Filmmaker's Guide to Africa 2020
A resourceful compendium for any filmmaker, whether you’re still finding your feet or you’re already on the big screen, the Filmmaker’s Guide to Africa 2020 gives an insightful view into the African continent as a premier film destination. In this gorgeous annual publication, you will find everything from exciting and exotic locations with fixers to hook you up, production and post-production houses to cater to your project’s needs, service providers and suppliers you can trust, as well as useful travel, weather and other information about shooting your next film, television series or ad campaign on the African continent.
A resourceful compendium for any filmmaker, whether you’re still finding your feet or you’re already on the big screen, the Filmmaker’s Guide to Africa 2020 gives an insightful view into the African continent as a premier film destination. In this gorgeous annual publication, you will find everything from exciting and exotic locations with fixers to hook you up, production and post-production houses to cater to your project’s needs, service providers and suppliers you can trust, as well as useful travel, weather and other information about shooting your next film, television series or ad campaign on the African continent.
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2020
www.panavision.za.com
Johannesburg +27 (0) 11 314 1748 • Cape Town +27 (0) 21 555 1780
Industry leading lighting
services for the world of film,
television, commercial and
media production.
www.panalux.biz
Cape Town, SA
+27 (0) 21 529 4200
Glasgow, UK
+44 (0) 14 1221 5175
Johannesburg, SA
+27 (0) 11 314 5700
Cardiff, UK
+44 (0) 29 2240 2600
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Paris, FR
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Manchester, UK
+44 (0) 12 0479 4000
Prague, CZ
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CONTENTS
Welcome to Africa
Africa’s Film and TV Successes
COVID-19 and Film
Incentives and Co-Productions
Locations Africa
Filmmaker’s Guide to Africa
Crew Rates
Production Companies
Showcasing Africa
Fixers Directory
Directory of Advertisers
Credits
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07
08
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62
78
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Noughts + Crosses © BBC Studios
WELCOME
TO AFRICA
Welcome to another beautiful edition of the Filmmaker’s Guide to Africa. Against all odds and we have
endeavoured to bring you the best guide to African film, television and commercials yet. COVID-19, like
so many other challenges before it, has proven that Africa truly is capable of rising above. Our resilient
filmmakers continue to find innovative solutions to keeping their businesses going despite the global
pandemic. This certainly bodes well for the international community who will soon be coming out of
their lockdown and start shooting on location again. I would particularly like to commend South Africa’s
film professionals for holding on, for continuing, and for staying safe during this difficult year. To all the
producers, agencies and filmmakers wanting to explore our wealth of a continent – welcome, Africa is
open for business!
– Lance Gibbons, Publishing Editor
Image: CARS THAT BUILT THE WORLD – History Channel, shot on location at the Lourensford Wine Estate, Western Cape
Unit Still Photography by Joe Alblas | African Photo Productions © A&ENetworks LLC 2020
FILM CAPE TOWN
Cape Town and Western Cape
is famous for our towering mountains, rolling waves,
bustling cityscapes, arid landscapes, and any other world you could possibly want to create.
Cape Town and the Western Cape have as many locations as you have ideas. Our state-of-the-art facilities
and budget-loving exchange rate will ensure you a seamless journey from script to screen. Over the past
years, the Western Cape has masqueraded as Yemen, Hong Kong, and the island of Corfu which is why we’ve
been the destination of choice for films and series such as Tomb Raider, Maze Runner: The Death Cure,
The Dark Tower, Resident Evil: The Last Chapter, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Brothers Grimsby, Eye in the Sky,
District 9, Mandela: Long Walk to Freedom, Blood Drive, Bloodshot, Rea Sea Diving Resort, Homeland S4,
The Crown S1-2, Outlander S3, Troy: Fall of a City, Black Sails S1-4 and Raised by Wolves.
The moderate climate, highly competitive rates, a skilled and well established commercial and stills industry, as well as worldclass
animation, VFX, and post-production facilities are among the many benefits of shooting in the Cape. Mandated by the City
of Cape Town and the Western Cape government to promote the region’s film and media industry, Wesgro is ideally positioned
to help you turn your ideas into reality. Find out how Wesgro can support you by visiting: www.wesgro.co.za/film, and download
our new e-book offering a look at some of the inspiring locations waiting for you.
Cape Town and the Western Cape
An inspiring place to create
For more information contact: Film and Media Promotion team
+27 (0) 21 487 8600 | film@wesgro.co.za | www.wesgro.co.za/film
www.thecallsheet.co.za
AFRICA’S CINEMATIC SUCCESS 07
THE CINEMATIC
CONTINENT
With incredible landscapes, excellent incentives and the
talent to boot, African countries are welcoming a new
wave of filmmakers and keeping familiar faces coming
back again and again. Filmmaking in Africa has come
a long way in the past few decades. Today, a number of countries are
cinematic powerhouses in their own right, hosting major productions
that debut on the global stage. From Namibia to Nigeria, these are the
countries that continue to put Africa on the filmic map.
South Africa
With its favourable exchange rates, technical expertise, diverse
locations and highly specialised talent pool, film-friendly South Africa
has long been an industry darling. Filming in the three main production
centres – Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban – is easy and costefficient
with a streamlined permitting process and excellent rebate.
Recent film projects on South African shores include the 2020
action-thriller Monster Hunter, HBO Max’s sci-fi series, Raised by
Wolves, and the sequel to Netflix’s teen rom-com, The Kissing Booth.
But it’s not all happening in South Africa – other African countries are
growing in popularity, ready and rigged up for international service.
Namibia
Namibia is one of the continent’s cinematic gems thanks to its
sprawling desert that’s been dressed up as everything from Mongolia
to Iraq. Its film sector may be small, but the country has managed to
attract blockbusters like Mad Max: Fury Road and Transformers: The Last
Knight – some of the biggest films shot on the African continent in
recent years.
Morocco
Like Namibia, Morocco is regularly listed as one of the top spots for
desert settings, and its 20% international rebate gives it a leg up on the
competition. The colourful country provides international filmmakers
with the opportunity to work with extremely professional production
companies at competitive rates. With incentives like these, it’s no
surprise that Disney’s Aladdin, John Wick: Chapter 3 and Men in Black
International recently filmed in Morocco.
Morocco © Philipp Klausner via Unsplash
Mauritius
Mauritius’s equally attractive film rebate scheme has seen the beautiful
island nation off Africa’s eastern coast welcome an upswing in
international productions. Already a popular Bollywood location (the
supernatural Hindi-language horror, Ezra, is set for release this year),
Mauritius recently hosted its first Hollywood production, the 2019
thriller, Serenity.
East Africa
East Africa is no stranger to big-budget blockbusters, either. From Out
of Africa to The Constant Gardener, Kenya has seen its fair share of big
productions over the past few decades. Next door in Uganda, The Last
King of Scotland and Disney’s 2016 biographical drama, Queen of Katwe,
were filmed on location.
Nigeria
Affectionately dubbed “Nollywood”, Nigeria’s homegrown film industry,
which produces over 1000 films a year, eclipses Hollywood and is
second only to India’s Bollywood. Nigeria is the epicentre of African
filmmaking, generating hundreds of millions of dollars each year and
employing more than one-million people.
The world is finally taking notice of the filmic powerhouse – the
2018 Nollywood drama, Lionheart, was acquired by Netflix, making it
the first Netflix original film produced in Nigeria.
08 COVID-19 AND FILM www.thecallsheet.co.za
The African Photo Productions team observing the COVID-19 protocols at Flash Studios during the production of the FMG 2020 cover image.
EMBRACING THE
POST-PANDEMIC NORM
At the end of 2019, the world as we knew it changed
irrevocably, with the novel coronavirus – better known as
COVID-19 – crippling the world’s economy and locking us
all indoors in one fell swoop. The first to fall victim were
the film festivals and awards ceremonies, followed by the cinemas and
the premieres. Then the film sets, the freelancers, and finally the TV
content producers. Now, almost six months later at the time of writing,
various nations are in the process of placing safety protocols in place,
cautiously coming out of lockdowns and braving the outside world. But
things will never be the same again.
South Africa and COVID-19
Although South Africa’s film industry took a hit with the national
lockdown announced in late March, the government’s pre-emptive
measures were sagacious. Not only has the country had one of the
lowest rates of infection globally, but the South African film industry
began working again in early May 2020 under strict health and safety
regulations known as Level 4 COVID-19 Restrictions. Many production
companies have continued to serve internationals from afar, doing
pre-production work, considering minimalistic shoots that require little
to no travel, and using the latest technology to keep clients impressed
and coming back for more.
USEFUL INFO
The full details of the two COVID-19 protocols can be found on
the respective websites (www.cpasa.tv or www.sasafed.org).
Please note that although every effort has been made to ensure
that all information is accurate, every producer and/or set member
is responsible for ensuring that their production is compliant with
the various COVID-19 regulations. They should also obtain their
own legal advice to ensure total compliance.
TM
www.thecallsheet.co.za
COVID-19 AND FILM 09
“
The first to fall victim were
the film festivals and awards
ceremonies, followed by the
cinemas and the premieres.
“
Health and Safety Protocols
The South African government has worked with key industry
organisations to form the film protocols that will govern productions
during, and potentially after, the pandemic. The Commercial Producers
Association’s New Rulebook Guidelines for Commercial Film Production
in South Africa was launched on 4 May 2020, while the South African
Screen Federation – made up of eight member organisations – released
the Screen Sector Workplace Protocols in Respect of COVID-19 just one
day later.
These regulations cover general hygiene practices such as having
compliance officers, sanitising stations, wearing of face masks and
practicing social distancing, as well as having a maximum of 50 people
on set, inclusive of cast members – with no more than 25 production
personnel on the shooting floor at any one time during Level 4
Restrictions. Once they move to Level 3, the maximum number of cast
and crew on set will be raised to 75, followed by 100 at Level 2 and
Level 1 being unrestricted.
AFRICA AND COVID-19
At the time of publishing, most countries in Africa had not yet
opened their borders for film shoots amidst the global pandemic.
International travel to most countries including South Africa,
Morocco and Kenya is still banned until further notice. Mauritius,
although it recently announced that it was successfully fighting
the virus, has still not resumed travel completely.
“Είναι Ελληνικά για μένα.”
IT’S NOT GREEK TO US.
TRANSLATIONS • TRANSCRIPTIONS • VOICE-OVERS
INTERPRETING • SUBTITLING • LOCALISATION & SEO
PROOFREADING • EDITING • COPYWRITING
CONTACT US
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projects@foliotranslations.com
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@Folio_Online
facebook.com/folioonline
10 INCENTIVES AND CO-PRODUCTIONS www.thecallsheet.co.za
Image Jakob Owens via Unsplash
INCENTIVES
AND CO-PRODUCTIONS
The continent of Africa has many countries, and each has
its own way of dealing with film productions. A select few,
have over the last few decades, realised the importance of
the entertainment industry and have facilitated international
and local productions through special incentives and rebates. Most
recently, Morocco has begun offering a 20% VAT reduction on goods
and services bought in country, while Royal Air Maroc, the national
carrier, sometimes offering up flight discounts.
South Africa’s Incentive Programme
Together with its world-class infrastructure, incredible locations
and top-notch crew, South Africa also has a South African Film and
Television Production and Post-Production Incentive, and a Foreign
Film and Television Production and Post-Production Incentive.
The programme is run by the Department of Trade and Industry
(the dti), with the Foreign Incentive providing a rebate of up to 25%
of the Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) to a
maximum of R50 million per project. The Post-Production incentive
offers a rebate of up to 20% of the Qualifying South African Post-
Production Expenditure (QSAPPE) of at least R1.5 million. An additional
2.5% of QSAPPE is offered when R10 million or more of the post
budget is spent in SA.
In 2018, the dti updated the incentive programme, stating that
productions should procure a minimum of 20% of qualifying goods
and services from entities that are 51% black-owned by South African
citizens, excluding cast, extras, producers, directors and writers.
Applications should be submitted no earlier than 45 calendar days
prior to principal photography. A CIPC Registration Certificate, a
BEE Certificate/BEE Affidavit, a Shareholders Certificate/Audit
Confirmation Letter and invoices and/or contracts from Black Suppliers
must be provided at claim stage.
South African producer fees, limited to two working producers
and inclusive of all travel, accommodation and living expenses, are
excluded from QSAPE if they exceed less than 10% of the total of
the company’s TPE on the film production, or R1 million in total.
An additional incentive of 5% QSAPE is provided for productions
conducting post-production in SA and using the services of a blackowned
service company.
Co-Production Treaties
Thanks to South Africa’s rapid growth in facilitating new productions,
the country has co-production treaties with several countries – as
ARE YOU ELIGIBLE FOR SA’S
FOREIGN FILM INCENTIVE?
• Your QSAPE should be at least R15 million for shooting on
location in South Africa
• Your QSAPE should be at least R12 million for Level 1
Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE)
contributor status service companies when on location in SA
• QSAPPE should be at least R1.5 million for conducting postproduction
activities in SA
www.thecallsheet.co.za
INCENTIVES AND CO-PRODUCTIONS 11
well as a Film and Television Co-Production Incentive, which is a
sub-programme of the rebate scheme. It is available to official treaty
co-productions with a QSAPE of at least R2.5 million, while the QSAPE
for documentaries should be at least R500 000.
The incentive provides a rebate of up to 35% of QSAPE and an
additional 5% is offered to productions hiring at least 20% Black
South Africa citizens as heads of departments and procuring at least
30% of the QSAPE from 51% black-owned entities which have been
in operation for at least 12 months. This incentive is capped at R50
million per qualifying project and include feature films, animations,
tele-movies, TV dramas and miniseries, documentaries and docu-series,
and digital content. More information can be found on www.thedti.gov.
za or please call +27 (0)86 184 3384.
Mauritius’ Attractive Rebates
Mauritius has continued to make waves (quite literally) in the film
scene with its attractive film rebates for both locals and international
filmmakers. The rebate, which was launched in 2016, provides between
30-40% on Qualifying Production Expenditure incurred in Mauritius.
It is available to production companies registered in Mauritius, as well
as those with 100% foreign ownership. Notably, it applies to a wide
variety of projects from feature films to television dramas, and from
documentaries to commercials.
The Board of Investment facilitates all shooting permits and
licenses, and applications should be made no later than one month
before principal photography. For more information, visit
www.filminmauritius.com, while more on Morocco’s rebates can be
found with the Marrakech Film Commission on www.m-f-c.org.
R
QSAPE cap:
R50 m
R
QSAPPE of
R10 m
R
QSAPPE of
R15 m
R
FOREIGN PRODUCTION
INCENTIVE 25% OF QSAPE
FOREIGN POST PRODUCTION
INCENTIVE 22.5% OF QSAPPE
FOREIGN POST PRODUCTION
INCENTIVE 25% OF QSAPPE
SA PRODUCTION & CO-PRODUCTION
Image Jakob Owens via Unsplash
QSAPE cap
R50 m
CO-PRODUCTION TREATIES
INCENTIVE 40% OF QSAPE
FOR HIRING 30% BLACK-
OWNED ENTITIES.
South Africa has ten official co-production treaties:
• Canada (1997)
• Italy (2003)
• Germany (2004)
• United Kingdom (2007)
• France (2010)
• Australia (2010)
• New Zealand (2011)
• Ireland (2012)
• The Netherlands (2015)
• Brazil (2018)
PRODUCTION PROTECTION
Personalised Film Producers’ Indemnity Insurance Cover
Film & entertainment productions are never plain sailing. With millions on the line,
anything that delays production can spell overnight financial ruin. Don’t let anything steal
your success. Get covered with established insurance brokers. CC&A Insurance Brokers
offer insurance packages tailored to your production needs.
KZN | info@ccainsurance.co.za | 031 716 6000 | 1 Old Main Road, Kloof, Durban 3610 | JHB | 011 463 0058
CC&A INSURANCE BROKERS IS AN AUTHORISED FINANCIAL SERVICES PROVIDER COMPANY Est. 1969
Registration Number 1971/000253/07 | FSP Number: 13960
“
From seeing hunky leading man Ryan Reynolds out and about
at local bars in the City Centre, to catching a glimpse of Leo or
even Nic Cage trying to hide from curious reporters, we have
our little slice of Hollywood magic happening right here under
Table Mountain.
“
14
16
18
20
22
23
Cape Town International Convention Centre
Durban Film Office
Wesgro Regional Showcase
Cape Town
Cape West Coast
Cape Overberg
LOCATIONS
AFRICA
Cape Karoo
Cape Winelands
Garden Route and Klein Karoo
Amazing Spaces
Mountain Marina
24
25
26
28
29
Image: JIM BUTTON & THE WILD THIRTEEN, shot on location off the Atlantic Seaboard in Cape Town
Unit Still Photography by Joe Alblas | African Photo Productions © Warner Bros. Pictures 2020
14 LOCATIONS A -Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
www.thecallsheet.co.za
LOCATIONS A -Z 15
CAPE TOWN INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION CENTRE (CTICC)
Location, location, location… The Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) is well known for hosting successful conferences and
exhibitions, but what you might not know is that the CTICC is also a movie star. Featuring in international and local movies, adverts and series
as airports, train stations, offices, hotels and restaurants, anything is possible. Think big, the CTICC a blank canvas from which to build the
perfect set or areas you could use as a base for your scene. The glass-like structure encompasses 21 000 m² column-free space, subdivisible
exhibition halls, and floors which can take loads of up to 3 tonnes per m². Some fan favourite venues include the top level of the parking lot,
various escalators, open spaces, reception areas and art installations, all with easy access to the marshalling yard allowing for making set-up and
break-down a breeze. With all this available space, it is no surprise that the centre is making waves in the film industry, you bring the vision, we
will connect you to the scene.
CONTACT DETAILS:
CTICC 1: Convention Square, 1 Lower Long Street, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa
CTICC 2: Corner of Heerengracht and Rua Bartholomeu Dias,
Foreshore, Cape Town 8001, South Africa t: +27 21 410 5000 e: sales@cticc.co.za twitter:@CTICC_Official facebook: facebook.com/CTICC
instagram: @official_cticc linked in: cape town international convention centre cticc.co.za/venues
16 DURBAN FILM OFFICE www.thecallsheet.co.za
Anton Lembede Road © King Khay Pictures Dr Goonam Street
Juma Musjid Mosque
www.thecallsheet.co.za
DURBAN FILM OFFICE 17
Saldanha Bay
Muthi Market
Botha Hills
Kranskloof Nature Reserve
DURBAN FILM OFFICE
The city of Durban has found its shape in traces of India, Indonesia, Brazil, Zanzibar and Europe. Our colourful history is reflected in the
profusion of Cape-Dutch, Indian, Victorian, Edwardian, Tudor, French Provincial, Neo-Gothic styles and Art Deco architecture. The landscape
from the coast to the country is a gentle transformation from palm trees, beach cafés, steel and glass cities, to rolling hills, meandering
countryside and dramatic mountain passes. The region presents miles of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, blue water lagoons, and a myriad of rivers,
lakes and exotic promenades.
CONTACT DETAILS:
Durban Film office
41 Margaret Mncadi Avenue, 11 th Floor Rennies House, Durban, 4000
t: +27 (0) 31 311 4243 e: filmdurban@durban.gov.za www.durbanfilmoffice.com
18 WESGRO www.thecallsheet.co.za
WESTERN CAPE:
A RESILIENT DESTINATION
The Western Cape comprises of six regions: Cape Town,
Cape Winelands, Cape West Coast, Cape Karoo, Cape
Overberg, and the Garden Route and Klein Karoo, and all
six are home to unique landscapes, architectural styles and
opportunities for film, TV, commercial and stills production.
Cape Town
This dynamic city is a world-renowned destination that brings
millions of business and leisure travellers to its shores. A wellestablished
film production and service locale, Cape Town is home to
a plethora of service production companies, crew,
cast, and every manner of supplier to the film industry. The
city is characterised by its beaches, mountains, cityscapes, townships
and adaptable infrastructure. One need only
glance at the city’s register of available locations to be inspired by
the creative possibilities. The ongoing drought has only strengthened
the city’s resilience, and by effective community engagement and
a change in daily habits, Cape Town remains steadfastly open for
business.
Cape Town is also home to the first world-class (custom built,
high-tech) Hollywood style film complex in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Film Cape Town was launched in 2018 and offers filmmakers a
wide range of information on bringing productions to the city. More
info at: film.investcapetown.com
Cape Winelands
Verdant valleys and palatial wine farms dot the region, which has
well-developed infrastructure and is easily accessible from the
city. Stellenbosch is a mere 20 minutes’ drive from the CBD, and
the charming town of Franschhoek is only a stone’s throw further.
Cape Town
The Tsitsikamma National Park © CYCKING
Cape Winelands
Garden Route and Klein Karoo
Film Ad – Call Sheet A4.indd 1
2016/09/12 12:29 PM
Comprising Swartland, Makzikama, Saldanha, Bergrivier, and the Cederberg, KEY INFORMATION
the Cape West Coast region is an emerging location for filming. Filmmakers Municipal properties will require a permit available at the local
are spoilt for choice, as the region contains wild flowers, quaint seaside town council. Rates are dependent on the size of the crew and
towns, wine farms and cellars, culture and heritage attractions, such as the duration of the shoot. For road closures the traffic department
West Coast National Park and the Fossil Park. The Cederburg and Makzikama needs to be involved. Filming in nature reserves and on beaches
mountain ranges feature ancient rock paintings, while the windiest sections requires an ECO guide and environmental impact study with your
of beaches are ideal for shoots that feature adventure sports, such as kite application. When filming on private property or in an estate,
surfing and paragliding. The vast, unspoilt beaches and charming wine and you will need landowners’ permission and permission from the
olive routes provide a unique canvas for filmmakers.
governing body.
Disclaimer: Filming policies do change. Please check with your unit manager, and stay in regular contact with your local production company.
Large beautiful white sands close to the city, make Camps Bay beach one of the Bigger shoots are normally only allowed on the Glen Beach side of Camps
most popular for both filming and tourism. It can look tropical and calm but, can Bay beach – towards the rocks – while smaller shoots can be be done in other
also be home to big surf. Its proximity to Cape Town, as well as its size, light, and areas. Base camp is normally arranged at a private sports club in the area.
beauty, make it one of the most photographed and filmed beaches in Cape Town. The busiest time of year is 15 December - 15 January, and there are some
There are many other beaches in close proximity, and the province is renowned restrictions for bigger beach shoots as it’s a peak tourism period. Please check
for it’s vast coastline.
the website for updates regarding seasonal closures. There are, however, many
other beaches that are available for filming during the peak tourist season.
KEY INFORMATION
The size and nature of the shoot will dictate where the shoot will be allowed.
Disclaimer: Filming policies do change. Please check with your unit manager, and stay in regular contact with your local production company.
Comprising Beaufort West, Laingsburg, Leeu-Gamka, Matjiesfontein,
Merweville, Murraysburg, Prince Albert and Seekoegat, the Cape Karoo
offers sweeping landscapes and charming architecture. The Swartberg Pass,
a World Heritage Site, is said to be one of the most scenic mountain passes
in the world. It is untarred, flanked by hand-packed stone walls and leads to
a summit 1 583m above sea level. The 75 000 hectare Karoo National Park
lies within Beaufort West, adjacent to the N1.
KEY INFORMATION
The relevant application forms can be sourced at the local municipal
office in each municipality.
Disclaimer: Filming policies do change. Please check with your unit manager, and stay in regular contact with your local production company.
Home to the longest wine route in the world, the Cape Winelands attract KEY INFORMATION
tourists, business travellers and filmmakers alike. Numerous studios are Filmmakers must complete the events application form and submit it in
located in the Cape Winelands, but explore the surrounds and you’ll find person or electronically. Indicate whether road closure is required/ traffic
natural and built locations to whet the appetite of any locations manager. assistance. Regarding municipal open space and parks, an application
The Cape Winelands comprise the Stellenbosch, Drakenstein, Witzenberg, must be made to the Community Services Department. The relevant
Breedevallei and Langeberg municipalities. The region is one of the most municipality will coordinate this process to ensure one point of entry.
scenic and beautiful wine regions in the world, and features Cape Dutch
buildings, world class golf courses, and unsurpassed scenery.
Disclaimer: Filming policies do change. Please check with your unit manager, and stay in regular contact with your local production company.
The Cape Overberg stretches from the Hottentots-Holland mountains in KEY INFORMATION
the west, to Swellendam in the east. In the north it reaches as far as the Municipal properties will require a permit available at the local town
Riviersonderend Mountains. One of the most scenic drives in the world, council. Rates are dependent on the size of the crew and duration of the
Clarence drive or locally known as the R44, is a popular setting for especially shoot. For road closures the traffic department needs to be involved.
vehicle commercials. The same goes for the gravel roads through the forests Filming in nature reserves and on beaches requires an ECO guide and
in Elgin Valley Grabouw.
environmental impact study with your application. When filming on
In Gansbaai the presence of wildlife and documentary film crews are almost private property or in an estate, you will need landowners’ permission
constant as it is the home of the great white shark.
and permission from the governing body.
There are a few hot spots in the Overberg that host regular film shoots
and still plenty of hidden gems to be explored. Hermanus, Pringle Bay,
Kleinmond, Gansbaai, Elgin and Botriver are amongst the most popular. As
is picture-perfect Arniston.
Disclaimer: Filming policies do change. Please check with your unit manager, and stay in regular contact with your local production company.
www.thecallsheet.co.za
WESGRO 19
Cape Agulhas Lighthouse © Christopher Griner
Saldanha Bay
Cape West Coast
Cape Overberg
Filmmakers and location scouts have long been captivated by the Cape
Winelands and its stunning scenery, which is only heightened by the
fact that the Winelands can double for similar-looking locations around
the world.
Cape West Coast
The beauty of the Cape West Coast is in its contrasts. On one hand,
it is a dramatic and imposing region, characterised by rustic farm
cottages, glorious coastlines and infrastructure battered by salty air,
wind and rain; on the other hand, it is imbued with charm, with pristine
beaches, fantastic sunsets and magnificent vistas galore. One has to
see the Cape West Coast to believe it.
Cape Overberg
A hidden gem comprising of rolling hills, mountain ranges, rivers and
an abundance of flora and fauna, the Cape Overberg is a region on the
rise. From Cape Agulhas to Swellendam, and Theewaterskloof to the
Overstrand, there are a wealth of options to explore, and there’s no
better way to discover the region than an old-fashioned film recce.
Cape Karoo
If sweeping, arid landscapes dotted with farming towns, and more
than a sprinkle of quirky attractions pique your interest, then the Cape
Karoo is worth a look. The heat can be intense in the summer, and the
winters can be icy, but this makes for a landscape that is undeniably
unique. Luckily, the elements have been kinder in many parts of the
Cape Karoo, where one will find amiable small towns and rustic scenes
that are sure to inspire.
Garden Route and Klein Karoo
In recent years, the Garden Route and Klein Karoo was utilised
predominantly by tourists, who flocked to see the breathtaking
Knysna Heads, the sea-scoured cliffs of Mossel Bay, the lush forests
of the Wilderness and every town in between. While the area is still
incredibly popular with the leisure crowd, filmmakers are increasingly
travelling to the region for the purposes of production. Municipalities
are working hard to make the Garden Route and Klein Karoo even more
film friendly through its formulated film office.
(www.grkk-filmoffice.co.za).
Cape Karoo
CREATIVE LOCATIONS
CAPE WEST COAST
CREATIVE
LOCATIONS
CAPE TOWN
AND THE
WESTERN
CAPE
Flickr © Heribert Bechen
Flickr © SA Tourism Flickr © Abspires40
CREATIVE LOCATIONS
CAMPS BAY BEACH
CREATIVE LOCATIONS
CAPE KAROO
CREATIVE LOCATIONS
CAPE WINELANDS
CREATIVE LOCATIONS
CAPE OVERBERG
Visit www.wesgro.co.za/film to download the Creative Locations
ebook. Contact: +27 21 487 8600 | Email: film@wesgro.co.za |
www.locationmanual.com
Flickr © John Hickey-Fry Flickr © HelenSTB
Flickr © Warrenski Flickr © SA Tourism
Flickr © SA Tourism Flickr © SA Tourism
20 LOCATIONS A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
CAPE TOWN
Image by JaredPaisley © WesGro
www.thecallsheet.co.za
LOCATIONS A-Z 21
CONTACT DETAILS
Wesgro – Film and Media Promotion
t: +27 (0) 21 487 8600 e: film@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za/film | www.locationmanual.com | film.investcapetown.com
22 LOCATIONS A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
CAPE WEST COAST
Koringberg Bay Boats
© SA Tourism
CONTACT DETAILS
Wesgro – Cape Town and Western Cape Film and Media Promotion
t: +27 (0) 21 487 4868 e: film@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za/film | www.locationmanual.com | film.investcapetown.com
www.thecallsheet.co.za
LOCATIONS A-Z 23
CAPE OVERBERG
Overberg Canola Field, South Africa © SA Tourism
Harold Porter Botanical Gardens © SA Tourism
Struisbaai,Western Cape © Christopher Griner
CONTACT DETAILS
Wesgro – Cape Town and Western Cape Film and Media Promotion
t: +27 (0) 21 487 4868 e: film@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za/film | www.locationmanual.com | film.investcapetown.com
24 LOCATIONS A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
CAPE KAROO
Heartland
CONTACT DETAILS
Wesgro – Film and Media Promotion
t: +27 (0) 21 487 8600 e: film@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za/film | www.locationmanual.com | film.investcapetown.com
www.thecallsheet.co.za
LOCATIONS A-Z 25
CAPE WINELANDS
Vineyards © John Hickey-Fry Babylonstoren, Paarl, Western Cape © HelenSTB
CONTACT DETAILS
Wesgro – Film and Media Promotion
t: +27 (0) 21 487 8600 e: film@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za/film | www.locationmanual.com | film.investcapetown.com
26 LOCATIONS A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
GARDEN ROUTE
AND KLEIN KAROO
Knysna
© Michael Mayer
CONTACT DETAILS
Wesgro – Film and Media Promotion
t: +27 (0) 21 487 8600 e: film@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za/film | www.locationmanual.com | film.investcapetown.com
www.thecallsheet.co.za
LOCATIONS A-Z 27
CREATIVE
LOCATIONS
Wesgro’s Film and Media Promotion unit is
ready and able to support and assist local and
international filmmakers find the best location for
their next production via virtual consultations.
Not only does their Creative Locations Guide offer succinct yet
detailed information on the diversity of locations that Cape Town
and the Western Cape has to offer, but it also provides updated
information on who to contact for permits, red tape surrounding
certain locations, documentation needed for various shoots, and
film bodies working within the various districts. The Creative
Locations guide can be downloaded from Wesgro’s website:
www.wesgro.co.za/film/locations
The Location Manual website (www.locationmanual.com)
is a regularly-updated source of information for location
scouts, location managers, and even producers searching for
specific looks within the Western Cape. This website provides
information on film hotspots, contact details for national and
provincial authorities, local municipalities, private entities and
more. It also has a listing of locations professionals working in
the industry.
Wesgro – Film and Media Promotion
t: +27 (0) 21 487 8600 | e: film@wesgro.co.za
www.wesgro.co.za/film | www.locationmanual.com
28 LOCATIONS A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
Amazing Spaces
Luxury spaces. Traditional spaces. Cozy spaces. Rambling spaces. Contemporary spaces. Sea-facing spaces. Wooden spaces. Quiet spaces.
Commercial spaces. Family spaces. Cape Town and Johannesburg spaces. Outdoor spaces. High-rise spaces. Crowded spaces. Rural spaces.
Hard-to-find spaces. For shoots or accommodation… Amazing Spaces.
CONTACT DETAILS
t: +27 21 761 3445 / +27 82 828 5580 e: shoot@amazingspaces.co.za www.amazingspaces.co.za
www.thecallsheet.co.za
LOCATIONS A-Z 29
Dawn 777
Inyoni Surf
Everest
Images courtesy by Linda Smal Photography
Sangria
Jacob’s Ladder
YOUR LOCATION AGENCY & THE NEW NORMAL WITH COVID-19
Location Gallery is a team with years of experience in the production, property and photographic sectors. We represent a collection of locations
for the Stills & Film industry such as beach houses, modern & classic homes, those with rustic & eclectic elements as well as commercial venues.
Our enthusiasm for this dynamic industry allows us to assist property owners and production clients in all ways possible to make their shoots
successful, including the new normal for some productions with a remote shooting process while streamlining all shoots to include the
COVID-19 protocols.
CONTACT DETAILS
140 Waterkant Street, Green Point, 8005, Cape Town, South Africa
t: +27 (0)21 418 1714 e: info@locationgallery.co.za www.locationgallery.co.za
30 LOCATIONS A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
LUXURY HOTEL APARTMENTS
MOUNTAIN MARINA
Unrivalled comfort and elegance on the water’s edge, offering a world-class location with Table Mountain as a majestic backdrop. Mountain
Marina is a collection of one, two and three-bedroom apartments, with the penthouses as the premier units. The apartments are fully serviced
and equipped to the highest standard. Each apartment comprises modern, air-conditioned, spacious en-suite bedrooms with separate lounge and
dining areas. Here in the heart of Cape Town, you can enjoy the luxury of your own spacious residence that not only guarantees peace and quiet,
but also complete privacy and independence.
CONTACT DETAILS
t: +27 21 421 3070 f: +27 86 613 5208 e: info@mountainmarina.co.za www.mountainmarina.com
CUT THROUGH THE NOISE.
MAKE YOUR
VOICE HEARD.
Get in touch with us to find out how you can maximise
your reach and connect with new clients through our
20 000+ digital network. Contact Jennifer Dianez on
jennifer@filmeventmedia.co.za or call +27 72 279 9931
and we will tailor a digital campaign specific to your needs.
Follow us on @TheCallsheetSA, @TheCallsheetSA
and @thecallsheetafrica, or visit our website on
www.thecallsheet.co.za for the latest film industry updates.
Image by Ian Dooley via Unsplash
“
After
producing a film in SA
in 2017, I fell in love with the
country and making movies
there. When the opportunity
came up with Redeeming Love,
it was a no-brainer to bring the
project to South Africa and
partner with Vlokkie Gordon,
CJ Jones and Advantage
Entertainment – surrounding the
film with incredible locations and
incredible crew.
“
- Brittany Yost, Producer on Redeeming Love (PureFlix)
34
36
38
39
41
42
44
45
46
Commercial Services
SA’s Film and TV Service
The Rise of Reality TV
Unit Stills Overview
African Photo Productions
Animation
Post Production
Refinery
Studios
FILMMAKER’S
GUIDE TO
AFRICA
Atlantic Studios
Atlas Studios
Island Studios
Specialist Services
Film Finances
Cellular Dynamics
Wrap Zero
Gear
Crew
48
49
50
51
51
52
53
54
55
Image: Bloodshot © Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Unit Still Photography by Graham Bartholomew
34 COMMERCIAL SERVICES www.thecallsheet.co.za
Mercedes-Benz S-Class ‘Return to Chapman’s Peak’ by Net#work BBDO won a Bronze Lion in 2019.
7 Films, Ludus Post Productions and Audio Militia provided production services.
Juice Film had a successful remote test shoot recently and plans a more
extensive one to help then assess how to best serve clients from afar.
COMMERCIAL SERVICE
IN THE AGE OF COVID-19
Following several years of consistent growth and award-winning
projects, South Africa’s commercial service companies are
gearing up for their biggest challenge yet.
Open for business and ready to work: that’s the attitude
South Africa’s commercial service companies have adopted in the face
of the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s not a decision that’s been taken lightly,
but the industry is determined to keep its production doors open and
prepare itself for the future of commercial service. How this future will
look remains to be seen.
Bobby Amm, head of the Commercial Producers Association
(CPASA), says the industry has been hugely impacted by the COVID-19
pandemic and the resulting lockdowns and worldwide travel bans.
“Every company and individual in the industry is affected by this,” he
says. “Social distancing makes shooting very difficult, as do restrictions
on the number of people permitted on set. We have seen a loss of over
R300-million in work that has either been cancelled or postponed.”
It’s a hard knock, but Amm says the industry is up to the challenge
of staying on its feet. “Right now companies are doing all they can
to stay afloat,” she explains. And, although this has been a difficult
period for businesses worldwide, the commercial industry has a silver
lining. The outbreak of the pandemic occurred towards the end of
South Africa’s commercial service season. The CPASA has started a
COVID-19 fund to benefit industry freelancers with contributions from
its members, and on 4 May 2020, business was resumed under Level 4
Restrictions with strict film protocols (see page 8).
Award-winning commercial production company 7 Films is still
going strong, using this opportunity to relaunch their website; Juice
Film is researching and testing innovative systems and solutions to
enable safe shooting in the future; Groundglass is hard at work on
upcoming productions; and Gatehouse Commercials is finding remote
solutions for footage transmission and approval to ready itself for next
season. No production company is wasting this precious time.
www.thecallsheet.co.za
COMMERCIAL SERVICES 35
South African Tourism’s latest campaign was done by The Rudeboy Collective
A successful remote directing and streaming test shoot between LA, Miami,
Texas and SA © AFS Productions
JOIN THE PACT!
The Creative Industry Pact for Sustainable Action (The Pact) is an
aspirational agreement to inspire all organisations and companies
in the creative industries, however large or small, and wherever
they may be around the globe, to work towards a more sustainable
future. Visit creativeindustriespact.com/mpipact for more info or to
take the pledge.
Allan Gray’s Fathers Share from Peter Pohorsky of Plank Films won Silver...
Award-winning work on
South African shores
The pandemic’s effects have been far-reaching, also forcing awards
season to take a backseat. The 2020 Cannes Lions – the universal
benchmark of creative excellence – may have been cancelled, but
South Africa didn’t miss its opportunity to shine at the 2019 awards
hosted in Venice.
Among several shortlisted entries and awards, South Africa
brought home one Gold Campaign, two Silver Campaign and one
Bronze Campaign Lions in the Radio and Audio category, and two
Bronze awards in Entertainment Campaigns for Mercedes-Benz and
Edgars – collaborations with 7 Films and Giant Films respectively.
Allan Gray’s heartwarming TV commercial, Father’s Share, directed by
Peter Pohorsky of Plank Films, won Silver and Bronze Lions in the
Film category.
Unmatched Resilience
Every week, directors and producers are proving that COVID-19 hasn’t
curbed creativity; in fact, it’s the opposite. New campaigns include a
30-second mini-film for Toyota South Africa, produced by Your Girlfriend,
urging the country’s drivers to stay at home during the nationwide
lockdown. SA Tourism’s inspirational campaign, produced by The Rudeboy
Collective, implores South Africans to “travel later”, and local production
house Figment Films has collaborated on a brand film for SportsHosts, an
online platform operating in New York and San Francisco.
If there’s anything the current climate proves, it’s that the wins can
(and will) keep coming for a country that refuses to quit in the face of
adversity. As always, the professional crews, state-of-the-art equipment
and hands-on support services that have made South Africa such a
sought-after location are still available at the cost-effective rates that
bring international clients back time and time again.
KAYOS CASTING
DIRECTORS
At Kayos we focus on doing what we do best
- CASTING! That’s why our service will help
you breathe easy and let you focus on doing
what you do best. Our renowned teamwork,
systems and technology, combined with
trusted industry relationships, guarantees a
product which makes everyone look good.
We cast in Cape Town and Joburg!
Hills Building, Buchanan Square, 160 Sir
Lowry Rd, Woodstock Cape Town, 7925
t: +27 21 462 6353 / +27 84 4571341
e: monique@kayos.co.za
w: www.kayos.co.za
36 SA’S FILM AND TV SERVICE www.thecallsheet.co.za
Monster Hunter starring Milla Jovovich, Tony Jaa, T.I., Ron Perlman, Meagan Good, and Diego Boneta is set to release 4 Sept 2020. Image by Coco van Oppens © Sony Pictures 2020
SA’S FILM AND TV SERVICE
LEAPS AHEAD
As more and more big-budget international productions
touch down in film-friendly South Africa, the local film
industry is also quietly gaining momentum.
With a winning blend of world-class production
support and expertise, unmatched natural diversity, a favourable
exchange rate and an English-speaking cast and crew who have
collaborated with filmmakers from around the world, South Africa
has certainly earned its reputation as an industry heavy hitter.
While film and TV service worldwide has been significantly
slowed by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the outbreak
occurred towards the end of South Africa’s film service season.
Local film professionals are using this period for pre-production
and innovation from a distance, encouraged by several months of
successful projects with even more in the pipeline.
Big-budget wins on SA shores
Film Afrika has long been linked to huge international productions
like the long-running Starz series Black Sails. Most recently, the
company serviced British drama series The Widow, which was
released on Amazon Prime in March 2019, and the upcoming
science-fiction series Raised by Wolves, set to premiere on
HBO Max.
On Moonlighting Films’ high-profile checklist is the second
season of HBO/Cinemax’s Warrior, the 2020 action-thriller Monster
Hunter, and Bloodshot – a comic book blockbuster released earlier
this year. The action-comedy Bulletproof 2 and the sequel to
2017’s Escape Room, slated for release in December 2020, both
recently wrapped filming in Cape Town.
Critically-acclaimed series Strike Back, whose first season
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SA’S FILM AND TV SERVICE 37
The Watch © BBC America
Bloodshot © Sony Pictures Entertainment Inc. Unit Still Photography by Graham Bartholomew
Moffie - Jamie D Ramsay atop The Buffel filled with troops. Photo by
Daniel Rutland Manners © Portobello Productions
Moffie - Cinematographer Jamie D Ramsay. Photo by
Daniel Rutland Manners © Portobello Productions
began filming in South Africa more than a decade ago, aired its
final episode in April 2020, marking the end of an era for Out of
Africa Entertainment. The company, no stranger to international
productions, also worked on the 2019 Netflix film, The Red Sea
Diving Resort, and The Empty Man, a supernatural horror set for
release this August. Even reality TV had its moment, with the
incredibly popular British dating series, Love Island, heading to Cape
Town’s shores for its first-ever winter series set in an opulent Cape
Winelands villa.
The first season of BBC One’s Noughts + Crosses, which aired
its final episode in April 2020, perfectly showcased South Africa’s
versatility when Cape Town was transformed into the fictional Albion
colony. The city starred again in the 2019 miniseries Good Omens –
a co-production between Amazon Studios and BBC Studios based
on the novel of the same name by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman –
and another Terry Pratchett adaptation, BBC Studios’ The Watch.
Local talent shines bright
Streaming giants Netflix and Showmax have ushered in an exciting
wave of original local series. After its successes with big-budget
productions like The Girl from St Agnes, several more Showmax
original series are in the works, including the scripted comedy Woke
in Progress currently shooting in Johannesburg.
The crime-drama Queen Sono, a joint venture between Diprente and
Netflix, marked the major streaming service’s first script-to-screen
original African series. Production for its second season has been
greenlit, while Netflix’s second African Original, Blood and Water, has
been very well received locally since its online premier in May. Helmed
by award-winning Nosipho Dumisa of Gambit Films, the series was in
SA’s top ten most watched list upon release.
South African talent is also having its moment on an international
stage. Two key episodes of The Professionals, Africa’s biggest coproduction
to date, will be directed by Thabang Moleya, and local film
Losing Lerato won its cast six awards at the 2020 Idyllwild International
Festival of Cinema in California.
Actor Bonnie Mbuli nabbed roles in Syfy series Vagrant Queen and
BBC’s Noughts + Crosses, with 24-year-old newcomer Masali Baduza
starring as leading lady in the latter. Actor Greg Kriek, who has more
than 50 international film credits to his name, will star in feature film
Rogue – a partnership between MultiChoice Group’s M-Net,
Capstone and Mannequin Pictures – alongside another local actor,
Sisanda Henna.
Off the back of these incredible successes and exciting projects for
local film professionals at every level of the production process, South
Africa is poised to bounce back next season bigger and better than
ever before.
38 SPECIAL AND UNIT STILLS www.thecallsheet.co.za
Redeeming Love - Filmed in South Africa just before the COVID-19 lockdown. Special photography by Joe Alblas | African Photo Productions © Pure Flix 2020
SHOOTING STILLS
FOR MOVIES AND BEYOND
With the ever increasing demand for global content
in the world today and the fact that streaming
networks are now making a major contribution to the
entertainment industry, more and more projects now
require to benefit from high-end and immediate publicity in this very
competitive market.
As a motion picture stills photographer working on such projects,
it requires the ability to create a fine array of still imagery for the
exacting hiring producers - from cinematic looking episodic scenes to
powerful portraiture of the key actors to drive advertising campaigns
and enthuse the targeted viewers.
One such company is African Photo Productions, based in Cape
Town and headed up by renowned stills photographer Joe Alblas.
His team work both internationally and locally having found the right
formula to producing their stills deliverables. They have included¬
billboards such as those produced for Unorthodox being recently
displayed in both Berlin and New York’s Times Square for this popular
Netflix Original miniseries.
There are several talented individuals who work
independently as stills photographers who continue to make
valuable contribution to the marketing of numerous projects
filmed on our shores in 2019. One such photographer is Graham
Bartholomew, who has worked on productions like Bloodshoot,
Black Mirror (Episode 3, Season 5), and Cinemax’s Warrior.
Another on set photographer is Coco van Oppens, who
continues to offer stellar unit stills services to clients like BBC,
Sky 1, Amazon Prime, Paramount Pictures, Netflix and Scott Free
Productions among others. Her recent film stills, publicity and
portrait work can be seen on projects like Monster Hunter, The
Crown Season 2, The Wrong Mans and the soon to be released
HBO Max TV series, Raised By Wolves.
Nonetheless, how the demand for stills will be governed
when we finally exit from the COVID-19 pandemic will be
anyone’s guess. One thing is for sure: every project going
forward will still need fine production stills to support all the
marketing material.
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SPECIAL AND UNIT STILLS 39
Jane De Wet - playing the lead role of Lexi Summerveld in the
Showmax series The Girl from St. Agnes. Photo by Patrick Toselli
© France Production
Warrior - Photo by Graham Bartholomew © Cinemax
Commercial Service Shoots
In the world of commercial photography, South Africa continues
to attract international jobs. These are often, part and parcel of TVC or
even digital campaigns that require cohesive stills assets to accompany
them. Many of these photographers provide turnkey services on microshoots
for international clients. As the world of advertising continues
to evolve in a rapidly changing consumer habitat, photographic
contributions to the commercial service sector will likely also continue
to adapt to meet the needs of the client.
South African companies providing these services include France
Production, based in the Cape, who have worked locations across
Africa such as Zanzibar, Madagascar, and Mauritius, and have served
dozens of high-profile international companies. Photographers like
the award-winning David Prior, have spent decades honing their craft
in ad land covering anything from automotive to animals, food and
beverages to lifestyle shoots.
Still other creative agencies like Bird on a Wire provide a diverse
range of photographic and other creative services through the people
on their books. Ultimately, whatever the need, SA aims to please and
rarely ever fails to do so when it comes to the art of photography.
“
Being a motion picture
stills photographer requires
the ability to create a fine
array of still imagery for the
exacting hiring producers
- from cinematic looking
episodic scenes to powerful
portraiture of the key
actors to drive advertising
campaigns and enthuse the
targeted viewers.
“
40 REALITY TV www.thecallsheet.co.za
THE RISE OF
REALITY TV
Love Island cast and set. Photography by African Photo Productions © ITV 2020
From Scratch © NV Studios
With an ever-rising demand for content across the
world – particularly as video on demand and
streaming services continue to grow their networks
during and post-pandemic – we have seen a parallel
growth in the demand for reality television content. Today there is a
show that suits just about any person out there, whether you enjoy
home makeovers, competitions, gruesome real life stories, or just your
daily fix of drama.
South Africa has also seen a surge in reality TV productions
both locally and in the international shows that are brought to
South Africa. Sasani Studios, for instance, has been home to both
The Voice SA and The Voice Afrique Francophone thanks to its stellar
infrastructure and recently upgraded facilities. Visual Impact is
a company that not only provides gear but was one of the first
companies to work on reality broadcasts shot in SA with the likes of
I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here! South African-owned NV Studios
has most recently joined forces with UnLtd Productions in bringing
international food documentary series From Scratch to the small
screen.
Most notably in 2019/2020, however, was the shooting of the
popular series Love Island UK in sunny South Africa for their ‘winter’
season of the show. Joe Alblas from African Photo Productions
worked on this project and says that although it was a bit different to
their usual work, it was nothing the team couldn’t handle. “Working
on a reality show shares a similar dynamic to what an actor or crew
member has to achieve for a stage play in front of a live audience –
being very different to film and TV projects where there is always an
opportunity to achieve success during multiple takes,” he explains.
www.thecallsheet.co.za
CREATIVE PROFILE 41
AFRICAN PHOTO PRODUCTIONS
The art of modern filmmaking is the layering of many facets to create what appears to be authentic, however fantastical or removed in time
the story may be. The same is true of motion picture still photography. Our task is not only to capture frames that reflect the essence and
spirit of a scene, but also bring other elements together in post-production to create the same level of enchantment and believability. This
past year we are proud to have again worked on many projects, both internationally and here in South Africa, some of which are showcased
above, making this a collaborative effort by our team who have all recently made a valuable contribution to the publicity and marketing
campaigns of these prestigious projects. As unsure as the future appears, we are embracing the opportunities to innovate, guided by the
COVID-19 code of conduct, to be at the forefront of a re-emerging market. Our services include unit stills, gallery stills, special stills, EPK and
‘B’ roll video behind-the-scenes with in-house data wrangling for processing, appending metadata, colour grading, photo retouching and FTP
uploads for all digital deliverables.
Joe Alblas | Casey Crafford | Anika Molnár | Raquel Fernandes | Jan du Toit
CONTACT DETAILS
m: +27 (0)83 338 7800 t: +27 (0)21 438 2773 e: joe@africanphoto.co.za www.africanphoto.co.za
42 ANIMATION www.thecallsheet.co.za
Jungle Beat
AFRICAN ANIMATION
IN THE GLOBAL SPOTLIGHT
Animation on the African continent is having a bit of a
moment. We’ve got some incredibly talented studios creating
stunning 2D and 3D work for the global stage, and we’ve got
international studios like Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon
Network collaborating and funding more African-produced work. Cartoon
Network two years ago launched the Africa Creative Lab to shine a
spotlight on the innovative, creators of local short-form content to the
channel and its digital platforms.
Companies like Sunrise Productions, Triggerfish, Mind’s Eye Creative
and Priest are forging ahead in sectors ranging from web series and
Christmas specials, to children’s broadcast content, commercials,
and even virtual reality. And with events like the annual Cape Town
International Animation Festival, Animation SA’s regular delegations
to Annecy in France, and other festivals and events like Fupitoons
and DISCOP that have initiatives designed to draw attention to
animated content, there is no doubt that this industry will continue
to grow and flourish.
Although the Cape Town International Animation Festival (CTIAF)
had to be postponed to 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak, it
remains one of the main events on the African animation calendar. Now
in its ninth year, Festival Director Dianne Makings shares her thoughts
on CTIAF: “Today is the most exciting time to be in the African animation
industry. We can’t wait to gather our international and South African
delegates to explore how we bring undiscovered African stories alive
through colourful narratives. We showcase Africa’s animation talent
under one roof and uniquely understand the challenges, needs and
opportunities of the African animation industry.”
In terms of successes, Triggerfish Animation Studio’s partnership with
international producers Magic Light Pictures has yielded several beautiful
3D animated shorts. The most recent of these is The Snail and the Whale,
with prior award-winning shorts including Revolting Rhymes and Zog.
Their latest production can be viewed in South Africa on Showmax.
Munki and Trunk
www.thecallsheet.co.za
ANIMATIONL 43
Zog
Bru & Boegie - Movie Poster
Sunrise Productions has continued to see growth and success in
international distribution over the years. They recently announcing the
eighth season of their award-winning non-dialogue pre-school show,
Jungle Beat. The series will be distributed worldwide by Ireland’s Monster
Entertainment. Most excitingly, they will premier Jungle Beat: The Movie
in June 2020 - a feat of note. Monster Entertainment has distributed
previous seasons of the show to broadcasters in over 150 countries, as
well as on 45 airlines.
Commercial and other animated service work continues to be a source
of bread and butter for this small but growing sector. Companies like Black
Ginger, Lung Animation, and Tulips and Chimneys continue to ride the tip
of this wave with clients consistently searching out their stellar services.
Throughout the continent there are those raising the bar in animation
– both in terms of quality product and in terms of original IP. Nigeria in
particular is one country outside of South Africa that is seeing more talent
coming out of this sector, while East Africa, too, has a small yet burgeoning
animation industry. Even South Africa is seeing a rise in small partnerships,
collaborations and innovation.
Overall, despite many challenges, setbacks and barriers to entry over
the years, Africa is now having a moment where its animation talent and
expertise is finally being recognised globally, potential is sparking. What we
do with this opportunity is up to us.
The Snail and the Whale
44 POST PRODUCTION www.thecallsheet.co.za
Noughts + Crosses(left and right images) © BBC Studios
BUMPER YEAR FOR POST
The post production industry in South Africa has reported
steady growth in the 2019/2020 film season, with many
new players joining the industry, and many others raising
the bar in what is possible in the digital realm of motion
pictures. According to Lauren van Rensburg, who heads up Refinery,
this was one of their best years to date. The company is one of
the largest post houses in the country, and covering a range of
services from DIT and dailies to VFX and sound. They have worked
on jobs in advertising, film and TV like Maze Runner: The Death
Curse, The Giver, Action Park, Serenity, Five Fingers for Marseilles,
Samson, and Warrior.
“With the demand for content growing at such a rapid rate, the
stabilisation of our rebates and the investments being made here by
Netflix EMEA, we are seeing enormous growth,” she explains.
This is underpinned by the ever-growing talent pool of creatives
and technical whizzes working in these fields across audio and
visual post-production sectors. Companies like Sound and Motion
Studios, Rhapsody Recording, The Workroom and others have
enjoyed success in both large and small international and local
projects like Blood and Water, Queen Sono, 8, Riding with Sugar, and
Poppie Nongena, Warrior, Noughts + Crosses, DC Titans, and Dr Who,
while still other visual post-production houses like Priest have
branched into parallel sectors like animation and fine art curation in
addition to their stellar post work.
Although naturally the lockdown landscape has posed some
challenges to doing certain facets of their jobs, the majority of
post-production houses have had at least some – if not all – of the
infrastructure to work remotely to some extent and have simply
continued to plug on.
“I sincerely believe that the South African landscape has
incredible creative and technical talent across the board. Everyone
– from the editors and colourists, to the visual effects artists and
sound designers – is delivering some outstanding quality work,”
Lauren says with conviction. “In the next few years, I see SA
becoming not only a top shooting destination, but certainly a top
post destination as well!”
Warrior © Cinemax
“
With the demand for content
growing at such a rapid rate, the
stabilisation of our rebates and
the investments being made here
by Netflix EMEA, we are seeing
enormous growth.
“
www.thecallsheet.co.za
PRODUCTION COMPANIES A-Z 45
REFINERY
The Refinery Post and VFX is a full service post production facility based in Cape Town. Our experience and filmography show cases an
extensive list of both local and international productions. We pride ourselves on maintaining a world-class infrastructure delivered by
exceptional creative and technical talent.
CONTACT DETAILS
1 Port Road, V&A Waterfront, Cape Town, South Africa
t: +27 21 469 2820 e: capetown@refinery.co.za www.refinery.co.za
46 STUDIOS www.thecallsheet.co.za
Sound and Motion Studios worked on the Netflix Original series from Gambit Films, Blood & Water. Photo by Neo Baepi © Netflix/Gambit Films
STUDIOS
FIT FOR ANY PRODUCTION
Africa offers up some unprecedented and world-class studios
that can stand up against any international studio standard.
Not only are these spaces fit with the latest camera and
sound technology, but there are a variety to suit any
size production, from the outlandish and epic to the hyper-micro,
two-man shoot.
South African in particular offers up some incredible film studios
that bring international productions to our shores time and again.
Perhaps the best known of these is Cape Town Film Studios, which has
been home-away-from-home for series like Black Sails and Outlander
in the past and more recently, Origin, Warrior Seasons 1 and 2, Monster
Hunter, Good Omens, Inside Man 2 and Ridley Scott’s much-anticipated
TNT series, Raised by Wolves.
Since their inception, the studios have been committed to
becoming a hub for big-budget productions that will ultimately feed
into the Cape’s film economy in a massive way. The studios include
sound stages, production offices, artist support, workshops, backlot
sets, ships, water tanks, an exterior green wall, a data centre, a backup
energy centre and even hazardous waste facilities and a studio garden.
Impressive doesn’t even begin to describe the operation.
“In terms of technology, South Africa is actually ahead of the curve
in many respects,” says Kate Beyda, Senior Vice-President of Physical
Production at Warner Bros. “Those sound stages at Cape Town Film
Studios are incredibly advanced, and beyond anything I have seen
before.”
For those who do not have CTFS kind of money, there are a
plethora of beautiful daylight, photographic, and even smaller film
studios operating in the city of Cape Town and beyond. These include
Roodebloem Studios, Flash Photo, Panavision’s Island Studios, Global
Access, Salt River Studios, and many others.
One mid-size studio that has consistently been growing its offering
and making a name for itself in both local and international circles has
been Atlantic Studios. A cutting-edge film and television studio facility,
it has eight stages of flexible soundproof studio space, including a giant
green screen studio, a large back lot and extensive parking.
Johannesburg, too, has continued to see success in studio-hosted
productions thanks to its position as a television broadcast hub. Spaces
like Atlas Studios, Urban Brew, Sasani Studios and others provide
versatile, reliable studios for regular productions like local soapies, as
well as additional productions along the way.
Beyond South Africa, most of the film friendly countries in Africa
like Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Namibia, Mauritius
and Ghana – to name a few – offer smaller studio spaces with limited
production equipment. Morocco is the only other country with
professional studios for large-scale productions: Atlas Corporation
Studios. The company has facilitated many international productions
www.thecallsheet.co.za
STUDIOS 47
One of Atlantic Studios’ stages © Atlantic Studios
Cape Town Film Studios’ ships, originally made for Black Sails © Getty Images
Q & A
MORWESI RAMONYAI,
DIRECTOR AND
GAUTENG
REPRESENTATIVE
OF WRAPZERO
Describe WrapZERO in one sentence.
A consultancy focused on making sustainability in film and
media production practical, measurable, locally achievable and
globally relevant.
The Voice South Africa is shot in Sasani Studios.
including the latest instalment of Mission Impossible, as well as Game of
Thrones and Disney’s Aladdin.
When it comes to sound studios and audio post-production, these,
too, are comparable with their international counterparts. Companies
like Fine Tune Studios, The Workroom, Rhapsody Recording and
many others are top notch and sometimes work on international
productions that may not even shoot in SA. One such company is
Sound and Motion Studios, which is also home to the South African
Film Orchestra. In recent years, this award-winning company works
with productions like Netflix African Original series Blood & Water and
Queen Sono.
TOP FILM AND TV
STUDIOS IN SA
• Atlantic Film Studios, Cape Town, Western Cape
• Atlas Studios, Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Cape Town Film Studios, Cape Town, Western Cape
• Fleet Street Studios, Randburg, Gauteng
• Garden Route Film Studios, George, Western Cape
• Global Access, Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Media Film Service, Cape Town and Johannesburg
• Overberg Film Studios, Kleinmond, Western Cape
• Q Studios, Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Salt River Film Studios, Cape Town, Western Cape
• Sasani Studios, Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Sky Rink Studios, Johannesburg, Gauteng
• Studio 26, Durbanville Hills, Western Cape
• Telemedia Studios, Sandton, Gauteng
• Urban Brew Studios, Randburg, Gauteng
Why are you passionate about
sustainability in film?
As an all-women team with proven experience in the practice
of sustainability, we have seen and been part of a widespread
shift to effective and responsible practices in a number of
different industries. These are always motivated by a culture
shift, and media is the ultimate driver of cultural change and
shifting mindsets. The industry is also made up of innovative
people who have great influence and reach. With experienced
support and well-informed guidance, the industry can make
great strides and achieve a positive impact.
What are the top 3 things studios should
consider when greening their space?
1. Use resources with care – responsible water, energy and
waste management
2. Sustainable spending – put your budget where it matters
3. Share your story – communicate with productions to
share lessons learnt, how you can support greening their
activities and provide accurate data to support their
reporting requirements
What are the top 3 things production companies
should do to become more sustainable?
1. Consider your impact – Make informed decisions and
evaluate effectiveness as you go, taking unintended
consequences into consideration.
2. Sign the Creative Industries Pact – This also commits you
to practical, measurable and incrementally more effective
strategies and supporting actions along with reporting,
which is also applied to your own operations.
3. Celebrate your success - Share your experience with
industry to encourage widespread change.
Where can people find out more or start their
journey in sustainable film production?
Visit www.wrapzero.co.za for contact details, useful industry
links, including information on The Pact, and to download
Guidelines For Sustainability In The Film Industry (The first local
guidelines for sustainability in film, compiled for the KwaZulu-
Natal Film Commission by WrapZERO in 2019). We work
throughout the region, with representatives based in Cape
Town, Johannesburg and Kampala (Uganda).
48 STUDIOS www.thecallsheet.co.za
STUDIO SPECIFICATIONS
Studio Name Floor Area Height Access
Studio 4 500m 2 8m to ceiling H: 3m / W: 4m
Studio 8 500m 2 8m to ceiling H: 3m / W: 4m
Studio 9 1 200m 2 8m to ceiling H: 3m / W: 4m
ATLANTIC STUDIOS
Atlantic Studios is 11 000m 2 and boasts ten stages of dynamic soundproof production space, designed by media industry pioneers to service
both Television and Film as well as Advertising. Custom facilities include soundproof studios, a giant green screen studio, 4K cinema area, a
large back lot, specialised studio set rentals, workshops, production offices, costume and dressing-rooms, and a thriving hub of creative onsite
tenants. It’s accessibility - just 30 minutes from Cape Town International airport and 20 minutes from the city centre - making it the ideal
base for the international and local Film and Television industry.
CONTACT DETAILS
7 Montague Drive, Montague Gardens, Milnerton, Cape Town.
Sakkie Ferreira: +27 (0)82 606 0616 | Luhann Groenewald: +27 (0)60 991 5392
t: +27 (0)21 201 3960 e: info@atlanticstudios.co.za www.atlanticstudios.co.za
www.thecallsheet.co.za
STUDIOS 49
ATLAS STUDIOS
Atlas Studios is at the forefront of
contemporary Johannesburg, an urban
development highly sought-after for its
multipurpose spaces. Centrally located with all
necessary amenities, there are 3 sound studios
and 1 daylight studio, the latter available for
events, photoshoots, conference meetings and
screenings. Also available for rent are the onsite
offices, perfect for post-production, with
included Wi-Fi, security and secure parking.
Corner Frost Avenue and Owl Street,
Milpark, Johannesburg, South Africa
t: +27 (0)11 482 7111
e: info@atlasstudios.co.za
www.atlasstudios.co.za
FLASH PHOTO
Flash Photo offers lighting, digital and video
rental equipment. Our selection of three
studios creates a wide variety of options for
shoots. Our leading brands include Profoto,
Arri, Briese, Westcott, Manfrotto, Phase One,
Sony, Nikon and Canon.
Flash Photo is COVID-19 compliant.
140 Waterkant Street, Greenpoint, 8005
t: +27 (0)21 418 0618
e: info@flashphoto.co.za
www.flashphoto.co.za
ISLAND STUDIOS
With stages in major cities around the
world, Island Studios provides full-service
stages befit with catering, drive-in access,
and full hair and makeup facilities. Cape
Island and Gold Island, in Cape Town
and Johannesburg respectively, are ideal
locations for any commercial, music video,
digital campaign, or stills shoot.
t: +27 21 529 4200(CPT)
+27 11 314 5700(JHB)
info@islandstudios.net
50 SPECIALIST SERVICES www.thecallsheet.co.za
OUTSTANDING
SPECIALIST SERVICES
There’s nothing like knowing that all bases are covered, that
every aspect of a production is running smoothly. This is
often where South Africa’s specialist service providers to
the film industry excel. From transportation and accounting
to props and special effects, some specialist services provide on-set
solutions, while still others offer up travel necessities.
Companies like Mountain Marina offer a collection of luxury
apartments and penthouses adjacent to the V&A Waterfront in
Cape Town, where cast and crew can enjoy their downtime in
comfort and elegance.
Productions are safeguarded through Film Finances South Africa’s
world class bonding and film guarantee services. They have worked
with high-end international projects across the world, with services
that can be customised and scaled to any production size. Still others
like CC&A Insurance Brokers, as the name suggests, provide film and
entertainment insurance packages, with over 30 years of experience
in showbiz. Their packages cover anything from a film producer to the
drones on a production.
There are even services we don’t often even consider, like
translation, interpretation and subtitling. Folio Translation
provides a wide selection of services like this, but also does
proofreading, transcriptions, voice overs, copywriting and even
search engine optimisation.
Supporting the talent pool is crucial to any project, and what
better way to do that than with seasoned casting directors. Services
such as those of Kayos Casting Directors are sought after in both
commercial and film service. Although social distancing has proven to
be a challenge for casting directors, many companies are innovating
and trying new methods of screening talent before they are chosen for
a project. This will likely continue indefinitely as the world adapts to a
new norm.
Still others are using technology to unite the industry sectors.
Companies like Talent Scan is able to process data for talent on
productions to assist productions in payroll management, like other like
ArtDept have created a platform for the many crew working in the art
department to showcase their abilities and portfolios.
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SPECIALIST SERVICES 51
All images coutesy of Moonlighting Films - Jim Button & The Wild Thirteen filmed in Cape Town.
Unit Still Photography by Joe Alblas | African Photo Productions © Warner Bros. Pictures 2020
As people across the world race towards a more digital economy,
it is inevitable that the fourth industrial revolution will change the way
many specialist service providers do business. The only way companies
will survive, says Mario Jansen of Talent Scan, is to stay on the pulse
of the latest trends. “Directors prefer to look more and more at extras
options on iPads, agents are making more and more use of online
booking platforms, and I’m hearing about various apps in development,”
he explains.
There are so many working parts to a production that it’s impossible
to name them all. One thing is certain: they know their job best, and
with them on your side, your project will be covered from the minute
you land in SA, to the moment you leave.
“
This is often where South Africa’s
specialist service providers to
the film industry excel. From
transportation and accounting to
props and special effects, some
specialist services provide on-set
solutions, while still others offer up
travel necessities.
“
FILM FINANCES
SOUTH AFRICA
Film Finances SA forms part of the global
company Film Finances Inc., the world leader
in the provision of completion guarantees
for the film and television industry. Our team
of industry specialists assist producers to
ensure productions are delivered on time
and on budget, giving peace of mind and
assurance to financiers, distributors and
government agencies that their investment is
safeguarded. Our service can be customised
to cater for low-end to high-end projects.
t: +27 11 513 3563 / +27 82 411 4088
e: jane@filmfinances.co.za
w: www.filmfinances.com
© www.freepik.com (Snowy)
52 SPECIALIST SERVICES A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
Cellular Dynamics
SA’s premier short-term mobile and data rental provider.
For the last 18 years, Cellular Dynamics has been a communications service provider for the film industry. We’ve held fast to the belief that
service excellence is the only way to do business. Our incredible range of smartphones and Wireless internet solutions are all available on a
short-term rental basis. We also offer redundancy by using all three major mobile networks in South Africa to ensure maximum coverage.
Talk to us about your specific needs and we will find an innovative solution to match your budget.
CONTACT DETAILS
t: +27 (0)21 447 0641 e: info@cellulardynamics.tv www.cellulardynamics.tv
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SPECIALIST SERVICES A-Z 53
WRAPZERO
WrapZERO is a consultancy focusing on sustainability in film and TV production.
Working across departments, we identify and implement practical and realistic ways of going green on set, in the production office and in
workshops for productions of all sizes and scope. Our support is practical and professional with proven results. The aim is always to reduce
negative impact (carbon emissions and wasted resources) and increase positive impact (efficiency, cost savings and social benefits). Our work
is benchmarked against international standards. For service providers and studios, we help align operations with sustainable business goals
and calculate carbon footprints.
CONTACT DETAILS
Liesl Hattingh, Managing Director
t: +27 (0)64 686 2434 e: info@wrapzero.co.za www.wrapzero.co.za
54 GEAR www.thecallsheet.co.za
Millennium DXL2 © Panavision
TOP NOTCH GEAR
Exotic, faraway places might be the norm on the African continent,
but that doesn’t mean that a producer doesn’t have access to the
fines camera gear, lighting and other equipment they need for
a production. In fact, South Africa has developed an arsenal of
some of the best equipment available on the international market.
Companies like Panavision and Panalux have a robust presence in this
sector, and have partnered with several key local businesses to further
supply the demand for good quality equipment that can withstand the
very diverse climates found in each of the 54+ countries that occupy this
space. Still other resellers and rental companies like Media Film Service
and Cine Photo Tools have agreements with major international camera
manufacturers like Black Magic, RED and ARRI, with most providing advice
on the best equipment to use, camera and other crew and technicians to
assist on set, and other services to ensure principal photography runs as
smoothly as possible (from a tech perspective, anyway).
Camera Trends
Although workhorses like the ARRI Alexa or the Sony FS7 continue to
maintain a place as some of the most popular cameras for locals or even for
mid-budget filmmakers, one of the biggest trends to hit the camera market
in 2020 was the integration of 4K or even 6K technology into smartphone
tech. This have given birth to what will arguably make filmmaking one
of the most accessible of careers in coming years as demand for video
content grows proportionally.
Cameras like the Panasonic S1H and Blackmagic Pocket Cinema
Camera 6K are leading the way with 6K for dedicated video cameras, with
the supposedly still-imminent Sharp 8K Video Camera taking the first
prosumer foray into 8K. Watch this space as this sector is more than likely
to take off in Africa – particularly with one of the greatest populations of
smartphone users in the world.
Then, when it comes to cinematic cameras, Panavision once again
wows us with their Millennium DXL2, the first modular electronic camera.
This is an unprecedented step towards flexibility in design, allowing you to
customise the body shape, design, and function.
Cameras would be nothing without their corresponding lenses, and
Panavision goes over and above to please in this department with their
array of large format lenses made available for African productions. These
include the Primo 70 series, Ultra Panatar, Primo Artiste and X, Sphero 65,
Ultra Vista and the H series, to name a few.
Going the Extra Green Mile
Panalux has gone beyond cameras to provide sustainable equipment
that not only saves dollars in the long run, but also reduces our carbon
footprint. At BSC Expo 2020 early in 2020, the company unveiled new
lighting solutions alongside the new h40 hybrid generator from Panalux
Power. The Sonara 4:4 is a variable-white 4’x4’ LED soft light offering
all-new, high-CRI, high-TLCI flagship soft source that reproduces a broad
spectrum of white light with full green/magenta control. With these
products and others, Panalux is looking ahead to the future of the film
industry while responding to critical climate issues confronting the planet.
“The innovative LED array in the new Panalux Sonara 4:4 provides
cinematographers with the highest level of creative control,” says Technical
Director David Amphlett, “allowing them to tune the output along the
widest range of white points, with subtle hue adjustment and precise
control of green/magenta levels.” As a result, this renders skin tones exactly
as a cinematographer intends.
Sonara 44 © Panavision/Panalux
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SOUTH AFRICAN CREW 55
INCREDIBLE CREW
South Africa is renowned for its hard workers, and none are
more prevalent than on the many big-budget film sets that
abound during peak season. There are professional cast and
crew members across the film career spectrum, with many
honing their skills in film schools, through internship or mentorships,
and even on-the-job training programmes. SA crew are frequently
contracted to work overseas such as Dubai or Eastern Europe, to bring
their top notch skills to international productions.
CallaCrew is the leading crew agency in South Africa with the largest
crew listing. Their online portal connects producers with the precise
skills they need in country (and beyond). They also provide guidelines to
crew costs, which is a valuable service during pre-production. A sample
costing guideline can be found below. Although this changes annually
by 10%, most crew have not worked much due to the pandemic, and
producers should contact CallaCrew to find out if rates will change
during the 2019/2020 season.
COSTING GUIDELINES FROM CALLACREW
DESIGNATION
DAILY RATES
WEEKLY RATES (BASED ON A 6-DAY WEEK)
Minimum Maximum Minimum Maximum
ART DEPARTMENT
Production Designer R 2 500.00 R 6 300.00 R 18 000.00 R 40 000.00
Art Director R 2 500.00 R 6 300.00 R 15 000.00 R 40 000.00
Set Dresser R 1 500.00 R 4 000.00 R 12 000.00 R 18 000.00
CAMERA DEPARTMENT
D.O.P./Lighting Cameraman R 4 500.00 R 11 000.00 R 25 000.00 R 55 000.00
Camera Operator R 2 800.00 R 8 500.00 R 15 000.00 R 45 000.00
Steadicam Operator R 3 000.00 R 5 500.00 R 17 500.00 R 30 000.00
Data Wrangler R 2 000.00 R 3 500.00 R 9 000.00 R 15 000.00
Drone Operator R 3 000.00 R 8 500.00
CASTING DEPARTMENT
Cast Coordinator R 1 500.00 R 2 800.00 R 7 500.00 R 15 000.00
Extras Coordinator R 1 200.00 R 1 800.00 R 6 000.00 R 9 000.00
COSTUME/WARDROBE DEPARTMENT
Costume Designer R 2 500.00 R 5 500.00 R 12 000.00 R 30 000.00
Wardrobe R 2 200.00 R 4 500.00 R 10 000.00 R 24 000.00
Wardrobe Assistant R 1 500.00 R 2 200.00 R 7 500.00 R 12 000.00
DIRECTOR DEPARTMENT
1st Assistant Director R 2 500.00 R 6 500.00 R 10 000.00 R 40 000.00
2nd Assistant Director R 1 500.00 R 2 500.00 R 7 000.00 R 15 000.00
GRIP DEPARTMENT
Grip R 2 200.00 R 3 300.00 R 10 000.00 R 24 000.00
LIGHTING DEPARTMENT
Gaffer R 2 000.00 R 4 000.00 R 12 000.00 R 24 000.00
Spark R 1 000.00 R 1 800.00 R 6 000.00 R 9 000.00
LOCATIONS DEPARTMENT
Location Manager R 2 400.00 R 4 000.00 R 12 000.00 R 24 000.00
MAKE-UP AND HAIR DEPARTMENT
Make-Up/Hair R 2 000.00 R 4 500.00 R 7 500.00 R 21 000.00
PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT
Line Producer R 3 000.00 R 4 500.00 R 10 000.00 R 23 000.00
Production Manager R 1 800.00 R 3 500.00 R 9 000.00 R 20 000.00
UNIT DEPARTMENT
Unit Manager R 1 800.00 R 3 200.00 R 9 900.00 R 20 000.00
Unit Assistant R 1 200.00 R 2 500.00 R 6 500.00 R 12 000.00
Please note: This information is correct as of March 2020. Please note that the above rates are a guideline only and will be dependent on crew availability. Minimum and maximum rates
are based on levels of experience. In order to consider a varied range of candidates, please make provision for more than the minimum rate. Gear is negotiated separately and on a job-tojob
basis. It is not accounted for in the above rates. For more information, contact CallaCrew on www.callacrew.co.za.
“
With the demand for content growing at such a rapid rate, the stabilisation
of our rebates and the investments being made here by Netflix EMEA,
we are seeing enormous growth. I sincerely believe the South African
landscape has incredible creative and technical talent across the board.
Everyone – from the editors and colourists, to the visual effects artists and
sound designers – is delivering some outstanding quality work.
“
- Lauren van Rensburg, General Manager at Refinery
PRODUCTION
COMPANIES
Blue Sky Films
Can-Can Films
Ginger Pictures
Happy Cat
Trilogy
56
57
58
59
60
Image: GRANT – History Channel, shot on location at the Rustenburg Wine Estate, Western Cape
Unit Still Photography by Joe Alblas | African Photo Productions © A&E Networks LLC 2020
58 PRODUCTION COMPANIES A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
BLUE SKY FILMS AFRICA
Blue Sky Films has over two decades’ history of film production in East and Central Africa. We facilitate and produce Television commercials, reality shows,
documentaries, music videos, still photography shoots, feature films and all film related work. We have facilitated several Award Winning Feature Films
which include –The Lion King, Tomb Raider, The Cradle of Life featuring Angelina Jolie, The Constant Gardener featuring Ralph Fiennes and Rachel Weisz,
The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind - Ejiofor Chiwetel Directorial debut among many other. We provide complete production services and facilities for
overseas crew, including locations, casting, art department, film licenses, work permit, crews, equipment, customs, transport, catering and accommodation.
CONTACT DETAILS
Mario Zvan (Executive Producer) / Jim Shamoon (Executive Producer) t: +254 72 233 6840 / +254 72 275 5893
e: mario@blueskyafrica.com / info@blueskyafrica.com www.blueskyafrica.com
www.thecallsheet.co.za
66 PRODUCTION COMPANIES A-Z PRODUCTION COMPANIES www.thecallsheet.co.za
A-Z 59
CAN-CAN FILMS
Under the dynamic leadership of Di Britz, one of South Africa’s most experienced commercials producers, Can-Can offers local expertise and
an CAN-CAN innovative approach FILMS to facilitating International Commercials in Cape Town, Southern and East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands. Please
visit Under our the website dynamic for leadership more information of Di Britz, on our one unique of South service. Africa’s most experienced commercials producers, Can-Can offers local expertise
and an innovative approach to facilitating International Commercials in Cape Town, Southern and East Africa and the Indian Ocean Islands.
Please visit our website for more information on our unique service.
CONTACT DETAILS
Di Britz (Executive Producer)
m: +27 83 227 3041 e: di@can-canfilms.co.za www.can-canfilms.co.za
60 PRODUCTION COMPANIES A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
GINGER PICTURES
Ginger Pictures is your production partner for all your shoots in South Africa and Africa. When you shoot in over 20 African countries like us, you
cannot help but give your projects an adventurous touch. But adventure doesn’t have to be risky. With us, you’ll get the best crew and gear that
each country has to offer. Over the years, we have built an extensive network all over the continent and the Indian Ocean Islands. With Ginger
Pictures, give this special flavor and zest to your projects!
CONTACT DETAILS
139 Wilson Street, Northcliff, Johannesburg, 2195, South Africa
Julie Ah-Fa (Producer) t: +27 76 030 7284 e: julie@gingerpictures.tv www.gingerpictures.tv
www.thecallsheet.co.za
PRODUCTION COMPANIES A-Z 61
HAPPY CAT FILMS
Happy Cat Films is one of the top production companies in South Africa. Our collective experience stretches across commercials, stills photography,
feature films, documentaries and all types of TV programming. We work with you, as part of your team, always thinking creatively and strategically.
We are Cape Town-based but shoot all over Africa, offering a boutique hands-on approach to filming.
CONTACT DETAILS
t: +27 (0)21 422 2795 m: +27 (0)82 497 75 36 e: rachel@happycatfilms.co.za www.happycatfilms.co.za
62 PRODUCTION COMPANIES A-Z www.thecallsheet.co.za
TRILOGY CREATIVE STUDIOS
Trilogy Creative Studios is a Cape Town-based production company focused on international docudramas, television shows and feature films.
Deryck Broom, Anthonie Scholtz and Gareth Ahrens have a ‘hands on’ approach to film production and their ability to manage time, budgets,
crew, cast and the craft have ensured many shows return for Season 2, and 3 and 4...
Trilogy has built strong relationships with suppliers in the industry from gear houses, to locations and agents; creating a core team that is
dependable, creative and a pleasure to work alongside.
CONTACT DETAILS
Studio 104, Newlands Quarter, 2 Main Street, Newlands, 7725, Cape Town, South Africa
m: +27 82 890 1999 t: +27 21 685 9372 e: deryck@thetrilogy.co.za www.thetrilogy.co.za
A UNIQUE
CULINARY EXPERIENCE
CREATES OPPORTUNITIES
Supporting the
food industry is
in our hands
I-Cook Channel presents a unique culinary experience where viewers will
have the opportunity, through live streaming, to cook with SA’s top chefs
using the ingredients of their signature dish delivered to their home.
Join us in supporting South Africa’s chefs.
By accessing this consumer market, you will not only grow your
brand but also create a stainable revenue stream for SA Chefs
Wendy Navarra: 082 894 5617 | wendy@sachefmag.co.za
Heidi Kuyper: 062 095 3909 | heidi@sachefmag.co.za
BACKGROUND IMAGE BY MAE MU VIA UNSPLASH | LAPTOP IMAGE BY MAARTEN VAN DEN HEUVEL VIA UNSPLASH
“
With
a winning blend of world-class production support and expertise,
unmatched natural diversity, a favourable exchange rate and an Englishspeaking
cast and crew who have collaborated with filmmakers from
around the world, South Africa has certainly earned its reputation as an
industry heavy hitter.
“
SHOWCASING
AFRICA
Map of South Africa
Gauteng
KwaZulu-Natal
Western Cape
Kenya
Mauritius
Morocco
Namibia
Nigeria
66
68
70
72
74
75
76
77
78
Image by Harshil Gudka via Unsplash
66 SHOWCASING AFRICA www.thecallsheet.co.za
SUNSHINE HOURS
In the southern hemisphere, October to March
are the sunniest months, receiving over 300
hours of sunlight per month, while the north
offers the most sunshine between April and
September. South Africa’s Gauteng has the added
advantage of dry and bright winters, as does the
southern desert climate of Morocco. Most coastal
areas often have winter rainfall, while interiors
receive some summer rainfall.
USA: 14 HRS
$
EXCHANGE RATE
US Dollar Euro Pound Sterling Chinese Yuan UAE Dirham
1 Egyptian Pound (EGP) 0.064 0.058 0.052 0.45 0.23
1 Kenyan Shilling (KES) 0.0093 0.0085 0.0076 0.067 0.034
1 Mauritian Rupee (MUR) 0.025 0.023 0.020 0.18 0.092
1 Moroccan Dirham (MAD) 0.10 0.093 0.082 0.73 0.37
1 Namibian Dollar (NAD) 0.067 0.061 0.055 0.48 0.25
1 Nigerian Naira (NGN) 0.0026 0.0023 0.0021 0.018 0.0094
1 South African Rand (ZAR) 0.057 0.052 0.046 0.41 0.21
Waterfalls
Correct as of 27 May 2020
Rock
Formations
CASTING DEMOGRAPHICS
Acacia Trees
Africa comprises 54 nations representing over
3 000 ethnic groups – not to mention
international diaspora who have settled in
various places over the course of history
(Chinese, Indian, Southwest Asian, European,
etc.). In South Africa alone, there is a wealth
of faces to choose from: African American,
Mixed Race, Indian, Mediterranean, Caucasian,
European and Asian. With such a melting pot
of ethnicities, a casing director can find almost
any look.
Sunny Skies
in Winter
Desert
Salt Pans
NORTHERN CAPE
Africa
Moonscapes
JHB: 2 HRS
White Sandy
Beaches
Rock
Formations
WESTERN CAPE
Key:
Kenya
Morocco
Mauritius
Namibia
Nigeria
South Africa
European
feel
Dunes
2 500km
of coastline
Art
Deco
Vineyards
Studios
Wheat
fields
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SHOWCASING AFRICA 67
UK: 11 HRS
DUBAI: 8 HRS
LIMPOPO
Baobab
Trees
CHINA: 14 HRS
Wildlife
GAUTENG
Palace
NORTH WEST
Studios
Markets
African feel
Savanna
MPUMALANGA
Desert
Savanna
JHB: 1 HR
Townships
FREE STATE
Wheat fields
and apple orchards
KWAZULU-NATAL
Tropical
Forest
Rolling
Hills
Coastal
Skyscrapers
Sunny Skies
in Winter
DURBAN: 2 HRS
Mountain
Range
Art
Deco
Acacia Trees
EASTERN CAPE
Wildlife
Pristine
Beaches
Forest
THE
WORLD
IN ONE CONTINENT
68 SHOWCASING AFRICA: GAUTENG www.thecallsheet.co.za
All images by Tembinkosi Sikupela via Unsplash
GAUTENG: LOCAL
PRODUCTION POWERHOUSE
Gauteng is home to a thriving South African film and
television industry, the majority of which is located in
its capital of Johannesburg. In the past 20 years, many
local films and series produced in this province have
made it to the international stage – the most renowned of these
being the Academy Award-winning Tsotsi (2005), directed by Gavin
Hood, and Neil Blomkamp’s District 9.
There are over 30 commercial cinemas in Gauteng, and the
South African Broadcasting Corporation’s headquarters are based
here. The National Film and Video Foundation is also based in
Johannesburg, as are many large-scale studios like Sasani Studios,
which facilitates local soapies and reality shows. As a result, the
province has vibrant local film and television production sectors.
Local films to come from Gauteng include Vaya, Happiness is a Four
Letter Word, and a new romcom currently in production,
Seriously Single.
Gauteng is also sought for its varied and beautiful locations,
both natural and urban, upscale and township looks. These range
from the industrial landscapes of Johannesburg, to gold mines,
small towns, nature reserves and botanical gardens, monuments,
historical buildings and the majestic Magaliesberg mountain range.
Marvel’s Avengers: Age of Ultron was shot in downtown Joburg
a few years ago. The Gauteng Film Commission assists local and
international producers with obtaining permits for their shoots.
Thanks to Johannesburg – also known as the City of Gold –
having a sophisticated and reliable economy and well-developed
infrastructure, many leading advertising agencies and production
houses have African headquarters or offices here. Naturally this
means that Gauteng is equipped with a large talent pool, efficient
crew, and oodles of production equipment, studios and locations to
make any endeavour or collaboration in this industry a success.
Contacts
Gauteng Film Commission
Head Office: 56 Main Street, Johannesburg, 2108
Tel: +27 (0)11 833 0409
General Info: info@gautengfilm.org.za
Locations: priscillak@gautengfilm.org.za
Project Support: ktabane@gautengfilm.org.za
Web: www.gautengfilm.org.za
National Film and Video Foundation
Head Office: 87 Central Street, Houghton, Johannesburg, 2198
Tel: +27 (0)11 483 0880
Email: info@nfvf.co.za
Web: www.nfvf.co.za
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SHOWCASING AFRICA: GAUTENG 69
All images by Shashank Kumar via Unsplash
All images by SibusisoMati via Unsplash
IN A NUTSHELL
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS
55%
Gauteng’s contribution to
SA’s film industry GDP is
around 55%, according to
a 2017 NFVF report.
80%
An estimated 80% of
production companies
in SA are based
in Gauteng.
Agricultural farmlands
Art Deco, Victorian and
Edwardian architecture
Gold mines
Green suburbs
Gritty streets,
townships and alleys
Industrial landscapes
Modernist and
urban looks
Nature reserves
POPULAR FILM LOCATIONS
• FNB Soccer Stadium
(Soccer City)
• Maboneng Precinct
• Magaliesberg Mountains
• Maropeng
• Nan Hua Temple
(Bronkhorstspruit)
• Newtown Precinct
• Tswaing Crater
• Turbine Hall
CLIMATE
Sunshine Hours:
250 – 300hrs/month
Rainfall in mm:
30 – 70mm/month
AIR ACCESS
• OR Tambo International
Airport
• Lanseria Airport for intercity
connections
MAJOR LOCAL PRODUCTIONS
FROM GAUTENG
• Happiness Is A
Four-Letter Word
• Tell Me Sweet Something
• Ayanda
• Necktie Youth
• Hear Me Move
• Kalushi
• Safe Bet
• Sink
• Taking Earth
• Cuckold
• Seriously Single
All images by Tembinkosi Sikupela via Unsplash
70 SHOWCASING AFRICA: KWAZULU-NATAL www.thecallsheet.co.za
Image by Tatenda Mapigoti via Unsplash
KZN RISING:
AN EVER- GROWING FILM HUB
KwaZulu-Natal has a rich filmic history dating back over a hundred
years. Its capital of Durban was the first city in South Africa to
erect a permanent building for the screening of motion pictures
– the Electric Theatre in 1909. So it comes as no surprise that
the region has a deep appreciation for the medium despite its small film
sector. Films like Zulu and Zulu Dawn rank amongst the most successful
international films made in Africa.
Fastforward to the 21st century and Durban has played host to many
local and international film productions that have gone on to be either
box-office hits or snapped up for the global festival circuit. Successful films
made in the city include, amongst many others, Izulu Lami, Otello Burning,
Keeping up with the Kandasamys, White Wedding, the Spud series, More Than
Just A Game and Deep End, the latter of which has been on the circuit in 26
cinemas around SA.
The Durban Film Office’s statistics over 15 years illustrate the steady
growth of the industry. Its permit office works with an average of 150
productions per annum and issues in the region of 250 film permits
annually. Since 2003 the Durban Film Office has assisted over 3 000
productions to film in eThekwini locations. This, in turn, has created
employment of over 30 000 crew days over the last 17 years. A key aspect
of the strategy is to promote a service culture in the c ity and increase
these numbers over the next 5 years. Another is to create a film hub with
high-calibre studio spaces, as well as upskilling locals to take their place in
the industry – particularly with two regular soap operas based in KZN (Uzalo
and Imbewu).
Durban’s colourful history is reflected in the profusion of Cape-Dutch,
Indian, Victorian, Edwardian, Tudor, French Provincial, Neo-Gothic styles and
Art Deco architecture, while KZN’s landscape from the coast to the country
is a gentle transformation from palm trees, beach cafés, steel and glass
cities, to rolling hills, meandering countryside and dramatic mountain passes.
The region presents miles of sandy beaches, rocky cliffs, blue water lagoons,
and a myriad of rivers, lakes and imposing waterfalls – the most well-known
of these, Howick Falls, is the second highest waterfall in the world.
Contacts
Durban Film Office
Head Office: 11th Floor, Rennies House,
41 Margeret Mncadi Avenue, Durban, 4000
Tel: +27 (0)31 311 4243
Acting Film Coordinator / Permits Officer:
Musa Ntuli bongumusa.ntuli@durban.gov.za
Web: www.durbanfilmoffice.co.za
KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission
Head Office: 115 Musgrave Road, Berea, Durban, 4001
Tel: +27 (0)31 325 0200
Email: info@kwazulunatalfilm.co.za
Web: www.kwazulunatalfilm.co.za
South Coast Tourism
Head Office: 16 Bisset Street, Port Shepstone, 4240
Tel: +27 (0)39 682 7944
CEO: Justin Mackrory ceo@tourismsouthcoast.co.za
GM Marketing and Events: Kay Robertson
marketing@tourismsouthcoast.co.za
Web: www.tourismsouthcoast.co.za
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SHOWCASING AFRICA: KWAZULU-NATAL 71
Q & A
IN A NUTSHELL
ANTOINETTE MONTY,
SENIOR MANAGER
OF THE DURBAN
FILM OFFICE
Has 2019/2020 been successful for
KZN and Durban’s film industry?
Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Durban was experience a
steady growth in local and international productions in the
city. The Durban Film Office had been evaluating our internal
processes and policies to improve our services to the industry
to accommodate this growth.
How has Durban Film Office been innovating,
particularly during the lockdown?
The Durban Film Office has been working on an economic
recovery plan to mitigate the impacts of the COVID-19
pandemic. The plan includes developing industry guidelines
for operation to enable production activity to continue in this
new environment, as well as the development of a Production
Hub Incentive Policy and Film Services Marketing Strategy.
We plan to have this in operation by the end of 2020.
What three things do you see informing the
future of film and TV for Durban?
Without a doubt, the pandemic has thrust the global
industry into a new world of content production and delivery
models. For the foreseeable future, we will need to focus
on encouraging production activities that can be run in a
controlled environment. Smaller, more coordinated production
teams, remote handling of some work streams, increased
use of technology, and, for local productions, a greater move
towards made-for-TV content.
INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS
R16.4 million
Keeping Up With The
Kandasamys made R16.4m,
the highest grossing local
film of 2017.
POPULAR FILM LOCATIONS
• Durban Harbour
• Durban International
Convention Centre
• Howick Falls
• iSimangaliso Wetland Park
PERMITS
3 000
Since 2003, the Durban Film
Office has assisted over
3 000 productions to film in
eThekwini locations.
• Moses Mabhida Stadium
• Suncoast Casino
• The Zulu Kingdom
• uKhahlamba-Drakensberg
Mountains
Film permits are required for the region and can be applied
for online. The Durban Film Office and KZN Film Commission
facilitate production in the region.
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
Art Deco and Neo-
Gothic architecture
Battlefields, museums
and old fortifications
Blue flag beaches
Cape Dutch and French
Provincial architecture
Indian architecture
and looks
Jungle and forest looks
Lagoons, rivers,
lakes, waterfalls
National Parks and
game reserves (wildlife)
CLIMATE
AIR ACCESS
Sunshine Hours:
170 – 230hrs/month
Rainfall in mm:
50 – 100mm/month
• King Shaka International
Airport
• Prince Mangosuthu
Buthelezi Airport
RECENT PRODUCTIONS SHOT
IN KWAZULU-NATAL
• Imbewu
• Keeping Up With The
Kandasamys
• Roots Miniseries
• uZalo
Anton Lembede Street © Durban Film Office
72 SHOWCASING AFRICA: WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA www.thecallsheet.co.za
FirstMan © Film Afrika(Charlie Sperring)
CAPE TOWN AND THE WESTERN CAPE
NOWHERE BETTER
TO FILM
There is no place more beautiful or diverse than Cape Town
and the Western Cape. From the pristine white beaches along
the Cape West Coast, to the untouched plains of the Cape
Karoo - quaint cityscapes and informal settlements bursting
with colour and culture – the energy radiating from our many locations
is pulpable.
Boasting an abundance of scenes to suit any script, coupled with
a world-class film offering, there simply is nowhere better to visit, do
business and shoot your next production than Cape Town and the
Western Cape.
Join us in building a resilient destination. Agile, adaptable and at the
forefront of technical innovation in Africa – our province prides itself as
being an industry leader in film best practice.
Accompanying the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, were new habits
& regulations based on reduced close-contact and tighter travel and
hygiene restrictions. Adapting to the zeitgeist of the new low touch
economy, our local film industry quickly implemented technical solutions,
accompanied by clearly defined hygiene regulations as advised by global
stakeholders such as the World Health Organisation, and our regional
regulations to be implemented on set.
Incorporating environmentally friendly best practices, coupled
with high tech production solutions - we welcome you to our city and
province, a truly inspiring destination to create.
Visit our dedicated COVID-19 Content Centre for the latest news,
FAQs and business innovation at: www.supportbusiness.co.za or send your
queries to film@wesgro.co.za
Wesgro Film and Media Promotion Unit
Wesgro, the government agency that promotes the economy of Cape
Town and the Western Cape, wants to help you uncover opportunities in
the film and media sector.
Utilizing its network of relationships with stakeholders along the film
and media supply chain, the Wesgro Film and Media Promotion Unit help
local and international film crews create world-class film, commercials,
animation and gaming productions in the Western Cape. Adopting a
technical approach, the unit also promotes the film sector via local and
international virtual festivals and events.
The Unit provides the following services, many available
via virtual consultations:
• Assisting local and international film companies who want to produce
content in the Western Cape.
• Assisting local and international film companies seeking
distribution and co-production opportunities.
• Hosting B2B knowledge sharing sessions, exporter development
programmes and masterclasses.
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SHOWCASING AFRICA: WESTERN CAPE, SOUTH AFRICA 73
• Co-ordinating annual inbound and outbound missions to build the
local sector and to promote the Western Cape.
• Offering guidance on policy and regulatory matters.
• Communicating with and lobbying regional and national regulatory
and professional bodies.
• Mentoring projects.
• Providing investment advice.
• Marketing the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a
preferred film and media production destination.
Why film in Cape Town and the Western Cape?
• Lowest annual operating costs when benchmarked against Toronto,
New York, Madrid, Mexico, Paris, Hong Kong and London
(fDi Benchmark, 2018)
• World-class studio facilities
• Fiber optic internet connection available in most parts of the city,
facilitating efficient virtual production
• Competent, experienced and technically proficient crew and
production professionals
• Diverse landscapes, creating ‘a world in one set’
• Favourable climate and light
• A menu of production incentives positioning South Africa and the
Western Cape as a preferred destination for international
production teams
• Specialised services available, including set designers, set builders,
stunts, special effects and costumes, among others
• English widely spoken, and time zone aligned with Europe
• Excellent transport, banking and ICT infrastructure
• Vast tourism and hospitality options, including accommodation,
logistics companies and catering services, among others
• Excellent post-production facilities
• Lengthy daylight hours in summer (average of 15 hours:
5:30am to 20:00pm)
• High standards of copyright protection.
Boasting a breadth and depth of second to none locations supported
by world-class industry service providers, there quite simply is nowhere
better!
IN A NUTSHELL
INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS
25%
The Western Cape’s contribution
to SA’s film industry GDP is
around 25%, according to a 2017
NFVF report.
15 hours
The Cape has an average of 15
hours of daylight in summer,
from 5:30am to 8pm.
POPULAR FILM LOCATIONS
• Artscape Theatre
• Atlantis dunes
• Bo-Kaap
• Cape Karoo and
Klein Karoo
• Cape Overberg
40%
It is up to 40% cheaper to make
films in the Western Cape than it
is in Europe and the USA, and up
to 20% cheaper than in Australia.
195%
In 2014, film products exported
from the Western Cape’s
exports increased by 195%.
• Cape Town City Centre
• Cape Town Stadium
• Cape West Coast
• Garden Route
• Winelands
• Robben Island
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
Blue flag beaches
Cape Dutch mansions
and vineyards
Cottages and wildflowers
Deserts and sand dunes
Markets and alleys
Modern architecture
and urban looks
National parks and game
reserves (wildlife)
Rugged mountains
Contacts
Wesgro
Tel: +27 21 4878600
Email: film@wesgro.co.za
Web: www.wesgro.co.za/film
#wesgrofilm
CLIMATE
Sunshine Hours:
200 – 300hrs/month
AIR ACCESS
• Cape Town
International Airport
Rainfall in mm:
20 – 80mm/month
• George Airport for Garden
Route connections
FOREIGN PRODUCTIONS
SHOT IN THE WESTERN CAPE
• Tomb Raider
• Dr Who
• Good Omens
• The Dark Tower
• Black Mirror
• The Watch
• Maze Runner: The Death Cure
• Warrior
Black Sails © Film Afrika
74 SHOWCASING AFRICA: KENYA www.thecallsheet.co.za
KENYA’S
WILDLIFE EXPLOITS
A
country with a long and rich history in facilitating film
productions, Kenya was the prime location for Bob
Rafelson’s Mountains of the Moon (1989) and has since
served as location for several Hollywood blockbusters,
including the sequel to Tomb Raider. In 2002, the Academy awardwinning
German film Nowhere in Africa was shot on location in
Baringo, Bogoria and Mount Kenya, while in 2005, the box office
hit The Constant Gardener was shot on location in Loiyangalani, a
small town located on the south-eastern coast of Lake Turkana.
More often than not, however, Kenya has remained a great
destination for wildlife productions. Many award-winning wildlife
series have been shot on location in Kenya by BBC Natural
History, Discovery, Survival and others. The Maasai Mara continues
to be the backdrop for BBC’s popular Big Cat Diary. Kenya’s readily
accessible wildlife, spectacular landscapes and traditional cultures,
make it the perfect cinematic setting for a range of productions,
including Out of Africa, the real-life murder mystery White
Mischief, and, more recently, To Walk with the Lions, the biopic of
famed conservationist George Adamson.
The Kenya Film Commission can assist with permit and other
production information, while companies like Blue Sky Africa
provide valuable production services to internationals.
Contacts
Kenya Film Commission
Head Office: P.O. Box 76417-00508 Jumuia Place,
Lenana Road, Nairobi, Kenya.
Tel: +254 020 271 4073 / 4
Mobile: +254 729 407 497 / +254 733 650 068
Email: info@filmingkenya.com
Nyali Beach, Mombassa, Kenya © Sylvia Szekely via Unsplash
IN A NUTSHELL
POPULAR FILMS
SHOT IN KENYA
• Inception
• Tomb Raider: The Cradle
of Life
• Out of Africa
• Paradise: Love
• The First Grader
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
PANAVISION EXTENDS ITS AFRICAN PRESENCE
In 2019, Panavision announced a greater presence across
East Africa through its partnership with Kenya Grip & Sparks
Lighting Ltd in Nairobi. Now a larger variety of gear and
equipment can be found in the region. Kenya’s film sector is
growing rapidly and by reaching out to local producers and
establishing partnerships like these, Panavision is illustrating
that there are exciting professional opportunities available for
filmmakers in Kenya.
“The African film industry is a young, up-and-coming market.
With more equipment available, productions can take advantage
of the stunning scenery and magnificent locations that have not
yet been shared with the world. Africa is the next big location
for shoots,” James Barth, Regional Director of Panavision told
Callsheet Africa.
Bustling city streets
Snow-capped mountains
Beautiful beaches
PERMITS
Dormant volcanoes
Fishing villages
The Department of Film Services (DFS) of Kenya licenses all local and foreign
crews undertaking filming in the country. In order to obtain a license, one copy
of the script and a story synopsis must be sent to the Film Licensing officer.
For documentaries the licenses are issued within minutes of application and
for feature films and dramas within two days of application.
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SHOWCASING AFRICA: MAURITIUS 75
MAGNIFICENT
MAURITIUS
Image by Boris Baldinger via Unsplash
IN A NUTSHELL
POPULAR FILM LOCATIONS
Image by Jorg Angeli via Unsplash
When we think of idyllic beach escapes, Mauritius is
second to none. It is a beautiful island paradise with
incredible wildlife and turquoise oceans as far as the
eye can see. But that’s not the only reason people are
visiting. Mauritius offers up some very attractive rebates of up to 40% for
productions of all shapes and sizes. Although it has long been a favourite
amongst Bollywood’s elite since the 70s (it is even known as mini-India),
it was only two years ago that Hollywood set foot on the island with the
production Serenity starring Matthew McConaughey and Anne Hathaway.
Another reason why filmmakers are flocking to Mauritius is its
convenience. Thanks to its tourism infrastructure, it is accessible from
nearly anywhere in the world by air. Its climate during cooler months is also
sought after thanks to the temperate conditions.
More and more South African production service companies are
setting up offices in Mauritius, too – pointing towards a coming boom in
the island’s film industry very soon. One such company is Two Oceans
Production, which first shot on Mauritius in 2001. In 2014, after the
introduction off the rebate scheme, TOP saw a natural progression towards
setting up shop there, and building further connections with local cast,
crew and suppliers.
Contacts
Mauritius Film Development Corporation
Director: Sachin Jootun / sjootun@mauritiusfilm.mu
Head Office: M6 Hugh Otter Barry Street, Floreal, Republic of Mauritius
Tel: +230 696 3137 / +230 698 6013
Email: mauritiusfilm@intnet.mu
Web: www.mauritiusfilm.mu / www.filminmauritius.com
• Aventure Du Sucre
• Bagatelle Mall Of Mauritius
• Belle Mare
• Central Market
• Chamarel –
7 Coloured Earths
Bustling city streets
Volcanic and other
rock formations
Beautiful beaches and
ocean life
CLIMATE
Sun hours in Nairobi:
250-280hrs/month
Rainfall in mm: 880mm
to 1 550mm/year
• Fort Adelaide
• Le Caudan Waterfront
• Salt Marshes
• Sir Seewoosagur
Ramgoolam Botanic Garden
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
PERMITS
Luxury resorts
Colonial and
modern architecture
AIR ACCESS
• Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam
International Airport
• Sir Gaëtan Duval Airport
The Mauritius Film Development Corporation licenses all local and
foreign crews undertaking filming in the country. Send your permit
applications at least one month ahead of principal photography dates.
All relevant documentation and applications forms are available on
www.mauritiusfilm.mu.
76 SHOWCASING AFRICA: MOROCCO www.thecallsheet.co.za
MOROCCO:
A FILMMAKER’S OASIS
Morocco is an exotic land in Northern Africa steeped in
Berber, Arab and European cultural influences. It is blessed
with a diversity of locations ranging from ancient souks
(marketplaces) to modern luxury, from beautiful surferfriendly
beaches to mighty desert landscapes. Morocco’s reputation as a
safe and hospitable country makes it a popular location for filming North
African and Middle Eastern looks. Films hosted here in its colourful filmic
history include Game of Thrones, Aladdin, American Sniper, Black Hawk Down,
Gladiator, Lawrence of Arabia, Kundun, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Babel to
name but a few. Morocco is a hugely popular international filming location
and one of the top spots in the world for desert settings. Nearly 40 foreign
productions shot in Morocco in 2014 spending a collective USD120
million – more than the previous five years combined. Morocco offers
a VAT exemption for goods and services bought by foreign production
companies, and the local crew are experienced and well-versed in bigbudget
productions.
Tom Cruise’s Mission: Impossible – Rogue Nation was a high-profile
production that closed part of the bustling Casablanca-Agadir highway for
key action sequences involving car and motorcycle chases. Morocco also
stood in for Afghanistan in Todd Phillips’s War Dogs.
The BBC has been a regular visitor with productions like family
adventure Atlantis and biblical drama The Ark. Political miniseries
The Honourable Woman decided on a Morocco shoot when Jordan
became a security risk during their specific shoot window. American
shows have included Tut, set during the short reign of the Egyptian
pharaoh Tutankhamun.
Morocco faces international competition from places like Malta, Croatia
and the United Arab Emirates, but is already an established favourite.
“Wherever one shoots, the important thing is to find good local creative
and technical talent, and an honest and fair service company. Morocco has
all that and more.” says Jules Hussey, Producer on The Ark.
Contacts
Moroccan National Tourist Office
Tel: +212 (0)53 727 8300
Web: www.tourisme.gov.ma / www.visitmorocco.com
Image by Toa Heftiba via Unsplash
IN A NUTSHELL
INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS
16
Morocco has co-production
treaties with 16 countries, 6 of
which are in Africa
1 372
Total production permits issued
in 2016 – comprising 713 foreign
permits and 641 local permits.
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
Agricultural (olive, citrus,
vineyards, wheat)
Ancient villages
Middle Eastern/Arab
Mountain ranges
and gorges
Moroccan Centre for Cinematography
Head Office: Avenue El Majd, BP 421, Rabat
Tel: +212 (0)53 728 9200
Email: contact@ccm.ma
Web: www.ccm.ma
Arid, Desert landscapes
Coastal towns
Roman ruins
Narrow streets and
vibrant markets
Whitewashed and blue
buildings
Rivers and lakes
PERMITS
FOREIGN PRODUCTIONS
SHOT IN MOROCCO
Films shoots require permits obtained through the Moroccan
Cinematographic Centre. Crew travelling from Western countries can
enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Morocco offers a 20% cash rebate to
productions running for 18 working days and spending at least US$1 million.
• The Night Manager
• Vikings
• Homeland
• Aladdin
• Aquaman
• Mission: Impossible –
• Rogue Nation
• Game of Thrones
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SHOWCASING AFRICA: NAMIBIA 77
NAMIBIA:
DRAMATIC BACKDROPS
Namibia is Africa’s best kept cinematic secret. Known for
being the country of wide-open spaces, boasting a varied
geographical landscape and the most sought-after Namib
Desert, are reason enough to visit. But it is also an ideal
filming location. Blockbusters such as The Mummy, the latest instalment of
Transformers and even Academy Award-winning Mad Max: Fury Road are
prime examples. Namibia is home to the world’s highest sand dunes, the
largest single piece of meteor on earth weighing 66 tonnes, the world’s
oldest desert and the world’s second largest canyon.
Namibia is also the fifth largest country in Africa – larger than Spain
and Germany combined. In 2011, Ron Fricke and Mark Magidson released
their 5-years-in-the-making collaborative project Samsara – a visually
breath-taking documentary. Other films that form part of Namibia’s rich
film history include Flight of the Phoenix and The Prisoner. Naturally, one of
the key locations are Namibia’s dunes and desert – doubling for the likes
of Afghanistan, Iraq or Iran. Stunningly desolate looking, but conveniently
situated just 30 minutes from impressive hotels and lodgings, shooting
here is a breeze. The dunes are just the tip of the proverbial iceberg of
locations, says Guy Nockels, Executive Producer at Namib Films. “There’s
so much more, from the Fish Canyon in the south to the flood plains of the
Zambezi region in the north. Plus the clay pans of Deadvlei and Sossusvlei
attract commercials, music videos and small sections of feature films.” There
are also plenty of private game reserves offering amazing scenery and
wildlife shoot opportunities up close for filmmakers, he adds.
Contacts
Namibia Film Commission
Postal Address: P.O. Box 40715, Ausspannplatz, Windhoek
Tel: +264 (0)61 381 900
Email: info@nfc.na
Web: www.nfc.na
IN A NUTSHELL
INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS
17
Namibia has over 17 national
reserves and game parks.
5 243
Namibia is home to 5243+ species of
plants, birds and mammal species and is
great for shooting wildlife.
POPULAR FILM LOCATIONS
• Kalahari Sandveld
• Kavango and Caprivi
• Kolmannskoppe
• Namib Desert
CLIMATE
Sun hours in Windhoek:
280-300hrs/month
Rainfall in mm:
20-50mm/month
• Namib Escarpment
• Okavango and the
Zambezi River
• Sossusvlei
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
Coastal plains
and riverbeds
National Parks
(for wildlife)
Remote cultural villages
Rocky escarpments
and formations
AIR ACCESS
• Windhoek Hosea Kutako
International Airport
• Commercial airports
(inter-city connections)
FOREIGN PRODUCTIONS SHOT IN
NAMIBIA
• Divas Hit the Road
• Mad Max: Fury Road
• The Mummy (2017)
• The Prisoner
• Transformers: The Last Knight
• Flight of the Phoenix
PERMITS
All productions should contact the Namibian Film Commission at least three
weeks before arrival and apply for film permits. All foreign crew members
working in country must have a valid temporary work permit.
Image by Alan J Hendry via Unsplash
78 SHOWCASING AFRICA: NIGERIA www.thecallsheet.co.za
NIGERIA:
CONTENT PRODUCTION GIANT
Nollywood – the film industry in Nigeria – is in fact the second
largest movie industry globally. In terms of output the
country produces around 2 500 films annually, far surpassing
Hollywood and second only to India’s Bollywood.
Most films and television series are in Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo and English,
the most widely spoken languages in Nigeria. The cultural balance and
diversity of Nigeria make Nollywood different from the other movie
industries across the world. But beyond this, although perhaps rough
around the edges when it comes to global standards, Nigeria has a welldeveloped
film economy that creates regular income for many. The industry
currently employs over 1 million people, making it one of Nigeria’s largest
employers after agriculture. Its capacity to employ a large number of people
has been applauded by the World Bank, acknowledging the job creation
potential of Nollywood.
Nigeria’s box office is also vibrant, raking in N4.3 billion in 2017, and
forecast to grow to an estimated N6.4 billion by 2022. Out of this industry
has grown one of Africa’s most well-known television networks, EbonyLife,
with personality and CEO Mo Abudu at the helm. Not only has this
company led the way in female-run entertainment on the continent, but it
has also broken through to the international stage with films like Fifty. In
2019, Abudu confirmed a collaborative production underway with Sony
Pictures, which will bring an original African TV series to life in
coming years.
Contacts
Nigerian Film Corporation
Office: 218T, Liberty Dam Road, P.O.Box 693, Jos, Plateau State
Tel: +234 (0) 809 514 0664
Email: contact@nigerianfilms.gov.ng
Web: www.nigerianfilms.gov.ng
Image by Muhammadtaha Ibrahim via Unsplash
IN A NUTSHELL
INDUSTRY IN NUMBERS
2
Nollywood is the 2 nd largest
film producer in the world.
$70 000
The average cost of
producing a local film.
1926
The year the first feature film,
Palaver, was made in Nigeria
₦239 billion
The arts, entertainment and recreation
sector’s contribution to GDP
30 days
Average time it takes to produce a
film in Nollywood
40
Netflix has acquired the rights to 40
Nigerian films as of March 2020.
TYPE OF LOCATIONS AND LOOKS
Beaches in the south
Business districts
Deserts and savannahs
Floating shanty town
High-rise buildings
National parks and
game reserves
Rugged plateaus
Tropical rainforests
Image by Temitayo Aina via Unsplash
PERMITS
All foreign crew require temporary work permits. Applications usually take
about 10 days to approve. Film crews should also be accredited through the
Nigerian Film Corporation and all shoots require a designated liaison officer.
Requests must be submitted 28 days before scheduled shoot dates.
CLIMATE
Sun hours in Lagos:
150 – 250hrs/month
Rainfall in mm:
1 – 350mm/month
AIR ACCESS
• Murtala Muhammed
International Airport
• 10 international airports
www.thecallsheet.co.za
SPECIALIST SERVICES A-Z 79
CAPE DIRECT
Cape Direct is a service company for
international film productions wishing to to
take advantage of the variety of locations,
high calibre crew, quality equipment, and
favourable exchange rate in South Africa.
We were named Co-Producers of a Grand
Prix Award at Cannes Lions for Fox Sports
and have a portfolio of prestigious clients.
Image by Shotlist via Unsplash
23 Grebe Crescent,
Flamingo Vlei,
Cape Town
t: +27 (0)82 550 6911
e: production@capedirect.com |
dianne@capedirect.com
www.capedirect.com
HOT SOURCE
Sourcing, supply and delivery of hard drives,
other digital media and technical consumables
to the film, stills and television industry.
Genevieve le Cordeur
t: +27 (0)21 447 8857 | +27 (0)82 335 3973
f: +27 (0)86 697 1082
e: gen@hotsource.tv
www.hotsource.tv
VIP Security & special event
Armed Tactical Response Unit
K9 Unit & armed escorts
Risk management consulting
Mobile operations unit with
fully fitted CCTV control room
Higher Education Sector
Campus Security
Tactical Response Teams
BBBEE level 1
The Specialists in Security
Pro Events is the leading specialist in professional
and personal security solutions for the
Film Production, VIP Protection and
Special Events Industry.
PR
events
Tel: +27 (0) 72 549 1162 & +27 (0) 21 425 2170
www.proevents-sa.co.za
reception@provents-sa.co.za
80 FIXERS DIRECTORY www.thecallsheet.co.za
FIXERS: A-Z DIRECTORY
NAME COMPANY TEL EMAIL/WEBSITE REGION
Antonio Forjaz Mahla Filmes +258 843 172 010 pipasforjaz@gmail.com
Mozambique
www.mahlafilmes.com
Appalachia Productions Appalachia Productions +27 82 557 6321 mcmahon@icon.co.za Africa
Bernd Curschmann Lemon Reel Film Services +264 811 227 717 info@lemonreel.com
Africa and abroad
www.lemonreel.com
Brad Logan BLM Productions +27 83 232 1758 brad@blmsa.co.za Western Cape
Bruce Thackwell
Bruce Thackwell and
Associates
Derrick Kibisi Talking Film Production +256 790 912 494
+256 755 902 991
Desale Mitiku
Grand Holidays Ethiopia
Travel and Tours
+27 82 800 9569 scouts@yebo.co.za South Africa,
Zimbabwe, Zambia
+251 116 183 163
+251 911 428 006
info@talkingfilmproducion.com
dkibisi@talkingfilmproduction.com
www.talkingfilmproduction.com
desale@grandholidaysethiopia.com
www.grandholidaysethiopia.com
Guy Nockels Magic Touch Films +264 64 463 371 info@magictouchfilms.com
www.magictouchfilms.com
Helen Atty Two Seas TV +27 21 801 0986
helen@twoseas.cc
+27 82 728 9818
Image Mundi Image Mundi +27 72 630 1105 alec@imagemundi.com
www.imagemundi.com
James H.E. Cutting Cutting Loose Productions +44 791 435 2249
+212 699 394 860
cuttinglooseproductions@gmail.com
cuttingadash@gmail.com
www.cuttinglooseproductions.com
Uganda, Rwanda, East
and Central Africa
Ethiopia
Namibia, Mozambique
and Southern Africa
Western Cape
Africa
Morocco
Janice Beatty African Environments +255 784 506 600 janiceb@africanenvironments.com Tanzania
Jason Merle Banana Boys +27 73 747 9311 bananaboyz@mweb.co.za Mauritius, KwaZulu-Natal
Jean-Marie Sabin Wild Side Productions +254 722 324 176 contact@wildside-productions.com
Kenya, East and Central Africa
onsafariafrica@gmail.com
www.wildside-productions.com
Jo Higgs Freelance +27 21 462 3213 info@gotrolley.com Western Cape
Karen Brooks Freelance +27 83 259 6324 karenvbrooks@gmail.com Gauteng
Karim El Amri Moraction +212 661 588 459 karim@moraction.com
Morocco
info@moraction.com
www.moraction.com
Katherine Leach-Lewis Up a Gum Tree Productions +27 83 296 3900 katherine@upagumtree.co.za
Western Cape
www.upagumtree.co.za
Khalil Lougmani Magic Pictures +212 37 296 786 info@magicpictures-morocco.com
Morocco
www.magicpictures-morocco.com
Mahacine Mokdad Freelance +212 679 286 797 mahacinemokdad@gmail.com
Morocco
www.mahacinemokdad.me
Margie McMahon Freelance 082 557 6321 mcmahon@icon.co.za
Africa
www.margiemcmahon.co.za
Mario Zvan Blue Sky Films +254 722 336 840 mario@blueskyafrica.com
Kenya, East and Central Africa
www.blueskyafrica.com
Mickey Fonseca Mahla Filmes +258 827 116 080 friedmozkitos@gmail.com
www.mahlafilmes.com
Mozambique
Mimi Abe Blay Asmah BlasTours +233 302 404 460
+233 208 232 463
info@blastours.com
www.blastours.com
Morgeez Production Morgeez Production +27 733 717 802 production@morgeez.com
www.morgeez.com
Morten Nielsen Freelance +27 723 764 405 locations4africa@gmail.com
www.locations4africa.com
Neil Bowden Freelance +27 846 745 674 neil1@telkomsa.net
Peter Currey Freelance +27 828 929 997 peter@sitewise.co.za
www.locationssa.co.za
Peter P Gudo
Nigma Pictures
Entertainment
+258 20 031 409
+258 845 448 348
Reda Fakhar Fixers in Morocco +212 537 263 346
+212 610 467 009
info@nigmamz.com
www.nigmamz.com
www.nigmapictures.info
info@fixer-morocco.com
www.fixer-morocco.com
Ghana
Gauteng
Western Cape
Extensive experience in
Northern Cape
Mozambique
Morocco
Richard Moerdyk FIXERFILM +27 833 019 032 richard@fixerfilm.com
Western Cape
www.fixerfilm.com
Rick Matthews Big Banana Films +27 824 436 307 rick@bigbanana.co.za
Gauteng
www.bigbanana.co.za
Sajid Darr Viewfinders Kenya Ltd +254 717 305 750 info@viewfindersltd.com
Kenya, East Africa
www.viewfindersltd.com
Susan Puren Freelance +27 824 166 193 susan.puren@gmail.com Gauteng
Tania Jenkins AfriScreen Films +27 217 885 777 production@afriscreen.com Western Cape
Tamer Abbas Egypt Productions LLC +20 224 153 830 info@egyptproductions.com Egypt
Vanessa Yelseth Time Frame +27 117 821 152
vanessa@timeframetv.com
Gauteng
+27 836 803 441
Yvette Oosthuizen Freelance +27 828 290 896 yvette@wildblue.co.za Western Cape
www.thecallsheet.co.za
A-Z DIRECTORY: CATEGORIES 81
A-Z DIRECTORY:
COMPANY TEL EMAIL WEBSITE PAGE
African Photo Productions +27 83 338 7800 joe@africanphoto.co.za www.africanphoto.co.za 41
Amazing Spaces +27 21 761 3445 shoot@amazingspaces.co.za www.amazingspaces.co.za 28
Atlantic Studios +27 21 201 3960 info@atlanticstudios.co.za www.atlanticstudios.co.za 48
Atlas Studios +27 11 482 7111 info@atlasstudios.co.za www.atlasstudios.co.za 49
Blue Sky Films +254 72 233 6840 info@blueskyafrica.com www.blueskyafrica.com 58
Can-Can Films +27 83 227 3041 di@can-canfilms.co.za www.can-canfilms.co.za 59
Cape Direct +27 82 550 6911 production@capedirect.com www.capedirect.com 79
CC&A Insurance Brokers +27 31 716 6000 gillianl@ccainsurance.co.za www.ccainsurance.co.za 11
Cellular Dynamics +27 21 447 0641 info@cellulardynamics.tv www.cellulardynamics.tv 52
City of Cape Town -
F/LM Cape Town
+27 21 417 4035 info@filmcapetown.com filmcapetown.com 05
CTICC +27 21 421 3070 info@cticc.co.za www.cticc.co.za 14-15
Durban Film Office +27 31 311 4243 filmdurban@durban.gov.za www.durbanfilmoffice.com 16-17
Film Finances +27 11 513 3563 jane@filmfinances.co.za www.filmfinances.com 51
Flash Photo +27 21 418 0618 info@flashphoto.co.za www.flashphoto.co.za 49
Folio Translation
Consultants
+27 21 426 2727 projects@foliotranslations.com www.folio-online.co.za 09
Gauteng Film Commission +27 11 833 0409 info@gautengfilm.org.za www.gautengfilm.org.za 69
Ginger Pictures +27 11 431 0240 julie@gingerpictures.tv www.gingerpictures.tv 60
Happy Cat Films +27 21 422 2795 rachel@happycatfilms.co.za www.happycatfilms.co.za 61
Hot Source +27 21 447 8857 gen@hotsource.tv www.hotsource.tv 79
Kayos Casting Directors +27 21 462 6353 monique@kayos.co.za www.kayos.co.za 35
KwaZulu-Natal Film
Commission
+27 31 325 0200 marketing@kwazulunatalfilm.co.za www.kznfilm.co.za IFC-01
Location Gallery +27 21 418 1714 info@locationgallery.co.za www.locationgallery.co.za 29
Mindshare World | Rolex +27 21 815 6700 Nada.Carlisle@mindshareworld.com www.mindshareworld.com OBC
Mountain Marina +27 21 421 3070 info@mountainmarina.co.za www.mountainmarina.co.za 30
Panalux Island Studios +27 21 529 4200 info@islandstudios.co.za info@islandstudios.net 49
Panavision 021 529 4200 nicholas.doble@panavision.za.com www.panavision.com 02
Panalux +27 21 529 4200 michele.starnaud@panalux.co.za www.panalux.biz 02, 49
Pro Events +27 21 425 2170 reception@proevents-sa.co.za www.proevents-sa.co.za 79
Royale International +27 86 176 1253 customerservices@royaleafrica.com www.royaleafrica.com 07
The Refinery +27 21 469 2820 capetown@refinery.co.za www.refinery.co.za 45
Trilogy Creative Studios +27 21 685 9372 info@thetrilogy.co.za www.thetrilogy.co.za 62
Tsogo Sun +27 82 347 5851 moira.sinclair@tsogosun.com www.tsogosun.com IBC
Wesgro Film & Media
Promotion
+27 21 487 4844 film@wesgro.co.za www.wesgro.co.za/film 06, 18-27,
72-73
WrapZERO +27 64 686 2434 info@wrapzero.co.za www.wrapzero.co.za 53
82 CREDITS www.thecallsheet.co.za
CREDITS
The Filmmaker's Guide to Africa (fmg) is an annual African film industry
marketing publication targeted at an international audience, as well as to
the desks of decision makers through Southern Africa. As a marketing
resource and information guide, it makes a strong financial and strategic
case for shooting in Africa by detailing incentives, rebates and subsidies,
exploring regional features, locations, and logistics and creating a thorough
overview of the infrastructure and experience that Africa has to offer.
fmg is Africa’s premier marketing tool for film on the continent.
PUBLISHER Lance Gibbons
STRATEGIC DIRECTOR Kathy English Brower
EDITOR Kim Crowie
HEAD OF DESIGN Liam Abrahams
PRODUCTION & DIGITAL Cindy Jarvis
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT MANAGERS
Jennifer Dianez, Nassa Basadien
EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Lesley Marchant, Musawenkosi Gebuza, Lauren van
Rensburg, Joe Alblas, Antoinette Monty, Morwesi Ramonyai
COVER IMAGE Carol Babalwa Mtshiselwa – SAFTA 2020
winner for Best Achievement in Make-Up and Hairstyling
for a Feature Film – Knuckle City.
Photography by: Joe Alblas, assisted by
Anika Molnár and post production by
Raquel Fernandes | African PhotoProductions.
Shot on Location: Flash Studios with Profoto lighting gear
and Nikon Z7 camera system.
Make-Up and Styling by: Christa Schoeman
Please note that all the current COVID-19 protocols
were adhered to.
PHOTOGRAPHIC CONTRIBUTIONS Thank you to all
the photographers, governments, organisations and
advertisers who contributed, especially Joe Alblas.
joe@africanphoto.co.za / www.africanphoto.co.za
PUBLISHED BY Film & Event Media
COPYRIGHT ©Filmmaker’s Guide to Africa. The copyright,
including the right of reproduction in any form, of all material
in the Filmmaker’s Guide to Africa is expressly reserved in
terms of section 12 (7) of the South African Copyright Act.
ISBN NUMBER 978-0-620-88270-5
FOR ADVERTISING QUERIES Filmmaker’s Guide to Africa
Please contact: +27 21 674 0646
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For advertising queries for the Filmmaker's Guide to Africa and the range
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