In a first of its kind in the country, a new video-on-demand service, ONStv, has
been established with the objective of keeping South African expatriates
connected to their roots through the provision of locally produced film and
television content.
Partners Henning Basson and Danie Barnard have created ONStv, which will
distribute locally produced content via cinema and an IPTV VOD.
Afrikaans-language movies Klein Karoo and Musiek vir die Agtergrond were
released in 2013 in cinemas in Australia and New Zealand, while romantic
adventure film Pad na jou Hart and Stuur Groete aan Mannetjies Roux are
scheduled to release in cinemas in those countries in June or July.
Initially only available in Australia and New Zealand, the VOD service has now
been expanded globally and also offers an Electronic Sell Through (ESP) service.
Due to the rise of digital production and advances in the film and television
industry, ONStv has developed a model that will bring a secure service to South
Africans living abroad.
“In recent years, local films even outperformed top international films at the box
office. The platform is available on any device with a web browser, such as
phones, tablets and smart televisions and Xbox Live, Roku and many more,’
says Basson, director of ONStv.
The VOD service will exclusively broadcast and promote South African films and
popular television content in English and Afrikaans (with English subtitles). To
cater for all viewers, the service will eventually include news, documentaries and
sports programmes.
As about one million South Africans live abroad, there has been an increase in
demand to have access to local content. Basson comments: “We have taken on
the responsibility to provide this service in a cost-effective manner to
expatriates.’
