Two Johannesburg-based event companies – Vibe 2000 and Vertical Limit Production – have been appointed to stage the 2013 South African Film & Television Awards (SAFTAS), which will take place over two evenings in early March at a venue to be confirmed.
Vibe 2000 and Vertical Limit Production presented a joint pitch in response to the tender issued by SAFTAS custodian, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF). Proposals were adjudicated in terms of the Supply Chain Management policy of the NFVF, Treasury Regulations and the Preferential Procurement Policy Framework Act (PPPFA) 2000 (Act No 5 of 2000).
Says Vibe 2000 MD Sam September: “We are obviously very excited to have won the tender to stage the SAFTAS – it’s a huge honour and a challenge to be involved in such a big national event that will also be on television. Vibe 2000 and Vertical Limit have collaborated on several other projects and together we deliver added value to clients. The two companies have different skills sets and so we complement each other perfectly.’
September notes that the essence of their pitch to the SAFTAS committee was to include the technical side and the behind the scenes side of film and television. “So, while we will focus on the glamorous people in front of the camera, we also want audiences to know that there is a gaffer and a best boy and showcase the broader picture of what goes into a film and television production. All I can reveal about the two awards ceremonies at this stage is that they will be exciting, energetic and compelling television.’
Combined Vibe 2000 Entertainment and Vertical Limit Production have worked on 145 live events, staged throughout 27 African countries, including major awards ceremonies, international music tours, stadium concerts, arts and music festivals and fashion weeks, among others.
Meanwhile, the judging process for the 7th annual SAFTAS is well underway. Nodi Murphy, co-founder of two of South Africa’s biggest film festivals – Encounters and Out in Africa – has been appointed the overall chairperson of the judging panels.
Says Murphy: “I’m very happy to be involved in the SAFTAS as overall judging chairperson. The SAFTAS are important for the industry as they acknowledge talent and good work, as judged by our peers.
“There are 120 judges in total so the process involves a lot of people. My job is to gather the judges together and administer the process. This means ensuring that the due process is followed. I am wholly independent in that I don’t do any judging myself, I’m just there to sort out any issues, should they arise within the various judging panels.’
For the first time, the second round of judging, which follows the filtration process, will take place in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. Previously all out of town judges were flown to Johannesburg. Nominations will be announced in late February.
A record 354 entries qualified to proceed to the filtration phase of the 2013 SAFTAS.
“We are very content with the response the SAFTAS received this year,’ says Zama Mkosi NFVF CEO and SAFTAS Chairperson. “Our continued efforts in encouraging all local productions to support the awards have paid off, as we received 120 more entries compared to last year.
“This year all the role players in the industry fully support the SAFTAS. We are also in discussions regarding the SAFTAS Academy that was announced at the previous SAFTAS ceremony to administer the awards.’
At the time of going to press the SAFTAS committee was in negotiations regarding the broadcast rights for the awards ceremonies across all South African channels.
screen africa magazine – january 2013
