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t is anticipated that the Durban FilmMart will provide African filmmakers with the opportunity to pitch film products to leading financiers, sales agents worldwide and obtain feedback from internationally-recognised directors and producers which could lead to future collaborations.
“We envisage that the establishment of an international co-production market in association with the Durban International Film Festival (in Durban) has the potential to act as a key driver raising the visibility of film content from the African continent,’ said Toni Monty – acting CEO of the Durban Film Office at the launch of the project during the 30th Durban International Film Festival earlier this month.
This is no flash-in-the-pan idea as the DFO and DIFF have spent the past 18 months researching the situation and forming a business plan ‘that would work within the realities of the African context’.
The key findings were as follows:
· Festivals and markets are key components within the global film economy;
· The scarcity of African projects accessing these markets indicates a need for platforms in Africa which would, not only bring the world to Africa, but improve Africa’s access to the world;
· There is a scarcity of investor-ready projects to sustain a market in the short-term unless they are coupled with training interventions (aimed at developing these products for the market place);
· Public – private partnership is essential for sustainability;
· International Best Practice indicates that the success of these markets is dependent upon affiliation with a recognised and established film festival.
“By providing a funding a co-production forum, the Durban FilmMart aims to redress the paucity of film production on this continent and make a vital contribution to film financing and industry development in a time where stability and growth is sadly sporadic,” said Peter Rorvik – Director of the Centre for Creative Arts and the Durban International.
Bureaucracy
Speaking at the KwaZulu-Natal Economic Recovery and Jobs Summit held at Sibaya Entertainment Kingdom and Casino, uMdloti last week, Martin Cuff – a film consultant for the BBC, re-iterated the benefits of the film industry and the influx of money to boost a flagging economy.
AND with respect to KZN as a province there is still much to be done. At present, according to Martin, KZN only scoops 4% of the R5,38-billion earned in South Africa. “This is a growing economic sector,’ he added, ‘with many companies looking to take their films on the road.”
In Louisiana, for instance, the revenue earned from the film industry grew from $4-milion in 2001 and is now $1-billion.
British Columbia, too, has profited from the fact that 24% of the Hollywood film industry is shot out of the US – with the creation on 300 000 jobs.
“Film provides work for direct employment as well as added benefits such as building sets, catering, dressmakers and more. If the services are not available locally they will be brought in.”
In addition, it has been noted that there is a 54% increase in tourism for four years after a film has been shot in a specific location.
“The bottom line is the cost, good access to locations and ‘unique’ products. For instance, ‘Racing Stripes’ was filmed in KZN because the Zebra couldn’t be moved out of the province. ‘The Poseidon Adventure’ was filmed in Cape Town because of the city’s ability to build boats.
“Films are everyone’s business and plans need to be in place.”
A major stumbling block, however, is the bureaucracy and the necessity to obtain permits every step of the way. "If you want the film industry then the bureaucracy must be removed or else 25% of your business will go somewhere else.
“Grasp the opportunities – there are local stories which need to be told. With every film there is money to be made which is indirectly related – such as toys, crafts and products.” This is too true as one only has to think of movies such as Harry Potter© – with everything from the original books (in hard and soft cover), colouring books, playing cards, stationery, collectables, chess sets, jewellery and more. The Transformers©, Star Wars© and even The Incredible Hulk©, to name but some, have done wonders for the toy industry – manufacturing and retail.
‘Izulu Lami’ (My Secret Sky), which was shot in KZN and opens later this year, is according to Cuff “a missed opportunity” with regard to the peripherals.
The impact of encouraging the film industry to make the most of our province not only brings much needed skills training, but also extends into the area of tourism one of the largest contributors to South Africa’s GDP.
The FilmMart is but one way to encourage collaborations with respect to filmmakers and financiers, however, the rules need to be relaxed to entice these ventures. |
