January 2008

Where From and Where to From Here?

To see in 2008 Andy Stead conducted an industry survey for In Focus to gauge industry players on their views on the year past as well as the year which is upon us.  

Ronnie Van Wijk and Rick Grantham, co-owners of Global Access which operates out of Broadcast House in Johannesburg and provide programme production and broadcast transmission services comment:

“We had an exciting 2007. Other than our regular live studio productions we saw an increase in demand to produce and broadcast outside broadcast special events for our clients.
 
We have no doubt that 2008 will be a watershed year for the South African broadcast industry with the new pay TV players launching their services to consumers. We anticipate an increase in demand for creative and technical talent and resources this together with the 2010 World Cup, when we look back in years to come, will be remembered as one of the most challenging and rewarding of periods”.

Now’s the time we get it right

With the announcement of a new DTI rebate scheme, a wide array of bids from a powerful new channel and the spin-off advantages of labour troubles in Hollywood, things are looking up � Andrew Worsdale takes a look at industry hopes and plans for 2008, and hopes the ‘power� is with you�

With Eskom�s power shedding taking up most of Gauteng�s grudges these days, it�s encouraging that the Film and TV industry have something to feel good about. Justifiably true to form they were miserable about the delays a month ago but finally the DTI is making an announcement about the re-structuring of its rebate scheme that will specifically target lower-budget films designed to increase indigenous product and not just lure foreign projects to the country.