MASTERCLASES FOR FILM BUSINESS
Queen Twyla Events, in collaboration with Top Power Pictures presents Master Class Meeting this Saturday. The Creative masterclass event will have some of top names in film and television come together in Gaborone, to share experiences, insights about what happens in the industry and inspire local creators and investors.
The event will take place tomorrow on September 24th at the Grand Aria Hotel. Familiar faces who will be leading these discussions include Matli Mohapeloa, Innocent Sadiki, Kagiso Modupe, as well as local creator, Lebogang Mpofu of Top Power Pictures. Topics that will be discussed on the day include Balancing Art and Business, How casting directors collaborate with actors and directors.
According to the event organiser, Buang Chelane, founder and director of Queen Twyla Events, the concept is inspired by what is happening or not happening within the creative industry. She explains that they noticed that a gap exists within the industry. They have sadly observed that some of the investors have little or no knowledge of how the film and television industry works. It is on this background that they conceptualised this event. She also shares that they wanted to bring together industry experts who understand how the industry works, so that they can come and share experiences with local creatives and investors. The MC for the event is l be Thabo Andyle Mhlanga.
Interesting discussions will include the speakers talking about how content is sold to platforms such as Showmax, Netflix, and DStv. “They will also touch on what an actors contract entails,” she says. Shedding light on why they opted to work with these particular actors/ actresses, she said that they were looking at their portfolio and the work they have done. She started off by noting that Modupe has done very well as an Actor and now a producer. Modupe previously acted on ETV’s Scandal soapie, and when he left acting, he went behind the scenes. One of his successful productions, Loosing Lerato did incredibly well, she adds. The production went on to clinch numerous awards, and was also featured in international platforms. “Its turn- over was more than seven million,” she explained. She further said that his recent work, Thando, The Movie also did exceptionally well. She highlights that Modupe will share insights on what it entails to sell work to Showmax and other platforms, as well as his experiences in the industry. Lesotho born Mohapeloa, has also done well in the industry, having appeared in various productions, including Zabalaza and Kedibone, a Netflix production, as well as The Estate which airs on SABC 3. “When he completed his studies at AFDA, he found work as an Actor and has been very successful,” explains Chelane.
Chelane further notes that Mohapeloa will also talk about actors’ rights and contracts. Sadiki, who has acted on Skeem Saam, as well as The Throne, which aired on Netflix, will come in to talk about challenges that she faced in the industry. The local producer, Mpofu will share insights about the challenges that local content producers face. Meanwhile, on that evening, they will host an event dubbed Night with the Stars. The event will feature appearances by Mohapeloa, Levy Mokgothu, former Kaizer Chiefs player, Sadiki, as well as Millicent Mashile, SA Actress. Performances on the night will include Scar, DJ Phouboy, Bennyboi, Shimrock and MC for the night will be Zanele. The event will be held at Cigar Lounge. The event has sponsors and supporters that include Dash Events, Pj Clothing, Faddic Creations, Grand Aria Hotel, Single Farbz Starz, Top Power Pictures, Executive Chauffering and La’Brad Cuisine and cakes.