It is in this area that the GFC will increase the scale of its support to low budget independent filmmakers who do not qualify for the DTI rebate and low budget filmmakers working in the R2.5 – R10 million bracket that need support in order to develop, complete or distribute their projects,’ comments Tselane.
Applications must be fully completed in order to be considered and submissions must be made on the prescribed application form which is available on request. To submit, or for more information, kindly contact: Nthabeleng Phora, Unit Coordinator: Industry Support and Development, GFC, 56 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2108, South Africa on Tel: +27 (0) 11 833 0409; Fax: +27 (0) 11 833 0282 / 0865055776; or e-mail:
nthabeleng@gautengfilm.org.za
