M-Net will expand the Magic in Motion Academy to include 20 interns in next year’s project
IN 2015, the M-Net Magic in Motion Academy gave a group of top film and TV graduates the opportunity of a lifetime.
Twelve students were selected as part of a year-long, paid work-readiness programme where they engaged closely with some of the country’s top producers and productions, while gaining an indepth, wide-ranging experience of the industry.
The Academy is part of MNet’s business-aligned CSI initiative which aims to help transform one of the nation’s most influential sectors.
And last week, M-Net Magic in Motion Academy announced the launch of its 2016 intake.
An event was held in Johannesburg at which M-Net’s CEO Yolisa Phahle said that the video entertainment company is now inviting applications for the second year of the project.
“In Magic in Motion, M-Net spotlights the philosophy that, given an opportunity, an empowered new generation of filmmakers and TV professionals will rise to take their place at the forefront of our sector.
I’ve been honoured to witness the passion and pride with which our 2015 interns have converted their vast potential into measurable success; and it fills me with confidence for the future of South African storytelling. So, I’m proud to announce that in 2016, M-Net will expand the Magic in Motion Academy to now include 20 interns.”
Reiterating that the Academy is structured around the film and TV industry’s need to develop the local talent pipeline, build industry capacity and contribute to the economic strength of the country, Phahle noted that collabora- tion has been a cornerstone of the project.
“I must extend M-Net’s thanks to our partner production companies for their immense support of the initiative. It is due to their passion and willingness to take our interns under their wing that we are able to build on the achievements of the first year.
“Further, we are very grateful for the efforts of leading tertiary institutions and industry-related organisations who have all seen the value of the project and have worked with us to ensure its success.”
Deputy Minister in The Presidency Buti Manamela, spoke at the launch about the role of developmental initiatives in the context of nationbuilding.
Magic in Motion Academy Director Bobby Heaney said that the impact of the project would continue to resonate meaningfully for years to come.
The 2015 Academy interns also attended the event, fresh from their creation of two movies for Mzansi Magic (DStv channel 161). Their drama Ilizwi debuts on December 12 while their comedy The Ring premieres on December 19.
In 2016, the M-Net Magic in Motion Academy will again offer its interns training in production commissioning, concept creation, script writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound, art direction, editing, post-production, studio and location shoots, and more.
Interns will also participate in several respected professional film and TV productions across a variety of programming genres such as soaps, dramas, comedies, live broadcast, magazine shows, feature films, commercials, investigative journalism, reality TV and more.
Further, they are expected to have regular specialist sessions with top practitioners in the theatre, film and TV world.
Designed to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical implementation, the Academy is focussed on delivering employable professionals into a rapidly growing industry.