From 5 to 7 November 2014 DISCOP Africa, a multiplatform television and digital
content market, takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
The event brings together leading buyers, sellers and producers of televised
entertainment which seek to do business with and across the continent.
Registration is now open for exhibition space as well as for non-exhibiting
delegates who would like to attend.
Over 2000 delegates from 70 countries including over 250 global and regional
exhibitors, over 750 key acquisitions, commissioning and programming
executives from leading African broadcasters, pay-TV operators, OTT platforms,
mobile networks and production companies will attend the TV and content
industry hub along with national umbrella exhibitions representing firms from
South Africa, US, Ivory Coast, the European Union, Kenya, China, Korea, France
and Israel.
The event combines unique networking opportunities and events with a market
and informative sessions delivered by expert guest speakers. It has also
engaged in strategic partnerships with the Department of Arts and Culture, The
National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC)
and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
Zama Mkosi, CEO of the NFVF says, “The NFVF recognises distribution as one of
the most critical elements in the development of South Africa’s film and content
production industries. DISCOP Africa presents a unique opportunity for the
advancement of our distribution goals.”
Desmond Mthembu, projects manager at the GFC adds, “The GFC, in our on-
going support for locally based filmmakers and content producers, is proud to be
part of DISCOP Africa, an event that presents real business opportunities for
established and emerging content producers alike.’
Events
Cote d’Ivoire celebrations
Ivory Coast is DISCOP Africa 2014’s guest country and the event, which is
organised in partnership with RTI, Ivory Coast’s public broadcaster, ONACI, the
country’s leading funding institution for film and TV content, the Ministry of
Culture, the Ministry of Communications and the Ivory Coast Government, will
celebrate the country’s growing industry.
A national pavilion will also be set up to ensure maximum visibility for Ivory
Coast as an attractive regional and international television content coproduction
partner.
20 Years of Television in South Africa: What’s Next
conference
This two-day conference will bring together governmental representatives and
key experts to discuss challenges in developing a sustainable digital television
ecosystem in South Africa.
Black Legacy Gala evening
A celebration of 50 years of African American television pop culture and the
achievements of those who have made a significant contribution to the global
entertainment business.
DISCOPRO: Pitching, Mentoring and Networking Program
A 3-day program aimed at assisting established and emerging TV content
producers with TV content development, coproduction and distribution across
Africa. The event includes mentoring workshops, pitching competitions and
access to the marketplace.
The deadline for project submissions for the pitching competition is 15 of
September and all pitching competitions will take place on 7 November. Visit the
DISCOPRO Pitching competition webpage for more
information.
20 Years of Television in South Africa conference
Trends which have affected and driven television programming over the past 20
years in South Africa and the continent at large are the focus of this event.
Highlights include:
From YouTube to the Big Screen: a two-part series paying tribute to creators of
highly acclaimed TV shows which began on YouTube.
Digital Migration – a panel discussion on the obstacles which lie ahead of the full
digital switchover process.
Home-grown Sports Content – a session to examine ways to establish a
sustainable, home-grown, televised sports entertainment industry in Africa.
Mobile Loves TV – a panel discussion on the reasons behind encouraging
partnerships between content producers and mobile operators.
French Speaking Africa Rising – major international TV content production and
distribution companies involved in Africa express views on growing coproduction
opportunities for predominantly French-speaking African countries.
Close-Up on Nigeria – an in depth look at where Nigeria stands and the
monumental challenges it faces in the transition to digital migration in 2015.
Speakers and Participants
The below guest speakers are to take part at DISCOP Africa, its affiliated
DISCOPRO and the 20 Years Of Television In South Africa What’s Next
programmes as experts, mentors and jurors:
Damien Naughton: Sports News Africa
Justin Bonello: Cooked In Africa / Ultimate Braai Master
Sarah Graham: Okuhle Media
Grant Flynn: Okuhle Media
Louise McClelland: Okuhle Media
Evert Van der Veer: Viacom International / head of Comedy Central Africa
Marc Schwinges: Underdog Productions
Saira Sow: Viasat Broadcasting
Miki Mori: NHK
Han Gao: Jiangsu
Denise Mwende: Zuku
Aletta Alberts: MultiChoice
Molefi Lebone: Endemol
Brendan Gabriel: Endemol
Charles Povey: Endemol
Helga Palmer: Endemol
Bridget Pickering: Fireworx Media
Marguerite Abouet: Abouet Productions
Ben Amadasun: Viasat Broadcasting UK
Ahmadou Bakayoko: director general RTI, Ivory Coast
Pierre Barrot: O.I.F. audiovisual specialist
Don Edkins: STEPS acquisition executive
Rick Feldman: former NATPE president
Grant Flynn: Okuhle Media
Gregoir Furrer: founder / president Montreux Comedy Festival
Michelle Garfoth-Venter: Ezinkulu
Peter Gird: Cooked in Africa Films
Ryan Grim: Vice Media
Terrence Khumalo: NFVF
Hans-Christian Mahnke: AfricAvenir chairperson of the board, Namibia
section
Steven Markowitz: Big World
Alain Modot: founder and president Diffa Media Consulting Group
Wangeci Murage: Wananchi Programming
Jason Njoku: iROKO Partners
Gary Rathbone: Sports News Africa founder/director
Michel Rodrigue: The Format People
Anthony Silverston: TriggerFish Animation Studios
Justin Scroggie: The Format People
Russell Southwood: Balancing Act
François Thiellet: Thema TV
Rachel Do Valle: Brazilian TV Producers Association
Aric Noboa: Discovery Learning Alliance
Visit the DISCOP Africa website for more information.
