In the interest of acquiring new and original content for its channel, M-Net (DStv
channel 101) invites content creators and production companies to pitch ideas for an
original unscripted show, to potentially feature as part of their programming line-up in
2015. Pitching is open to the entire industry and will commence in October 2014.
M-Net director Victor Eckard says, “Since changing the landscape of South African
television in 2001 with Big Brother South Africa, the country’s first local
version of an international reality show format, M-Net has continued to raise the bar
with highly-acclaimed, first, exclusive local entertainment in HD, but now it’s game on
to find ‘the next big thing’. We can’t wait to see where this open pitch will take us.”
The selection process consists of a ten minute face-to-face pitch with M-Net’s
commissioning team in both Cape Town and Johannesburg. Participants are advised
that show ideas should have a high production value and speak to the needs of DStv
Premium viewers. This means content needs to be slick, sophisticated, unpredictable,
unique and entertaining for the entire family.
“What we definitely don’t want is anything that is dated, old-fashioned or anything
we’ve seen before. It’s M-Net, after all,” adds Eckard.
While M-Net is definitely looking for compelling new reality shows, other unscripted
genres will also be accepted.
Producers and format creators who would like to book a time for their pitch or read
through the full brief can visit the pitching web page. Concept submissions
must be sent via this online form. No hard copies will be accepted.
Once the online submission is completed, producers will be contacted by the M-Net
commissioning team to confirm a time slot for their pitch.
Contact Qama Mase via email on qama.mase@mnet.co.za for more information.
