Page 30 - KZN Film A Report

Number of IsiZulu/Zulu Cultural Made for TV movies and Short Films Awarded Funding in Development and Production
Fourteen projects were awarded funding for both production and development during the financial year. The annual target was exceeded due to additional funding allocated to Film Fund from operational savings. The KZNFC continues to support both the Made for TV and Short Films Programmes which are an intervention to provide new entrants into the industry, particularly those from historically disadvantaged backgrounds, an opportunity to make films in collaboration or under the guidance of experienced industry experts. These programmes are part of the KZNFC special projects funding that seeks to increase opportunities for emerging writers and directors to have their work produced.
The Made for TV programme has been the highlight of the special programmes as incredible concepts were developed into riveting stories that the KZNFC hopes will capture the hearts of audiences. Despite the micro-budgets allocated to the filmmakers, they were able to create films of quality and content that resonates with KZN culture and traditions. These engaging stories have been developed and shot in the vibrant and breath-taking province of KwaZulu-Natal by filmmakers from designated groups. The following are some of the films that were produced: - Rugby Town, Ibhasi LikaMdaphuna, Hamba Yedwa, Lachitheka Igazi, Imbangi, Blind Eye, End Game, One Time Pin, Uphondo and Salamina.
Number of Productions Awarded
Funding through KZNFC Film Fund
There were 9 production projects awarded funding during the financial year. This was made possible by additional funding allocated to Film Fund from operational savings.
The KZNFC has made strides in supporting the film industry. Since its inception, through its Film Fund, the organisation has committed a substantial amount towards development, production and marketing & distribution of audio-visual content, funding content in South Africa, co- productions with Kenya, Nigeria and the UK, with the focus being the KwaZulu-Natal province. It is important to note that KZN is currently the only province to have a film incentive that attracts productions to the region and requires local spend and employment as a funding condition to further stimulate the industry.
However, due to the impact of COVID-19, productions funded by the KZNFC have been affected by the disruption
with scheduled productions being postponed to only start filming in the year 2021. A KZN filming protocol guided by the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) has been established to ensure that film productions mitigate the spread of COVID-19 on sets and comply with existing regulations.
The entity has committed over R6 million towards additional production costs for existing projects that were scheduled to begin shooting during the year and which arose as a result of complying with COVID-19 protocol requirements. The projects had submitted their initial budgets before the pandemic hit South Africa; thus, they had not factored in the COVID-19 protocol requirements. When the productions had to commence filming they were to look at the filming protocols and rework their budgets in order to meet all requirements> this resulted in revised budgets to include costs associated with purchasing COVID-19 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for protection and compliance while on set, and lost days should they incur delays due to sick crew, cast members or suppliers.
In addition, six feature film projects that were approved by KZNFC have experienced challenges in securing the balance of funding due to the delays by some of the national funders. As a result, extensions were granted to these projects.
Number of COVID-19 Projects Awarded Funding in Development and Production
As part of COVID-19 Relief programme, The KZN Film Commission funded two slate projects that will be producing six short films. The slate films are to be produced in the area of fiction (Fiction Short Films) and factual (Short Documentaries). The total budget for this slate project is R3.6m
The two slates were awarded to two women filmmakers. Julie Laurenz from Pillay Laurenz Media and Communications and Thandeka Nodada from Final Chapter Productions. Each beneficiary is to produce 3x 24minutes of covid-19 projects. The majority of their budgets are to be spent in the province.
Number of Development Projects Awarded Funding through KZNFC Film Fund
21 development projects were funded in the 2020/21financial year. The annual target was exceeded due to additional funding allocated to Film Fund from operational savings. The high numbers can also be explained by the fact that the lockdown regulations had less impact on development
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KZN FILM COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT 2020/2021