"We are very excited to launch this prestigious programme that will assist in developing and supporting promising local producers beyond the immediate SA marketplace," said Clarence Hamilton, production and development executive.
"The programme will be headed by a range of global experts who have experience in buying, sourcing finance, and selling at the world's leading markets, including the American Film Market, the Cannes Film Festival and the Berlin Film Festival."
Over the past nine years, the National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) has provided production funding to local producers for the financing of feature films, shorts and documentaries. "One of the gaps we discovered during this time is that many producers lack adequate experience and knowledge to source international financing through co-production partnerships or other permutations," commented Ryan Haidarian, NFVF head of production and development.
"This has resulted in many projects failing to raise sufficient funds to go into production and eventually collapsing or going into production with insufficient funds to make films of the highest quality."
The programme will be held in three sessions. The first took place on Tuesday, 28 April 2009, and the last session will be on Tuesday, 18 August. At the end of the programme, the top two achievers will be selected to attend the Film London Production Finance Market in October 2009, where they will have an opportunity to pitch their projects to potential international financiers, sales agents and distributors.
In addition, the course leaders have committed to structure a mentorship programme to mentor two South African producers, so as to ensure that the requisite training skills transfer occurs. "It is intended that, upon successful completion of the mentorship programme, the producers will be equipped to deliver the programme in the country, thus making this kind of training more accessible and cost-effective for the industry," explained Hamilton.
For any queries relating to the programme, contact Pretty Mthiyane on + 27 (0)11 483 0880 or email .
