Award-winning theatre, film and television producer and director Bobby Heaney has
been appointed as the Academy Director for M-Net’s Magic in Motion Academy, a
CSI initiative which is aimed at developing talent as well as equipping participants
with skills, knowledge and practical experience in the film and television industry.
In March 2015 the academy will see its first 12 students begin their year-long
internship, learning from professional producers, directors, vision mixers, boom
swingers and other specialists who work on reality television, sports, drama and
investigative journalism shows. They will also have the opportunity to commission a
programme by either conceptualising a television format or pitching for and
producing a pilot.
Heaney, who is the recipient of five AKTV awards, four Golden Horn awards, a
UNESCO Fellini award for excellence and four AVANTI Gold awards, says the
initiative could not have come at a better time – for him, the learners and the local
industry. He commented, “M-Net has invested R1 billion annually in local content
creation and now the pipeline of talent is a step in the right direction for the
industry as a whole.’
M-Net’s corporate affairs director, Kershnee Govender, adds “We are excited to
welcome Bobby to the team. He brings many years of film and television
experience, coupled with significant industry awards under his belt. M-Net, along
with its support of highly focused broadcast partners and Bobby will ensure that our
students benefit greatly which in turn benefits the greater industry’.
Heaney believes it is important for the learners to understand that as they enter the
industry, they must accept the reality that their career path will gradually evolve
into something different to their expectations, or even what they initially set out to
do.
“The industry is growing at a rapid pace and the evolution of content has meant that
roles and responsibilities have changed too. In my case, I am most proud of my
ability as a performance director. I started as an actor, moved into theatre,
directed theatre and subsequently moved on to acting, producing and directing in
television. This is an amazing journey and I am so honoured that I will forever be a
part of it for the 12 academy students,’ Heaney concludes.
