U.S. producer Autumn Bailey-Ford has partnered with Simo Kubheka and Damien Brown of Cape Town-based NV Film Studios and Services to launch AfriNova Entertainment Group, according to a report by Deadline.
According to the report, the company aims to bridge “African and international storytelling through innovative entertainment partnerships”, with a focus on international film and television production, co-productions between Africa and global markets, talent development and creative partnerships, distribution and financing opportunities, and culturally impactful storytelling with worldwide appeal.
“AfriNova Entertainment Group was created to build bridges through storytelling. Our vision is to create powerful content that not only entertains audiences around the world but also creates sustainable opportunities for filmmakers, talent, and creative professionals across Africa and beyond,” Bailey-Ford said in a statement, according to Deadline.
NV Film Studios is located on the scenic Lourensford Estate in Somerset West. Spread across a 4,000-hectare private property, the facility is supported by NV Film Services, the company’s production services arm.
Deadline quoted Kubheka as saying: “This is a new era of African film production at a global level. The combination of Autumn’s creative talents, paired with our locations’ natural wonders, plus the biggest film studio in Africa, forms a unique opportunity to show what it means to be ‘Made in Africa’.”
In a post on social media, Bailey-Ford also announced the launch, saying: “We are actively seeking new partnerships and looking to connect with filmmakers, producers, investors, studios, and creatives in Cape Town and beyond. Whether you’re looking for a co-production partner, studio space, production offices, or a production destination in South Africa, we would love to connect.”
She added that she was especially proud of the company’s partnership with Film School Africa, “where we will help mentor and create opportunities for the next generation of storytellers and entertainment professionals”.
Bailey-Ford’s social media post read:
“I’m beyond excited to announce that I am now a part owner of AfriNova Entertainment and that we have officially opened our studio in Cape Town, South Africa!
AfriNova Entertainment produces film and television projects while serving as a bridge between the U.S. and Africa. Our filmmaker-friendly studio, located in Somerset West just 20 minutes from Cape Town International Airport, is now open to productions of all sizes.
I’m especially proud of our partnership with Film School Africa, where we will help mentor and create opportunities for the next generation of storytellers and entertainment professionals.
We are passionate about telling commercially viable global stories that connect audiences across cultures and borders. We are actively seeking new partnerships and looking to connect with filmmakers, producers, investors, studios, and creatives in Cape Town and beyond.
Whether you’re looking for a co-production partner, studio space, production offices, or a production destination in South Africa, we would love to connect. we seeking different types of partnership within the industry.
This is a major milestone, and I’m grateful for everyone who has been part of this journey. The future is bright, and this is only the beginning!”
The post also included an invitation to connect with the company via email at In**@***************05.com.