Wednesday 19 June will see the debut of Rockville, the first drama series conceived and produced by South African TV stars Connie and Shona Ferguson for local content pay-TV channel, M-Net Mzansi Magic.
Last seen on M-Net’s glamorous, location-based soapie The Wild, Connie (Generations, Soul City) and Shona Ferguson (Muvhango, Scandal) are famous for their on-screen talents.
In August 2012, in response to Mzansi Magic’s commissioning brief, they conceived the idea for Rockville, a 10-part one-hour drama series produced by their company, Ferguson Films.
“We went through a very long pitching process as M-Net Mzansi Magic is very strict with its drama commissions,’ explains Shona Ferguson. “Together with our head writer Phatu Makwarela, Connie and I were instrumental in shaping the scripts.’
M-Net director of local interest channels, Yolisa Phahle adds: “Rockville underlines Mzansi Magic’s commitment to producing quality entertainment, with a focus on story and production value. Our mission is to provide a range of South African stories that present the diversity of life in our country today, while giving fresh talent the opportunity to work with industry stalwarts and learn from their experience.’
Both Fergusons play key roles in Rockville, which portrays three very different worlds that define black South Africa today. The series focuses on the drama, sacrifices and subterfuge that it takes to get to the top in modern-day South Africa.
Connie notes that when the team was developing her character in Rockville the emphasis was to create a role totally different to anything she’d played in the past.
“I really wanted to stretch myself as an actress. And because Shona and I had played a couple on The Wild, we didn’t want to play one in Rockville,’ she says.
Unusual premise
Commenting on the concept behind the series, Shona stresses that they wanted a premise that had not been explored before on South African television.
“We chose the world of prostitution,’ he continues. “This is such a sensitive subject because some people see prostitution as ugly while others see it as a means to an end.
“We tell a story about people within this world and how society views prostitution.
“Our drama is about what draws people into this world and how money lies at the root of it all.’
The series was shot over six weeks between February and April this year. Locations include Soweto, Rosebank, the Johannesburg city centre and the Eye of Africa Golf Estate near Klip River.
“Even though Mzansi Magic broadcasts in SD (standard definition) we decided to shot in HD (high definition) in case the series is sold internationally,’ notes Connie.
Experience counts
The Fergusons are the executive producers of Rockville and brought on Bobby Heaney of Imani Media as series producer.
Connie continues: “We’d worked with Bobby on The Wild and developed an amazing relationship with him; Bobby basically adopted us. We learnt so much from him as the series producer on The Wild. I’ve never worked with anyone who works as hard as Bobby does. He’s incredibly passionate about his work and a great teacher and he showed us the ropes behind the scenes of The Wild.
“I wish more veteran producers would be selfless like Bobby and take new people in under their wing, as he did us. That’s what Shona and I want to do – nurture young producers.’
Rockville is directed by Johnny Barbuzano. Says Shona: “Connie and I worked with Johnny on The Wild and he’s the most hyperactive director I’ve ever met. He has such a brilliant mind and amazing energy. Prior to production we discussed our vision with Johnny; not only did he tap into that, he took it to another level.’
The Fergusons note that they are under enormous personal pressure to create a high-quality product.
“One can get complacent in this industry,’ states Connie. “Shona and I have been in the business for 20 years so we should be able to create something of quality. I don’t want people watching Rockville and thinking: “Is that the best those two can do after all their years in the industry?’’
Product placement
The Fergusons took great care to make the product placement in Rockville subtle. Lewis Stores furnished the house in Soweto, while Eye of Africa allowed the crew to shoot on its estate.
Chrysler South Africa provided access to a world of cars, so that the “rich’ characters could be filmed driving expensive cars.
Connie points out that a common misconception among the TV viewing public is that producers are rich.
“They have no idea that making a TV series is all about passion and not about profit. It’s our responsibility as executive producers to create high-quality work. If we cut corners as producers just to make a profit then it will show on screen. Shona and I have poured our heart and soul into producing this series,’ she says.
Rockville is designed to go into successive seasons, should Mzansi Magic decide to re-commission it.
“We’ve already started conceptualising the second season so we’re crossing thumbs that we get the go-ahead,’ concludes Shona.
Rockville stars include Trevor Gumbi, Mbali Mlotshwa, Bonnie Mbuli, Luthuli Dlamini, Minnie Dlamini and Boity Thulo.
The series broadcasts on Wednesdays at 19h00 on Mzansi Magic (DStv Channel 161), with repeats on Mondays at 9.30pm.
By Joanna Sterkowicz
screen africa magazine – june 2013
