Another take for performers

To address the challenges facing the South African film industry, 18 of Cape Town's casting agencies formed the Official South African Casting Association (OSCA SA) in September 2004 as an association of casting agencies representing "Characters, Kids and Background Artistes" for feature films and commercials - 'non-professional' artistes who had no representation in the film industry prior to the formation of the association.

Bobby Am, chairperson of the CPA, says: "We should start to recognise organisations that are properly constituted and have existing memberships and also those who are prepared to enter into constructive debate and deal effectively with our issues.

"OSCA SA has earned that status with the CPA and its executive, and agencies would benefit from membership where their interests are so vehemently pursued through negotiation."

Martin Cuff, Cape Film Commission, says: "The launch of OSCA offers constructive proof that the Cape-based industry is increasingly professional, increasingly innovative and increasingly adopting new ways in which to retain a competitive edge."

Official recognition represents the culmination of a long road for OSCA SA's members who hope that the outcomes will include improved communication to a greater industry base, representation for the thousands employed on set annually, improved development and communication to the artiste base, effective recruitment of agencies nationally, giving protection to artistes and production companies, greater co-operation between agencies, production, casting agents and suppliers, a support base for agency owners and the development and deployment of best practice.

To contact OSCA SA email: .