June 2007

Terry Tselane Chief Executive Gauteng Film Commission

To coincide with the launch of our new website, we’ve decided to go big with our first industry newsletter and bring you up to speed with what’s happening in the world of film in Gauteng. The launch of ‘Project Gaullywood’ we hope will address the critical information gap which is constraining our ability to maximise the competitive advantage of the Gauteng film industry. In line with this theme, we also announce the review of current film permit policies and procedures in an effort to address unhelpful red tape. Send us your comments. Two major events loom on the film horizon as we welcome CNBC Africa to Gauteng in June and preparations for Input 2008 get underway in earnest, following the handover of this event at Input 2007 to the South African delegation. Also in this edition, we update you on the ‘Township Bioscope’ project – a ground-breaking project to revive a film circuit in the townships of Gauteng – whilst Andrew Worsdale writes to us from the set of Lullaby – the new Darrell Roodt production recently shot on location in Johannesburg. Lastly, on the festival front, the 2007 Israeli Film Festival arrives in town. Enjoy.

IN BRIEF

Joburg prepares for Input 2008
All eyes turn on Joburg as preparations get underway for television’s most important and influential international conference, Input 2008. This follows on from the successful handover of Input to the South African organising committee at Input 2007 which was held in Lugano, Switzerland earlier in June this year.

….to read more CLICK HERE

CNBC Africa, Live from Gauteng
Sub-Saharan Africa’s first 24-hour, live international business and financial news channel, CNBC Africa, will begin broadcasting from its Johannesburg headquarters on 1 June 2007.

….to read more CLICK HERE

Top UK scriptwriter conducts Johannesburg workshops
A unique partnership between GFC, the SA Scriptwriters Institute and Total Eclipse Films resulted in a week-long series of scriptwriting workshops conducted in Johannesburg by top UK scriptwriter Sam Snape earlier this year.

….to read more CLICK HERE

GFC appoints Deloitte Consulting to assess the state of the Gauteng film industry
GFC has confirmed the appointment of Deloitte Consulting to assess the state of the Gauteng film industry. Dubbed ‘Project Gaullywood’ the project will involve a comprehensive investigation into the size, scope and competitiveness of sector activity in the province.

….to read more CLICK HERE

First season of ‘Township Bioscope’ comes to a close
The first season of ‘Township Bioscope’ successfully came to a close in March this year. The six month run of the project involved the screening of more than 96 movies in 18 townships across Gauteng covering all of the six provincial regions.

….to read more CLICK HERE

BEHIND THE SCENES
Going digital downtown
Local filmmakers are becoming truly resourceful in the digital age. Andrew Worsdale pays a visit to the set of Lullaby – the new Darrell Roodt film, and discovers how digital allows filmmakers to capture real urban grit with ease.

For the full article CLICK HERE

HOT SHOTS
in focus chats to….
Edwin Santiago is CEO of Digital Cut Post Inc. based in Los Angeles. He has just completed the post production of the feature film, Namibia: The Struggle for Liberation, in Johannesburg. Whilst the film was shot on location in Namibia, Santiago says he chose Gauteng as the base for the post production and believes the movie has benefited considerably from this decision. In Focus asked him a few questions.

For the full interview CLICK HERE

NEED TO KNOW

5th Screen Africa Talent & Technology Conference 2007 Tuesday 12 & Wednesday 13 June 2007 Jacaranda Room, Sandton Sun Hotel, Johannesburg For more information visit www.screenafrica.com Mediatech Africa 12 June – 14 June 2007 Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg Register at www.mediatech.co.za

Gauteng Film Directory goes live
Gauteng based companies involved in the production of film, television, documentaries, commercials, stills photography and multimedia are invited to register their services with the Gauteng film directory – a free on-line directory.

To register, visit the GFC website. CLICK HERE

GFC Independent Filmmakers’ Support Programme call for submissions
The GFC is calling on Gauteng-based filmmakers to submit current film projects for consideration as part of its ongoing screening initiatives.

Gauteng film permit review
The GFC is undertaking a review of film permit procedures in Gauteng and would like to invite comments from the film industry. Please send your comments, complaints, suggestions and compliments to
Puisano Phatoli at puisano@gautengfilm.org.za or by fax: (011) 833-0409.