Soapie for WhatsApp a world-first
WHILE South Africans usually enjoy watching drama series on television screens‚ they will soon be treated to a world-first opportunity to watch a seven-part drama series through social network application WhatsApp.
The drama‚ penned by former Generations soapie head writer Bongi Ndaba‚ will unfold through WhatsApp videos‚ pictures‚ voice notes and text messages.
It details a tragedy that befalls the Langa family.
Ndaba said she accepted the challenge when approached by production company King James to assist in creating what would be a fresh way to advertise an insurance company’s services.
“I have never written like this before and it was especially tricky because it’s never been done before so we had no reference‚” she said.
The drama‚ titled Uk’shona Kwelanga, is anything but your typical insurance company infomercial.
“There is nowhere in any of the episodes where we mention [the insurance company]. It’s all about silent advertising‚” Ndaba said.
“South Africans love soapies, so it is a great way to pull them in, and WhatsApp is accessible to almost everyone.”
The drama will unfold in real time.
Media analyst Arthur Goldstuck has hailed this as an ideal initiative. “It is a world-first,” he said. So how does one join in this experience? Simply SMS your name and surname to 45603.
Uk’shona Kwelanga launches next week.