In 2015, the M-Net Magic in Motion (MiM) Academy gave a group of top film and TV
graduates the opportunity of a lifetime. Twelve students were selected as part of a
year-long, paid work-readiness programme, where they engaged closely with some
of the country’s leading producers and productions, while gaining an in-depth, wide-
ranging experience of the industry. The academy is part of M-Net’s business-aligned
CSI initiative which aims to help transform one of the nation’s most influential
sectors.
On 5 November 2015, at a special industry event in Johannesburg, M-Net’s CEO
Yolisa Phahle announced that the video entertainment company is now inviting
applications for year two of the project.
“In Magic in Motion, M-Net spotlights the philosophy that given an opportunity, an
empowered new generation of filmmakers and TV professionals will rise to take
their place at the forefront of our sector. I’ve been honoured to witness the passion
and pride with which our 2015 interns have converted their vast potential into
measurable success; and it fills me with confidence for the future of South African
storytelling. Therefore, I am proud to announce that in 2016, M-Net will expand the
Magic in Motion Academy to now include 20 interns.’
Reiterating that the academy is structured around the film and TV industry’s need to develop the local talent pipeline, build industry capacity and contribute to the
economic strength of the country, Phahle noted that collaboration has been a
cornerstone of the project.
“I must extend M-Net’s sincere thanks to our partner production companies for their
immense support of the initiative. It is due to their passion and willingness to take
our interns under their wing that we are able to build on the achievements of the
first year. Further, we are very grateful for the efforts of leading tertiary institutions and industry-related organisations that have all seen the value of the
project and have worked with us to ensure its success.’
Speaking before an audience that included key stakeholders, Phahle also welcomed
deputy minister in the presidency, Buti Manamela, who gave the event’s keynote
address during which he spoke about the role of developmental initiatives in the
context of nation-building.
In addition, Magic in Motion Academy director Bobby Heaney shared his thoughts on
the initiative, stating that the impact of the project would continue to resonate
meaningfully for years to come. Also in attendance at the event were current 2015
MiM Academy interns fresh off their creation of two movies for Mzansi Magic (DStv
channel 161). Their drama Ilizwi debuts on 12 December, whilst their
comedy The Ring premieres on 19 December.
In 2016, the academy will again offer its interns training in production commissioning, concept creation, script writing, producing, directing,
cinematography, sound, art direction, editing, post-production, studio and location
shoots, and more. Interns will also participate in several respected professional film
and TV productions across a variety of programming genres. Furthermore, they are
expected to have regular specialist sessions with top practitioners in the theatre,
film and TV world.
Designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical
implementation, the academy is focussed on delivering highly-employable
professionals into a rapidly growing industry.
Entry criteria this year is as follows:
• Applicants must be South African citizens who would have completed their
qualification in 2014 or 2015.
• Applications are open to strictly EE (Employment Equity) qualifying candidates
(African, Coloured and Indian).
• Applicants must hold a three-year qualification in drama, film, television or a
related media field, from a recognised tertiary institution.
• Applicants must have graduated, or must be expecting to graduate, with at
least an overall B-aggregate.
• Applicants must have had no previous permanent employment in the film and
TV sector, with the exception of any work experience assignments necessary for the achievement of their qualification.
Would-be applicants must apply directly to M-Net before 11 December 2015 should
they wish to participate in the 2016 Magic in Motion Academy.
For more information about the academy, its entry requirements and its objectives,
visit the M-Net Magic in Motion website.
