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film gaming animation industry south africa

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2023

Pila Rulashe | South Africa | 26 September 2023

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2020

Kate Shand | South Africa | 03 November 2020

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2018

Nina Shand | South Africa | 24 August 2018

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2015

Amanda van der Westhuizen | South Africa | 18 June 2015

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Report coverage

This report on the film, gaming and animation industry and rental of film equipment provides an overview of the state and size of the industry, including box office, pay-TV subscription, development funding, film and other local production, distribution, trends, notable players, regulation and new technology. There are profiles of 59 companies including producers such as Quizzical Pictures, Known Associates Entertainment and Homebrew Films, distributors such as Filmfinity and United International Pictures, animation companies including Triggerfish Animation, Luma Animation and Mind’s Eye Creative and film studios and rental companies such as Cape Town Film Studios and Gearhouse.

Report coverage

This report on the film, gaming and animation industry and rental of film equipment provides an overview of the state and size of the industry, including box office, pay-TV subscription, development funding, film and other local production, distribution, trends, notable players, regulation and new technology. There are profiles of 59 companies including producers such as Quizzical Pictures, Known Associates Entertainment and Homebrew Films, distributors such as Filmfinity and United International Pictures, animation companies including Triggerfish Animation, Luma Animation and Mind’s Eye Creative and film studios and rental companies such as Cape Town Film Studios and Gearhouse.

Introduction

• South Africa’s film industry has been an important generator of foreign investment and has earned the country a global reputation as a preferred destination for filming.
• Some animation studios have also attracted global interest.
• The film industry was severely affected during the pandemic and is slowly recovering.
• Ster-Kinekor has emerged from business rescue, and box office revenue is expected to grow significantly in 2023.
• Pay-TV and streaming services are becoming mainstream and preferred broadcast options.
• Gauteng and Western Cape account for the most film, animation and gaming activity.
• Domestic films continue to account for a small percentage of releases and revenue.
• Challenges include loadshedding that has reduced viewing time and access to target markets for advertisers.
• High inflation and unemployment have put pressure on the affordability of pay-TV and streaming services.

Strengths

• Internationally recognised and awarded South African productions.
• Largest screen capacity on the continent.
• Local crews have demonstrated capacity to service international productions.
• Several quality training institutions building new industry capacity.
• Strong hospitality sector to accommodate crews.
• Supporting policies, institutions and incentives.
• Value for money location due to local currency depreciation
• Wide variety of locations and all year-round availability in some parts of the country.

Weaknesses

• Energy shortages.
• Lack of commissioning of local animation products by SABC and MultiChoice.
• Lack of security amid high crime rates.
• Lack of transformation may weaken long term sustainability of the industry.
• Low economic growth and high unemployment that constrains affordability of pay-TV and streaming platform services.
• Low economic growth and high unemployment.
• Slow and bureaucratic public funding administration, incentives and permit application processing.

Opportunities

• Exploit the global demand for greater diversity in film to expand the local industry.
• Leverage weakness of local currency to expand international work particularly in animation and gaming.
• Using untold stories of the country and continent as material for new film content.

Threats

• Distribution challenges to reach international markets.
• Dominance of international streaming services is weakening efforts to build a local film industry as they are not obliged to comply with local content quotas
• Increasing costs to secure popular overseas content due to a weakening rand.
• Loss of highly specialised animation expertise to international markets.
• Poor international profile of country due to crime and increasingly problematic municipal infrastructure.

Outlook

• The film industry is recovering from the setbacks caused by the pandemic, but it is yet to reach pre-pandemic levels.
• There has been increase in film permits and location bookings, and international studios have returned to filming in South Africa.
• South Africa continues to have some competitive advantages in terms of its varied locations, film industry incentives, and cost advantages for international production companies.
• Continued growth is expected in the volume of local content being produced, especially series, but there is concern about the small number of films produced locally.
• The economic environment and continued loadshedding do not provide an environment for a growing local film industry.
• It is expected that international film releases will continue to dominate the local market.

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The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2023

Full Report

R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1055.09 (USD)*

Industry Landscape

R 14 000.00(ZAR) estimated $ 738.56 (USD)*

Historical Reports

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2020-11-03

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

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The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2018-08-24

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

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The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2015-06-18

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

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Table of Contents

[ Close ]
PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
2.1. Industry Value Chain 3
2.2. Geographic Position 6
2.3. Size of the Industry 8
3. LOCAL 16
3.1. State of the Industry 16
3.2. Key Trends 21
3.3. Key Issues 23
3.4. Notable Players 24
3.5. Trade 28
3.6. Corporate Actions 29
3.7. Regulations 31
3.8. Enterprise Development and Social Development 33
4. AFRICA 34
5. INTERNATIONAL 40
6. INFLUENCING FACTORS 43
6.1. Unforeseen Events 43
6.2. Economic Environment 43
6.3. Labour 44
6.4. Environmental Issues 46
6.5. Technology, R&D, Innovation 46
6.6. Government Support 47
6.7. Input Costs 49
7. COMPETITIVE ENVIRONMENT 50
7.1. Competition 50
7.2. Ownership Structure of the Industry 51
7.3. Barriers to Entry 52
8. SWOT ANALYSIS 53
9. OUTLOOK 54
10. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 55
11. REFERENCES 55
11.1. Publications 55
11.2. Websites 56
APPENDIX 1 58
Summary of Notable Players 58
COMPANY PROFILES 69
African Entertainment Distributors (Pty) Ltd 69
Arena Holdings (Pty) Ltd 71
Big World Cinema CC 74
Bomb Shelter Film Company (Pty) Ltd (The) 76
Bugbox CC 78
Danie Odendaal Produksies (Pty) Ltd 79
DO Productions (Pty) Ltd 81
E Z Trade 190 CC 83
Egg Films (Pty) Ltd 84
eMedia Content (Pty) Ltd 86
FC Hamman Films CC 88
Film Afrika World Wide (Pty) Ltd 90
Filmfinity (Pty) Ltd 92
Free Women Films (Pty) Ltd 93
Gatehouse Commercials (Pty) Ltd 94
Gravel Road Distribution Group (Pty) Ltd 96
Groundglass (Pty) Ltd 98
Homebrew Film Company (Pty) Ltd 100
Known Associates Entertainment (Pty) Ltd 102
Luma Animation (Pty) Ltd 103
M Scott 104
Ma-Afrika Films (Pty) Ltd 105
MAAN Creative (Pty) Ltd 106
Mind's Eye Creative CC 107
MMSV Productions CC 109
Moonlighting Commercials (Pty) Ltd 111
Moonlighting Films (Pty) Ltd 113
Morula Pictures (Pty) Ltd 115
Nolava International Film Distribution (Pty) Ltd 117
Penguin Films (Pty) Ltd 118
Philo Films (Pty) Ltd 121
Pomegranate Media (Pty) Ltd 123
QCF Design (Pty) Ltd 125
Quizzical Pictures (Pty) Ltd 126
Red Pepper Pictures (Pty) Ltd 128
Rodini Films (Pty) Ltd 130
RuneStorm (Pty) Ltd 131
Sasani Africa (Pty) Ltd 132
Sea Monster Entertainment (Pty) Ltd 134
Searle Street Post Production (Pty) Ltd 136
Silvertron 90 (Pty) Ltd 138
Strika Entertainment (Pty) Ltd 139
Sunrise Productions (Division of Sunrise Marketing Group Ltd) 141
Triggerfish Animation (Pty) Ltd 142
Tulips and Chimneys (Pty) Ltd 144
Umbrella Men 2 (Pty) Ltd (The) 146
United International Pictures (South Africa) 147
Urban Brew Studios (Pty) Ltd 149
Videovision Entertainment (Pty) Ltd 152

Report Coverage

This report covers various components of the film industry, including film, animation, gaming and the renting of film equipment. The film industry includes film, documentary and television content production, commercials, animation and gaming. The report includes comprehensive information on the state of the industry, box office and market share statistics, and developments. There are profiles of 60 companies including film distributors such as Filmfinity, animation companies such as Triggerfish, major studios such as Cape Town Film Studios and equipment companies including Panavision and Rental and Workflows.

Introduction

High speed internet and increased accessibility have been game changers for the film, animation and gaming industry and shifting the sector from local to global markets. Online streaming services such as Netflix and Showmax have changed the way people consume TV and film. Streaming has also changed the way copyright and licensing agreements are structured. Reports indicate that the South African film industry is estimated to contribute R3.5bn to GDP annually. In 2018, 22 South African films were released on local cinema and accounted for R60m of the total R1.2bn box office revenue. Globally, video games are growing exponentially and attract US$200bn revenue compared to US$100bn for the film industry. It was estimated that in 2019 nearly a third of the world’s population played video games, making them one of the largest entertainment mediums and bigger than films. This report covers various components of the film industry, including film, animation, gaming and the renting of film equipment. Coronavirus has had a massive impact on the film industry. In South Africa, as in many countries across the world, cinemas closed, filming stopped, at least initially, while online streaming and gaming burgeoned. Local television production was declared an essential service and was allowed to continue, but with many restrictions in place. Huge losses have been reported globally.

Strengths

• Attractive and reliable cash rebates for international filmmakers.
• English language.
• Established film and TV industry.
• Excellent, diverse locations and support.
• Film industry is supported by the government with institutional support via the provisional and city film commissions and film offices.
• Gaming industry is fastest growing entertainment media in South Africa.
• Good infrastructure in urban areas, including accommodation, roads, telecoms (high speed internet).
• Low operating costs and world-class studio facilities as well as excellent post-production facilities.
• Organised industry associations.
• Over 800 cinema screens.
• Quality industry training by universities and private institutions.
• South Africa has a large pool of highly skilled crew and support staff such as set builders.
• South Africa has experienced and talente

Weaknesses

• Barriers to access training institutions due to high costs.
• Film and documentary producers lose copyright to their product if a broadcaster commissions them.
• Gaming industry is highly competitive.
• Lack of adequate marketing and distribution budgets reduces box office revenues of South African films.
• Lack of entrepreneurial and business skills of emerging filmmakers.
• Limited channels of distributions.
• Low demand for South African films and even when South African films are successful they still don’t make a profit.
• Low level of incentives for local film production.
• New entrants are reliant on government funding that is difficult to access and not always adequate to fund a complete film process.
• Poor economic situation and poverty.
• Reliance on broadcaster project commissioning reduces the quality of content produced.
• Shortage of skill

Opportunities

• Alternative distribution channels.
• Co-production treaties and memoranda of understanding between South Africa and other countries create opportunities for new film productions.
• Cultural diversity of South Africa.
• Globalisation of entertainment.
• High quality of work produced by South African gaming companies.
• Mobile technology creates opportunities for mobile gaming players as well as potential distribution channels for film.
• New global audiences via streaming.
• New technology and decreasing cost of equipment lowers barriers to entry in segments of the market.
• Training for gaming in South Africa.
• Untold stories and hunger for new stories.
• Weak rand and good incentives for international filmmakers.

Threats

• Bureaucracy and red tape.
• Changing business models.
• Continued competition from other countries regarding incentives and subsidies.
• DVD and online piracy threatens revenue from films.
• Globalised competition for screens and time.
• Increasing competition from online distribution channels threatens box office revenues.
• Lack of supporting infrastructure in some provinces and rural areas.
• Protection of creative ideas (intellectual property) and changing legal landscape with regards intellectual property laws.
• Shrinking theatre-to-DVD window.
• Very little funding available for the development of small gaming companies.

Outlook

Broadcasters have dominated the market in South Africa, but with the emergence of streaming services, in particular subscription streaming, the landscape is changing. The South African film and television industry is in a time of transition. There are a few but significant cases of local content being taken up and or produced by Netflix and Showmax. “I am optimistic and I think this could lead to the emergence of South African content production to a much greater level than has been the case to date” says Malcolm Purkey, former dean of Afda. He adds: “As we move from traditional broadcasting to online streaming, and film producers understand the need for global and diverse content, there is a chance that we will move into a film industry that is not merely servicing but creating new content for a global market”. Coronavirus has greatly affected the film industry, in particular the service industry in Cape Town which has largely ground to a halt. This may change quite rapidly once international travel picks up. Coronavirus has strengthened the gaming industry, which was already the fastest growing entertainment media in South Africa prior to the pandemic. Animation is becoming vital to both film and special effects and gaming sectors. South Africa has skilled and experienced animators and the most thriving animation development studios in Africa, and online streaming is ensuring that South African animation content reaches a global audience.

Read More..
The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2020

Full Report

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

Industry Landscape

R 1 330.00(ZAR) estimated $ 70.16 (USD)*

Historical Reports

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2023-09-26

R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1055.09 (USD)*

View Report Add to Cart

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2018-08-24

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

View Report Add to Cart

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2015-06-18

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

View Report Add to Cart

Table of Contents

[ Close ]
PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
2.1. Industry Value Chain 2
2.2. Geographic Position 5
3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 6
4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 7
4.1. Local 7
4.1.1. Corporate Actions 16
4.1.2. Regulations 18
4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Socio-Economic Development 20
4.2. Continental 22
4.3. International 26
5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 31
5.1. Economic Environment 31
5.2. Input Costs 32
5.3. Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 32
5.4. Labour 33
5.5. Environmental Concerns 36
5.6. Coronavirus 37
6. COMPETITION 38
6.1. Barriers to Entry 39
7. SWOT ANALYSIS 40
8. OUTLOOK 41
9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 42
10. REFERENCES 43
10.1. Publications 43
10.2. Websites 43
APPENDIX 1 45
Summary of Notable players 45
COMPANY PROFILES 53
A UNIT DEDICATED LOGISTICS (PTY) LTD 53
AFRICAN ENTERTAINMENT DISTRIBUTORS (PTY) LTD 54
ARENA HOLDINGS (PTY) LTD 55
BIG WORLD CINEMA CC 58
BOMB SHELTER FILM COMPANY (PTY) LTD (THE) 60
BUBBLEGUM EDUCATIONAL DESIGN CC 62
BUGBOX CC 64
CAM-A-LOT RENTALS CC 66
CAPE TOWN FILM STUDIOS (PTY) LTD 68
DANIE ODENDAAL PRODUKSIES (PTY) LTD 70
DO PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD 72
E Z TRADE 190 CC 74
EGG FILMS (PTY) LTD 75
EMEDIA CONTENT (PTY) LTD 77
FC HAMMAN FILMS CC 79
FILM AFRIKA WORLD WIDE (PTY) LTD 81
FILMFINITY (PTY) LTD 83
FREE WOMEN FILMS (PTY) LTD 84
GATEHOUSE COMMERCIALS (PTY) LTD 86
GEARHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 88
GRAVEL ROAD DISTRIBUTION GROUP (PTY) LTD 90
GROUNDGLASS (PTY) LTD 92
HOMEBREW FILM COMPANY (PTY) LTD 94
LIQUID STUDIO VIDEO TAKE-OFF CC 96
LUMA ANIMATION (PTY) LTD 98
M SCOTT 100
MA-AFRIKA FILMS (PTY) LTD 101
MAAN CREATIVE (PTY) LTD 102
MEDIA FILM SERVICE (PTY) LTD 103
MIND'S EYE CREATIVE CC 105
MMSV PRODUCTIONS CC 107
MOONLIGHTING COMMERCIALS (PTY) LTD 109
MOONLIGHTING FILMS (PTY) LTD 111
MORULA PICTURES (PTY) LTD 113
NOLAVA INTERNATIONAL FILM DISTRIBUTION (PTY) LTD 115
OUT OF AFRICA ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 116
PANALUX (SA) (PTY) LTD 118
PANAVISION (SA) (PTY) LTD 120
PENGUIN FILMS (PTY) LTD 122
PHILO FILMS (PTY) LTD 125
PICTURE TREE (PTY) LTD 127
POMEGRANATE MEDIA (PTY) LTD 130
QCF DESIGN (PTY) LTD 132
QUIZZICAL PICTURES (PTY) LTD 133
RED PEPPER PICTURES (PTY) LTD 136
REFINERY POST PRODUCTION FACILITIES (PTY) LTD (THE) 138
RENTALS AND WORKFLOWS (PTY) LTD 140
RODINI FILMS (PTY) LTD 142
RUNESTORM (PTY) LTD 143
SASANI AFRICA (PTY) LTD 145
SEA MONSTER ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 147
STRIKA ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 149
SUNRISE PRODUCTIONS (DIVISION OF SUNRISE MARKETING GROUP LTD) 151
TRIGGERFISH ANIMATION (PTY) LTD 153
TULIPS AND CHIMNEYS (PTY) LTD 155
TWO OCEANS PRODUCTION (PTY) LTD 157
UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES (SOUTH AFRICA) 159
URBAN BREW STUDIOS (PTY) LTD 161
VIDEOVISION ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 164
VISUAL IMPACT BROADCAST SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 166

Report Coverage

The report on the South African filmmaking, animation and gaming sector describes the current conditions, the challenges facing local filmmakers and animators in the competitive global market and factors influencing the success of the industry. The report profiles 62 South African companies including Primedia, holding company of the country’s largest film distributor Ster-Kinekor, rental companies Visual Impact and Panavision and production company Fireworx Media. Companies in animation and gaming including are also profiled, including Triggerfish which has had international success with two films.

Introduction

This report focuses on the film and the renting of film equipment industries, as well as the animation and gaming sectors. The film industry contributed an estimated R5.48bn to the South African economy in 2016/7 and grew more than 50% in value from 3.5bn in 2013/14. Much of this growth can be attributed to the large-scale international productions filmed on location in the country. Following global trends, the gaming industry continues to show significant growth and generated revenue of approximately R100m in 2017, an increase of 236% from the R29.7m generated in 2014. Various government funding and tax incentives to support international, domestic and emerging filmmakers have been implemented as the sector is widely regarded as having potential to create employment. The Western Cape experienced a decline in film location requests in 2017/18 due to the drought the region is experiencing. Concerns have been expressed by industry players regarding the slow pace of transformation in the sector and the lack of skills transfer.

Strengths

• Attractive and reliable cash rebates for international filmmakers.
• Bolstered by a weak currency, technologically advanced film studios, other production infrastructure and a wide variety of film locations, South Africa is growing as a destination for international filmmakers.
• Film industry is supported by the government.
• South Africa has a large pool of highly skilled crew and support staff such as set builders.
• South African animators are regarded as creative and competent.
• World-class studio facilities as well as excellent post-production facilities.

Weaknesses

• Film and documentary producers lose copyright to their product if a broadcaster commissions them.
• Lack of adequate marketing and distribution budgets reduces box office revenues of South African films.
• Low demand for South African films.
• New entrants are reliant on government funding that is difficult to access and not adequate to fund a complete film process in many instances.
• Reliance on broadcaster project commissioning reduces the quality of content produced.
• Slow transformation of the industry.
• South African gaming market is limited by internet accessibility and slow speeds.
• There is a lack of private sector investment due to the lack of high risk of loss of investment.

Opportunities

• Advertiser funded productions offer opportunities for funding of broadcasting content.
• Co-production treaties and memoranda of understanding between South Africa and other countries create opportunities for new film productions.
• DTT migration will create many new television channels that will require content.
• New technology and decreasing cost of equipment lowers barriers to entry in segments of the market.
• The adoption of mobile technology creates opportunities for mobile gaming players as well as potential distribution channels for film.
• The weak rand makes South Africa a more cost-effective destination for international filmmakers.

Threats

• Bureaucracy and red tape involved with government funding threatens successful applications by filmmakers.
• Continued competition from other countries regarding incentives and subsidies.
• DVD and online piracy threatens revenue from films, as does streaming/downloading of movies and series.
• Increasing competition from online distribution channels threatens box office revenues.
• Lack of protection of creative ideas (intellectual property).
• Lack of supporting infrastructure in some provinces.

Outlook

The film, animation and gaming industry is set to grow marginally over the next five years. The latest PwC Entertainment and Media Outlook report projects the film sector will grow at a compound annual growth of 3.7% to 2021 and the television production sector at 4.6%. The industry will have to compete with internet video streaming, which will see growth as mobile internet penetration rates increase. The film production industry is well placed to compete internationally with world class studios and production facilities. It continues to attract investment from Hollywood’s major film studios and creates employment. The NFVF believes the industry needs to focus on transformation and create a skills-development programme for young black filmmakers. South African animators are increasingly being recognised for their creativity and design ability and stakeholders believe that South Africa has the potential to be one of the top game developing countries globally. According to the PwC report, growth in digital and mobile gaming will increase the market for video games in South Africa by a compound 15.4%, reaching R5.4bn in 2021. The increasing interest in gaming is driving the rapid growth in e-sports (growing at 39.6% compound) and virtual reality (72.6%). However, industry players emphasise that the South African gaming market is still limited by internet accessibility and speed, which has to be resolved if the local market is to grow at the same rate as the international gaming market.

Read More..
The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2018

Full Report

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

Industry Landscape

R 1 330.00(ZAR) estimated $ 70.16 (USD)*

Historical Reports

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2023-09-26

R 20 000.00(ZAR) estimated $1055.09 (USD)*

View Report Add to Cart

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2020-11-03

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

View Report Add to Cart

The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2015-06-18

R 1 900.00(ZAR) estimated $100.23 (USD)*

View Report Add to Cart

Table of Contents

[ Close ]
PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
2.1. Industry Value Chain 2
2.2. Geographic Position 5
3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 7
4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 11
4.1. Local 11
4.1.1. Corporate Actions 18
4.1.2. Regulations 18
4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 20
4.2. Continental 22
4.3. International 26
5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 28
5.1. Government Intervention 28
5.2. Funding 30
5.3. Economic Environment 33
5.4. Piracy 33
5.5. Co-Productions 33
5.6. Reliance on Commissions from Broadcasters 34
5.7. Information Technology, Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 35
5.8. Marketing and Distribution 36
5.9. Labour 38
5.10. Environmental Concerns 41
6. COMPETITION 42
6.1. Barriers to Entry 43
7. SWOT ANALYSIS 44
8. OUTLOOK 45
9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 46
10. REFERENCES 47
10.1. Publications 47
10.2. Websites 47
APPENDIX 1 49
Summary of Major Players 49
APPENDIX 2 57
DTI Film and Television Incentives 57
COMPANY PROFILES 60
A UNIT DEDICATED LOGISTICS (PTY) LTD 60
BIG WORLD CINEMA CC 62
BOMB SHELTER FILM COMPANY (PTY) LTD (THE) 63
BUBBLEGUM EDUCATIONAL DESIGN CC 65
BUGBOX CC 67
CAM-A-LOT RENTALS CC 69
CAPE TOWN FILM STUDIOS (PTY) LTD 71
DANIE ODENDAAL PRODUKSIES (PTY) LTD 73
DO PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD 75
E Z TRADE 190 CC 77
EGG FILMS (PTY) LTD 78
FC HAMMAN FILMS CC 80
FIREWORX MEDIA (PTY) LTD 82
FREE WOMEN FILMS (PTY) LTD 84
GATEHOUSE COMMERCIALS (PTY) LTD 86
GEARHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 88
GROUNDGLASS (PTY) LTD 90
HOMEBREW FILM COMPANY (PTY) LTD 92
INDIGENOUS FILM DISTRIBUTION (PTY) LTD 94
KALAHARI FILM AND MEDIA PRODUCTIONS CC 96
LIQUID STUDIO VIDEO TAKE-OFF CC 98
LUCKY BEAN MEDIA CC 100
LUMA ANIMATION (PTY) LTD 102
M SCOTT 104
MA-AFRIKA FILMS (PTY) LTD 105
MARIO BOZZONE FILM PRODUCTIONS CC 106
MEDIA FILM SERVICE (PTY) LTD 108
MMSV PRODUCTIONS CC 110
MOONLIGHTING COMMERCIALS (PTY) LTD 112
MOONLIGHTING FILMS (PTY) LTD 114
MORULA PICTURES (PTY) LTD 116
NATURAL HISTORY UNIT OF AFRICA (PTY) LTD 118
OCHRE MEDIA (PTY) LTD 120
OUT OF AFRICA ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 122
PANALUX (SA) (PTY) LTD 124
PANAVISION (SA) (PTY) LTD 126
PENGUIN FILMS (PTY) LTD 128
PHILO FILMS (PTY) LTD 130
PICTURE TREE (PTY) LTD 132
POMEGRANATE MEDIA (PTY) LTD 134
PRIMEDIA (PTY) LTD 136
QCF DESIGN (PTY) LTD 141
QUIZZICAL PICTURES (PTY) LTD 142
RED PEPPER PICTURES (PTY) LTD 144
REFINERY POST PRODUCTION FACILITIES (PTY) LTD (THE) 146
RENTALS AND WORKFLOWS (PTY) LTD 149
RODINI FILMS (PTY) LTD 151
RUNESTORM (PTY) LTD 152
SASANI AFRICA (PTY) LTD 153
SEA MONSTER ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 155
SKY RINK STUDIOS (THE) (PTY) LTD 157
STRIKA ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 159
SUNRISE PRODUCTIONS (DIVISION OF SUNRISE MARKETING GROUP LTD) 161
TASTY POISON GAMES (PTY) LTD 163
TRIGGERFISH ANIMATION (PTY) LTD 165
TSWELOPELE PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD 167
TULIPS AND CHIMNEYS (PTY) LTD 169
TWO OCEANS PRODUCTION (PTY) LTD 171
UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES (SOUTH AFRICA) 173
URBAN BREW STUDIOS (PTY) LTD 175
VIDEOVISION ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 179
VISUAL IMPACT BROADCAST SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 181

Report Coverage

The report on the South African Filmmaking, Animation and Gaming sector describes the current conditions, the challenges facing local filmmakers and animators in the competitive global market and factors influencing the success of the industry. The report also profiles 70 South African companies, including film equipment suppliers such as Gearhouse South Africa (Pty) Ltd, film and TV production companies ranging from the well-known Urban Brew Studios (Pty) Ltd to DO Productions (Pty) Ltd which employs four people. Companies involved in the animation and gaming sub-sectors such as SMMEs, Strika Entertainment (Pty) Ltd and Screwy Lightbulb (Pty) Ltd are also profiled.

Introduction

This report focuses on the film and the renting of film equipment industries, as well as the animation and gaming sectors. The most recent figures available indicate that the film industry contributed R3.5bn to the South African economy in 2012 and grew 14% per annum between 2007 and 2012. Government has identified the film industry as a vehicle to create employment and implemented funding and tax incentives to support international, domestic, and emerging filmmakers. Showing phenomenal growth is the gaming industry, which generated revenue of approximately R53m in 2014, an increase of 82% from 2013.

Strengths

• Attractive and reliable cash rebates for international filmmakers.
• Bolstered by a weak currency, technologically advanced film studios, other production infrastructure and a wide variety of film locations, South Africa is growing as a destination for international filmmakers.
• Film industry is supported by the Government.
• South Africa has a large pool of highly skilled crew and support staff such as set builders.
• South African animators are regarded as creative and competent.

Weaknesses

• Film and documentary producers lose copyright to their product if a broadcaster commissions them.
• Lack of adequate marketing and distribution budgets reduces box office revenues of South African films.
• Low demand for South African films.
• New entrants are reliant on government funding that is difficult to access and not adequate to fund a complete film process in many instances.
• Reliance on broadcaster project commissioning reduces the quality of content produced.
• South African gaming market is limited by internet accessibility and slow speeds.
• South Africa’s incentives do not compare well with incentives offered by other countries.
• There is a lack of private sector investment in the film industry due to the lack of high risk of loss of investment.

Opportunities

• A rapidly expanding middle-class increases the market for South African filmmakers.
• Advertiser funded productions offer opportunities for funding of broadcasting content.
• Co-production treaties and memoranda of understanding between South Africa and other countries create opportunities for new film productions.
• DTi rebates for the television production sector have been extended until 2017.
• DTT migration will create many new television channels that will require content.
• E-learning creates opportunities for animators and gaming players to create content for corporate companies.
• New technology and decreasing cost of equipment lowers barriers to entry in segments of the market.
• The adoption of mobile technology creates opportunities for mobile gaming players as well as potential distribution channels for film.
• The weak rand makes South Africa a more cost-effective destination for

Threats

• Bureaucracy and red tape involved with government funding threatens successful applications by filmmakers.
• Continued competition from other countries regarding incentives and subsidies.
• Increasing competition from online distribution channels threatens box office revenues.
• Increasing DVD and online piracy threatens revenue from films.
• The lack of local content obligations by the SABC.

Outlook

Industry stakeholders believe that the South African film industry is set to grow because of government’s focus on the sector, increases in funding and incentives, as well as increasing international exposure. The 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers Entertainment and Media Outlook report projected that the film sector will grow a further 4.1% by 2016, while the television production sector is expected to grow by 10.3% over the same period driven by DTi rebates that have been extended until 2017. An industry player, however, noted that access to funding is a consistent barrier for emerging filmmakers, as is the commission model employed by television broadcasters. Although a rapidly growing middle-class should increase the market for South African films, local filmmakers need to focus on improving the marketing and distribution of their products. South African animators are increasingly being recognised for their creativity and design ability and stakeholders believe that South Africa has the potential to be one of the top game developing countries globally. According to the 2013 PricewaterhouseCoopers Entertainment and Media Outlook report, growth in digital and mobile gaming will increase the market for video games in South Africa by a CAGR of 9%, reaching R3.3bn in 2017. Mobile gaming, driven by mobile and device adoption as well as growth in social media is expected to grow by 13.5% to reach a value of R1.3bn in 2017. However, industry players emphasise that the South African gaming market is still limited by internet accessibility and speed, which has to be resolved if the local market is to grow at the same rate as the international gaming market.

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The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2015

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The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2023-09-26

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The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2020-11-03

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The Film, Gaming and Animation Industry in South Africa 2018-08-24

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Table of Contents

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PAGE
1. INTRODUCTION 1
2. DESCRIPTION OF THE INDUSTRY 1
2.1. Industry Value Chain 2
2.2. Geographic Position 4
3. SIZE OF THE INDUSTRY 5
4. STATE OF THE INDUSTRY 21
4.1. Local 21
4.1.1. Corporate Actions 25
4.1.2. Regulations 25
4.1.3. Enterprise Development and Social Economic Development 26
4.2. Continental 28
4.3. International 30
5. INFLUENCING FACTORS 31
5.1. Government Intervention 31
5.2. Funding 33
5.3. Reliance on Commissions from Broadcasters 35
5.4. International Co-Productions 36
5.5. Technological Advances 36
5.6. Marketing and Distribution 37
5.7. Piracy 38
5.8. Economic Environment 39
5.9. Labour 39
5.10. Environmental Concerns 42
6. COMPETITION 42
6.1. Barriers to Entry 43
6.2. Research and Development (R&D) and Innovation 43
7. SWOT ANALYSIS 44
8. OUTLOOK 45
9. INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS 46
10. REFERENCES 47
10.1. Publications 47
10.2. Websites 48
APPENDIX A 49
DTi Film and Television Production Incentives 49
ORGANOGRAM 96111 52
Film Production 52
COMPANY PROFILES 58
BIG WORLD CINEMA CC 58
BOMB SHELTER FILM COMPANY (PTY) LTD (THE) 59
BORN FREE MEDIA (PTY) LTD 61
BUBBLEGUM EDUCATIONAL DESIGN CC 63
BUGBOX CC 64
DANIE ODENDAAL PRODUKSIES (PTY) LTD 65
DO PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD 67
DOG TAIL ENTERTAINMENT CC 69
EGG FILMS (PTY) LTD 71
ENDEMOL SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 73
EZ TRADE 190 CC 75
FC HAMMAN FILMS CC 77
FIREWORX MEDIA (PTY) LTD 79
FREE LIVES (PTY) LTD 81
GATEHOUSE COMMERCIALS (PTY) LTD 82
GROUNDGLASS (PTY) LTD 84
HOMEBREW FILM COMPANY (PTY) LTD 86
INDIGENOUS FILM DISTRIBUTION (PTY) LTD 88
KALAHARI FILM AND MEDIA PRODUCTIONS CC 89
LUCKY BEAN MEDIA CC 91
LUMA ANIMATION (PTY) LTD 93
MA-AFRIKA FILMS (PTY) LTD 94
MARIO BOZZONE FILM PRODUCTIONS CC 95
MIKE SCOTT ANIMATION 97
MMSV PRODUCTIONS CC 98
MOONLIGHTING COMMERCIALS (PTY) LTD 100
MOONLIGHTING FILMS (PTY) LTD 102
MORULA PICTURES (PTY) LTD 104
NATURAL HISTORY UNIT OF AFRICA (PTY) LTD 106
NAVIGATOR FILMS CC 108
OCHRE MEDIA (PTY) LTD 110
OUT OF AFRICA ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 112
PENGUIN FILMS (PTY) LTD 114
PHILO FILMS (PTY) LTD 116
PICTURE TREE (PTY) LTD 118
POLLEN CREATIVE MEDIA (PTY) LTD 120
PRIMEDIA (PTY) LTD 122
QCF DESIGN (PTY) LTD 127
QUIZZICAL PICTURES (PTY) LTD 128
RED PEPPER PICTURES (PTY) LTD 131
REFINERY POST PRODUCTION FACILITIES (PTY) LTD (THE) 133
RODINI FILMS (PTY) LTD 135
RUNESTORM (PTY) LTD 136
SCREWY LIGHTBULB (PTY) LTD 137
SEA MONSTER ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 138
SHY THE SUN PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD 139
STRIKA ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 140
SUNRISE PRODUCTIONS (DIVISION OF SUNRISE MARKETING GROUP LTD) 142
TASTY POISON GAMES (PTY) LTD 143
TENACITY FILMS (PTY) LTD 145
TRIGGERFISH ANIMATION (PTY) LTD 147
TSWELOPELE PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD 149
TWO OCEANS PRODUCTION (PTY) LTD 152
UNITED INTERNATIONAL PICTURES (SOUTH AFRICA) 154
URBAN BREW STUDIOS (PTY) LTD 156
VIDEOVISION ENTERTAINMENT (PTY) LTD 159
ORGANOGRAM 85290a 161
Renting of Film Equipment 161
COMPANY PROFILES 163
A-UNIT EQUIPMENT CC 163
CAM-A-LOT RENTALS CC 165
CAMERAMAN CC (THE) 167
CAPE TOWN FILM STUDIOS (PTY) LTD 169
DO PRODUCTIONS (PTY) LTD 171
GEARHOUSE SOUTH AFRICA (PTY) LTD 173
LIQUID STUDIO VIDEO TAKE-OFF CC 175
MEDIA FILM SERVICE (PTY) LTD 177
NATES AUDIO VISUAL (PTY) LTD 179
PANALUX (SA) (PTY) LTD 181
PANAVISION (SA) (PTY) LTD 184
SASANI AFRICA (PTY) LTD 186
TOUCHVISION SOLUTIONS CC 189
VISUAL IMPACT BROADCAST SOLUTIONS (PTY) LTD 191
WILD BREAK 1066 (PTY) LTD 193