SCREEN AFRICA EXCLUSIVE: On the fourth and final day of the Durban FilmMart, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) presented a workshop on its emerging black filmmaker’s incentive. A full room enjoyed what was deemed an inspiring discussion. A call for applications is currently open and the panel clearly explained how emerging filmmakers can reap from it.
The DTI’s deputy director general Malebo Mabitje-Thomas explained the DTI’s suite of incentives, emphasising that the workshop was on emerging black filmmakers. With a budget of 5.2 million the incentive focuses on employing South African cast and crew, and supporting black talent in terms of production and narrative.
DTI director Nelly Molokoane talked us through a slide show that explained in detail the DTI process. “Launched in September 2014 when at the time, government was not supporting black filmmakers,’ said Molokoane, the DTI conducted workshops and then launched three programmes to support the local film industry, encourage and attract large budget films and to increase SA’s creative and technical skills base.
Molokoane spelled out the requirements to apply, which included that the holding company must have 65 per cent black SA shareholders, a BEE level three, a black producer and director, the company must have been in existence for at least six months with existing work to show. The incentive is limited to one film per production, the company must have a ten minute trail blazer or short film and the project seeking funding must be shot at least 80 per cent in SA over a minimum of two weeks.
Molokoane talked everyone through the qualifying and non-qualifying productions of which a lengthy debate ensued in the Q&A. While feature films, tele-movies, TV drama series, documentaries and animation are included. Reality shows, discussions, news, current affairs, soapies and mobile phone videos are excluded.
A member of the ATFT asked why these popular formats are excluded, especially reality? Mabitje-Thomas answered by using Big Brother as an example and said, “When we develop an incentive we need to consider what is the hardest nut to crack, these formats are easier to do, which is why we are not bringing government money for this one.’ She explained that the incentive is not to finance the industry, but to increase content where it is harder to fund. This same querrant expressed gratitude to the DTI, stating that this incentive has been a game changer in the industry.
Molokoane talked the audience through the application procedure. Claiming it has a four week turnaround. Mabitje-Thomas expressed that time is money and should a filmmaker be struggling to get a response to escalate the query to her office.
It was confirmed that the DTI is looking at various ways to assist filmmakers and they asked that anyone interested is welcome to drop them those ideas because they want feedback from emerging filmmakers.
Malebo ended by making a plea that this incentive is developmental and said that fronting is illegal. “Don’t allow yourself to be used in that way because you are undermining the development,’ she said.
For more information and to apply as an emerging filmmaker visit the DTI website or contact:
Nelly Molokoane: NMolokoane@thedti.gov.za (012) 394 1425
Malebo Mabitje: thompson@thedti.gov.za (012) 394 1058
