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Message from the Chief Executive
Following the successful hosting of the FIFA Confederations Cup there is now certainly no doubt about it that South Africa – and Gauteng – will successfully host the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa next year. In this feature we note with excitement the progress being made to complete major infrastructural projects including the Bus Rapid Transport system, Gautrain and the Soccer City stadium – the increasingly iconic stadium which will arguably most come to symbolise next year’s global sporting event.
While these infrastructural projects are adding a wide array of exciting new locations to our urban landscape, we’re also pleased to note that the film and TV industry is responding to the major opportunity presented by global demand for African content arising from the championship. We therefore encourage the industry to participate at the upcoming Film and Photo Expo, MediaTech Africa 2009 and the Screen Africa Talent & Technology Conference, as these events will address among others industry challenges and opportunities arising from 2010.
In recent weeks we have noted with alarm that another proudly Gauteng project, ‘White Wedding’, has become a victim to piracy. We welcome efforts by the Southern African Federation Against Copyright Theft, working with law enforcement agencies, to clamp down on what is costing the local film industry millions in lost revenue each year.
Terry Tselane
Chief Executive
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IN BRIEF
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Bevan Cullinan wins big at Promax Awards, New York
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Fresh Eye Film Productions Director Bevan Cullinan made South Africa proud at the Promax|BDA Promotion and Marketing Awards held in New York in June this year. Together with local agency, Studio Zoo, he scooped seven awards (three Gold, three Silver and a Bronze) for the DStv ‘Guess Who?’ television commercial series.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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New casting agency shows it cares
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Newly formed Johannesburg-based character agency Caitlin’s Castings recently held a workshop where it showcased a unique concept to its members. The agency not only offers training to all who register as members, but in addition donates its agency commission to causes dealing with rape prevention, child abuse, women and child rights, and trauma counseling.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Bright future with Coal Stove Pictures and Off the Shelf Awards
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Coal Stove Pictures is a wholly black owned television and film production company based in Johannesburg. The company’s goal is to bring warmth and light into the lives of others through television and film entertainment. While Coal Stove Pictures produces television commercials, music videos and documentaries, their longest running project to date has been the well known, and much loved, film screening event ‘Off The Shelf? which takes place on the last Sunday of every month, bringing audiences the best short films by Mzansi’s finest filmmakers . Recently Off the Shelf hosted the second Annual Coal Stove Awards. Scottness Smith, PRO from Coal Stove Pictures spoke to In Focus about the Awards and the future of the screenings.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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FEPACI with friends faces industry issues
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The Federation of Pan African Cinema, (FEPACI), held its 3rd session of the monthly Friends of FEPACI (FOF) forum at the SAB Centenary hall in Newtown on the 13th of June 2009. The Friends of FEPACI forum is a series of monthly events where attendees explore challenges and accomplishments within the audiovisual industry and the creative arts in general to collectively identify solutions, honour milestones and generally promote innovation within the sector, using film as a medium.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Proposed tax changes to affect film industry
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The South African Revenue Services (SARS) recently announced proposed amendments to taxation legislation applicable to the film industry. The Draft Taxation Laws Amendment Bill, 2009 and Draft Taxation Laws Second Amendment Bill, 2009 were published for public comment on June 1 2009.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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ICASA publishes draft regulations on the commissioning of independently produced South African programming
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The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) has published draft regulations and a position paper on the commissioning of independently produced South African programming. The draft regulations and the position paper follow the publication of a discussion document and the holding of public hearings on commissioning of independently produced South African programming.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Mediatech Africa 2009 to host Screen Africa Talent and Technology Conference
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Mediatech Africa is recognized as the signature event for knowledge sharing and learning opportunities with regards to new developments, innovations and trends in the broadcast, film, media and entertainment sectors.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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We get unwrapped with Media Film Service
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‘Come and view our bigger, brighter better premises, meet our incredible Johannesburg team and unwrap the surprise’ said the invitation, and that is exactly what In Focus did. We attended the grand opening dinner accompanied by Quinton Coetzee’s talk: Back to basics -Sans Solutions.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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MIPCOM 2009 launches programme to help producers
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The ?Rethinking the production business? programme focuses on the Monday and Tuesday of MIPCOM (5-9, October). Keynotes will include the Simpsons creator Matt Groening and executive producer Al Jean;
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Tempest Car Hire tempting film industry with the best rates
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At Tempest Car Hire business is all about offering ridiculously low rates. But even better Tempest also has a Film Division to help out with all filming travel requirements. The company’s Film Division offers a range of services including pre-deliveries of vehicles, 48 hour invoicing, afterhours’ service and delivery and collection of vehicles over weekends at no extra charge. What’s more the industry can also now select Bakkies and Panelvans from the fleet.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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PERFECT LOCATIONS
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Joburg love story
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We managed to catch up with director Craig Freidmond between production and post production of his latest film shot in Joburg and got to speak to him about his experience of securing locations for a feature on a tight budget.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Its Pizza time in Houghton!
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Craighall-based production company Picture Tree who produces and directs both local and international television and cinema commercials were busy last month shooting commercials in Houghton, Johannesburg.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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2010 inserts for Mexican TV Channel shot in Gauteng
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Inserts relating to South Africa’s readiness for the World Cup 2010 were shot recently for Televisa, a Mexican television channel, in various locations around Gauteng and neighbouring provinces. Locations used in Gauteng included Soccer City and the Telemedia studios in Rivonia.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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Frieze Films adds heart-tugging appeal to new Castle Milk Stout ad
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Director Tony Baggott’s interpretation of an empathetically conceived script by Lowe Bull Johannesburg has added heart-tugging appeal to the new Castle Milk Stout television commercial. The ad, developed by creative director Eoin Welsh and his team of Steve Clayton and Matthew Berge, features an older man sitting with his friends in a tavern telling them the story of his son’s graduation. He starts off saying that, while he was proud of his son’s achievement, he travelled with a weary heart because he was certain his son’s journey had taken him away from valued African traditions.
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Visual Air Productions (Pty) Ltd and African Reptiles & Venom CC.
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As the eleventh in a series of articles profiling various manufacturers, suppliers and services that cater specifically to the film and television industry in Gauteng, In Focus spoke to Visual Air Productions (Pty) Ltd specialists in (radio control) RC and full size (FS) Helicopter Aerial filming and photography and African Reptiles & Venom cc who among other things supply snake venom for the SA anti-venom unit.
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TECHNO TALK
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The History of Video Recording – from Wire to mem-stick
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In the previous series of Techno Talk we covered the history and progress of non-linear editing. It is important to go back to the origins of many aspects of the broadcast industry in order to fully understand the workings, and the reasons for the way technology develops and is used to enhance the wonder that is television.
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2010 COUNTDOWN
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Soccer City stadium nearing completion
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The stadium that will undoubtedly become the face of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Soccer City near Soweto, is nearing completion. This is according to Grinaker-LTA/Interbeton Soccer City joint-venture project director Mike Moody who made the announcement in June.
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Gautrain project 60% completed
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The Gautrain rapid-rail link project is around 60% complete, says Gautrain Management Agency CEO Jack van der Merwe. The first phase is still scheduled to be up and running by the end of June next year, although it may be accelerated to wrap in May, in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The decision on this is still pending.
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2010 dress-rehearsal ‘a success’
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Exceptional hospitality, world-class stadiums, watertight security, passionate fans, pulsating football, and a major step-up in the national team’s performance ? the Confederations Cup bodes well for a successful World Cup, says Fifa, although there are some “challenges to be addressed” ahead of 2010.
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Castrol and FIFA go high tech
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At a recent event at the Castrol Performance Lab at The Urban Tree, in Kramerville, Sandton, Castrol hosted an exclusive media event to launch Castrol’s insightful and dynamic new football campaign. Hosted by Gary Bailey and with talks by representatives of FIFA and Castrol. FIFA’S Marketing Director Thierry Weil introduced the Castrol event, and welcomed Castrol as a committed football supporter into FIFA’S group of commercial affiliates.
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| …to read more CLICK HERE |
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| FESTIVAL & AWARD WATCH |
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2009 Grahamstown National Arts Festival
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2 – 11 July 2009
For more info: www.nationalartsfestival.co.za
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Encounters South African International Documentary Festival
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2 – 19 July 2009
Venue: Nu Metro, V&A, Cape Town
For more info: www.encounters.co.za
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Photo & Film Expo 2009
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SA?s biggest photographic show
10 – 12 July 2009
Venue: Coca Cola Dome, Northgate Johannesburg
For more info: www.photofilmexpo.com
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MediaTech Africa 2009
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Advanced Technology Trade Fair
23 – 25 July 2009
Venue: Coca Cola Dome, Northgate Johannesburg
For more info: www.mediatech.co.za
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Screen Africa Talent & Technology Conference
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Conference held alongside MediaTech Africa
23 – 25 July 2009
Venue: Coca Cola Dome, Northgate Johannesburg
For more info: www.screenafrica.com
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30th Durban International Film Festival
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22 July ? 2 August 2009
Talent Campus Durban (co-operative project with Berlinale Talent Campus)
24 ? 28 July 2009
For more info: www.cca.ukzn.ac.za
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Tri Continental Film Festival
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10 – 20 September, Johannesburg
1 – 5 October, Tshwane/ Pretoria
Various Ster-Kinekor theatres
For more info: www.3continentsfestival.co.za
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People to People International Documentary Conference
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10 – 12 September 2009
Venue to be confirmed
For more info: Tel +27 11 403 8438
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66th Venice Film Festival
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2 – 12 September 2009
Venice, Italy
For more info: www.labiennale.org
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| Need to know |
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International Finance Forum Call for Applications
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Because international financing partners are critical to funding today’s independent feature films. IFF is a feature film co-financing event at the Toronto International Film Festival that brings together selected international and Canadian producers developing English language projects to do business in a relaxed atmosphere of brokered meetings and networking opportunities with international sales agents, distributors, funders, agents, and executive producers.
IFF 2008 brought producers together with representatives from 49 North Media (USA), Aramid Capital Partners (UK), Backup Films (France), Bavaria Film International (Germany), Big Beach (USA), Celluloid Dreams (France), Cinetic Media (USA), Endeavour Talent Agency (USA), Film4 (UK), Fortissimo Films (Hong Kong/Netherlands), HanWay Films (UK), IFC Entertainment (USA), Kinowelt International GmbH (Germany), Magnolia Pictures (USA), The Match Factory (Germany), Maximum Films International (Canada), Overture Films (USA), Paramount Vantage (USA), Participant Media (USA), TrustNordisk (Denmark), William Morris Agency (USA).
Call for Applications
Canadian and International feature film producers are invited to apply to participate in the IFF. Registration is free but competitive, with final selection to participate based on company track record and the suitability of projects. Eligible applicants must have at a minimum, one producer credit on a theatrically released feature by a recognizable distributor, and a market oriented project in development that requires international co-production and/or financing partners.
Visit www.omdc.on.ca for more information. Application deadline for International producers is July 24, 2009.
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Plus CAMERIMAGE Film Festival Call for Entries
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PLUS CAMERIMAGE is the biggest international film festival devoted to the creation of film image by cinematographers. The aim of the competition is to present films of high visual values which will be judged by an international Jury who will choose the authors of the best cinematography. Entries are now open for:
- Main Competition (deadline: 4 September 2009)
- Student Competition (deadline: 17 October 2009)
- Documentary Films Competition (deadline: 5 October 2009)
- Short Films – up to 60 mins
- Feature Length Films – more than 60 mins
- Music Videos Competition (deadline date to be announced)
For more information visit www.pluscamerimage.pl
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KZN African Film Festival 2009 Call for Films Now Open
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The 6th Annual KZN African Film Festival is a non-profit cultural event that takes place annually in December in Kwa Mashu, Pietermaritzburg, Empangeni and Port Shepstone. KAFF is an international community based film festival featuring unique African films and special movies from all over the world. KAFF aims to celebrate excellence in African cinema and to be a destination festival to which the best local films are given real opportunity. The 6th edition of KAFF will be held from December 4th – 13th, 2009. The 2009 edition of KAFF is calling for submissions of films made in SA, KZN, Africa, and Africa Diaspora – and unique world cinema films that highlight issues about Africa and that can be a reference for industry growth in KZN. The films (short, feature, docs) must have been produced after October 2008 and must be submitted to KAFF before September 30th, 2009. For more information contact: kcap@mweb.co.za or kafffest@gmail.com ; Tel: 0027 31 504 6970
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Course Announcements:
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Copyright for Creatives
Cape Town: 28 July 2009; Johannesburg: 5 August 2009
The Professional Development Project of the Faculty of Law, UCT, is pleased to present a half day introductory course on copyright law for creative individuals. The course will introduce participants to intellectual property law and copyright law. The aim is to equip the participants with an understanding of copyright law in order to assist them in understanding how to manage and protect their copyright works. The course will be presented by Deborah Lazarus, an entertainment law consultant who provides consulting services and strategic advice to corporations and individuals in the film, television, music and art industry. Ms. Lazarus’ clients include actors, agents, composers, directors, models, musicians, producers, production companies, record labels and writers. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Cape Town, was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1996 and is admitted to practice as an attorney in the State of California. Writers, scriptwriters, directors, artists, producers, photographers, musicians and other creative individuals and professionals who want to understand copyright law and how it impacts upon their creative endeavours should attend.
The course fee is R500.00 and includes course notes and refreshments. Participants on the course are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Closing date for registration and payment: Friday 17th of July 2009. Please contact Irena Wasserfall (telephone 021 650 5621) or Shani Vavruch (telephone 021 650 5413). Fax 021 650 5662; e-mail irena.wasserfall@uct.ac.za / shani.vavruch@uct.ac.za OR see the Law Faculty Website http://www.uct.ac.za/law
Entertainment Law: 3 day course
Johannesburg, 30 July – 1 August 2009
The Professional Development Project of the Faculty of Law, UCT, is pleased to present for the second time, a three day course in Entertainment Law – an introductory, yet comprehensive, course on entertainment law, focusing on legal issues in the film and television industry in South Africa. The course tracks the process of how a feature film is produced and focuses on the legal issues that arise during the phases of development, pre-production and production and includes a discussion of intellectual property, development, production, post production, financing and co-production and marketing and distribution. The course will be presented by Deborah Lazarus, an entertainment law consultant who provides consulting services and strategic advice to corporations and individuals in the film, television, music and art industry. Ms. Lazarus’ clients include actors, agents, composers, directors, models, musicians, producers, production companies, record labels and writers. She holds a Bachelor of Law degree from the University of Cape Town, was admitted as an Advocate of the High Court of South Africa in 1996 and is admitted to practice as an attorney in the State of California. Writers, scriptwriters, directors, artists, producers, photographers, musicians and other creative individuals and professionals who want to understand copyright law and how it impacts upon their creative endeavours should attend. Legal practitioners, creative individuals and professionals involved in the entertainment industry who wants to learn about the legal side of the industry. The aim of the course is to give you a broad overview of the film and television industry in the South African context from a legal perspective.
The course fee is R 6,000.00 and includes course notes, lunch and refreshments. Participants on the course are responsible for their own travel and accommodation expenses. Closing date for registration and payment: Friday the 17th of July 2009. Please contact Irena Wasserfall (telephone 021 650 5621) or Shani Vavruch (telephone 021 650 5413). Fax 021 650 5662; e-mail irena.wasserfall@uct.ac.za / shani.vavruch@uct.ac.za OR see the Law Faculty Website http://www.uct.ac.za/law.
Weekend Workshop for Scriptwriters
If you?re an aspiring screenwriter with a vivid imagination whose ideas are larger than life, The Writing Studio has an exciting Weekend Workshop for Scriptwriters on July 11 and 12 that is guaranteed to turn words into big screen action! Within one weekend budding screenwriters will understand the principles of writing for a visual medium and what it takes to be a screenwriter in South Africa.
Details:
Saturday, July 11 and Sunday, July 12, 2009 from 10am until 5pm.
Venue: Screen Africa, Sasani Studios, Highlands North, Johannesburg
The cost of the workshop is R950, with a discounted rate of R850 for students, scholars and pensioners. For more information, agenda and registration send your details to: info@writingstudio.co.za or visit www.writingstudio.co.za
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