Following the Success of SA’s Next Top Filmmaker 2011 General Post, in partnership with Curious Pictures, Endemol and Ochre Media, are pleased to announce that entries for this year’s competition open on 1 May and close on 22 June.
The winner will receive a one-year paid internship at one of General Post’s partner companies as well as exposure to the industry at large.
Entrants are required to submit a script, treatment and storyboard according to the guidelines set out on the General Post website (www.generalpost.co.za). A workshop will be held on 6 June to assist entrants with their submissions.
A shortlist of 15 entrants will be invited to pitch their ideas to General Post’s partner companies on 7 July.
Says General Post MD Kirsty Galliard: “Three finalists will be chosen to work under the mentorship of Curious Pictures, Endemol and Ochre Media to produce their project. In the process finalists will get hands-on experience working in a professional environment and make many valuable contacts, enabling them to further their careers in the television and film industry.’
Last year’s winners, Sbu Zuma and Sihle Ngcamu, are currently working on The Big Break Legacy at Curious Pictures.
Says Zuma: “Winning South Africa’s Next Top Filmmaker and entering the real working environment at Curious Pictures has been a tremendous eye opener. The experience has introduced me to a whole new level of professionalism and work ethic in production and my filmmaking skills have received a massive boost. A big thank you to General Post and Curious Pictures for giving me an invaluable opportunity to jumpstart my career and hone my skills in the television industry.’
Ngcamu adds: “It’s difficult to describe the amazing experiences I’ve had at Curious Pictures in such a short time. The opportunity to work for such a reputable company has been extremely exciting on its own, but the most rewarding experience is to work and interact with experienced yet humble professionals who are willing to offer their guidance and advice. The competition gave me the opportunity of a lifetime. I feel really blessed.’
Camera, lighting and sound equipment for the 2012 competition are sponsored by Digitalfilm. Wardrobe and accessories are sponsored by Ikaya.
Offline edits will be done at General Post and online at The Bladeworks in Bryanston. Final mix for the three finalists is sponsored by Warren Birley of Fine Tune Audio in Bryanston.
For more information about entry requirements log onto www.generalpost.co.za or visit www.facebook.com/generalpo.
Screen Africa magazine- May 2012
