The first of a three-city tour for Chris Roland’s Financing & Distribution Workshops kicked off this past Friday in Cape Town to a sell-out room that included top industry pros Penguin Films, Waterfront Studios, Triggerfish, Orange Films, Waterfront Television, and others.
The overwhelming response to the intensive two-day workshop is by all accounts positive. “Great workshop. South Africa needs more of these.’ Commented Grigor Steward of Clickboogie: “Thanks to Chris for sharing his wealth of knowledge. I learned a lot and look forward to applying these skills,’ adds Paula Brown, owner of Okuhle Media.
The workshop, which was run with military-like precision, covered a wide landscape of financing and distribution, and included detailed references to Roland’s past and current projects, as well as projects of attending delegates. Several delegates offered each other assistance with their projects, and several ideas to better the industry and projects were also raised.
A few of the innovative ideas included using the DTI rebate to secure equity investors and saving the cost of cash-flowing the rebate, and allowing producers to retain international rights of revenue for local TV programs while still signing over copyright to SA broadcasters.
“It’s near impossible to get the information from the industry that I received at this workshop,’ comments Michael Matthews of Be Phat Motel. “Chris’ openness to providing information was very special and unique.’
Not only did all delegates receive invaluable practical insights presented in a concise and logical manner that reflects actual project packaging work-flows, each was given a list of financing and distribution resources. “What’s the point of a workshop on financing and distribution structures and models without the resources to put the structures in play?’ says Chris Roland.
The next not-to-be-missed workshop takes place this Friday and Saturday October 22 & 23 at Melrose Arch Hotel in Johannesburg. Delegates already signed up for Johannesburg include Videovision, Ochre Media, and Nu Metro among other industry leaders. According to workshop organiser Lee-Ann Cotton, the Joburg workshop is close to capacity and delegates are encouraged to book now in order to secure a seat.
For more information and bookings contact Lee-Ann Cotton at seminars@zen-hq.com or call 021-790-1737 or 082-855-2529.
