Days are over for overseas Tv shows
Local content will rule the airwaves on SABC’s channels
THE PUBLIC broadcaster’s decision to show between 80 and 90percent local content has homegrown producers delighted. The SABC announced earlier this week it would drop long-running soapie Days of our Lives from SABC3’s 5pm slot from July 20. The channel would be keeping the Bold and the Beautiful.
Zoleka Vundla, publicity agent for Marula Pictures, the producers of local soap Generations, said the SABC’s “bold” strides in changing the current film and media landscape would create “amazing” opportunities for South African actors and producers to make their mark.
“If you look at DStv for example, it is mostly American TV shows. People forget that we have our own industry. It is a great idea showcasing our own talent and providing a platform for actors and producers.”
When asked how producers planned to keep Generations interesting to local audiences, Vundla said: “One of the things we try to do is link the storylines to current events. For instance, the August elections are coming up and one of our characters has created his own political party. You need your audience to relate to your characters and your characters in turn have to embody or symbolise real people. Storylines must include events that would happen in real life – on screen we just dramatise reality.”
Vundla said the country would need more local actors and producers to fill the demand that will arise from the decision to air up to 90 percent local TV content.
“We need young people. They will have a better chance of being hired at a production company when there is a demand and stand a better chance of building work experience.”
Rosa-Marie Erasmus, the publicity manager for Danie Oodendaal Productions – the creators of 7de Laan – said the move by the public broadcaster was to the betterment and benefit of the entertainment industry in general.
“It (local content) affords us an opportunity to grow and expand our knowledge of the film and media industry and to allow people who can’t afford DStv a chance to know what is happening,” she said.
SABC spokesman Kaiser Kganyago had not responded to requests for comment.
While the decision to give greater to scope to local content was praised, the decision by the SABC not to broadcast public violence in a bid to discourage such behaviour was largely met with anger and disappointment, particularly on social media.
Referring to the chaos that erupted in many areas in and around Pretoria over residents’ disapproval of mayoral candidate Thoko Didiza’s nomination, users were upset that the SABC failed to show the footage of violent protest action.
Ulrich J van Vuuren posted: “Painful to see the city burning and SABC silent. Do not blame the people, its not the Tshwane unrest, it’s the ANC unrest.”
“South Africans use online platforms to engage news that government refuses to report on,” said another user Brent Lindeque.