Everyday various sectors across our continent are adjusting and finding ways to deal with challenges brought about by the current pandemic. Given its position in Africa’s video entertainment sector, MultiChoice is acutely aware of the challenges of its partners in the industry face.
Across the continent we are seeing disruptions and delays. Production has been impacted across many countries and production has come to a complete halt in South Africa as the industry adheres to the national lockdown. For many years MultiChoice has been a leader in the sector, and is a leading investor in local content production. They have deep rooted partnerships and long-standing commitments that have grown the industry for the benefit of many, both in front and behind the camera.
It is for this reason that MultiChoice has decided to implement several measures, aimed at safe guarding the incomes of cast, crew, and creatives as well as the sustainability of production houses. With these measures we can hopefully steer the industry through this tumultuous time.
- MultiChoice has set aside R80 million to ensure that current productions are able to pay full salaries of cast, crew, and creatives for the months of March and April.
- Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory an online learning portal that will support over 40 000 members of the industry to gain access to courses and online master classes we will be launched
- Furthermore, MultiChoice has committed to guarantee the incomes of freelancers in our SuperSport Productions, who are currently unable to work due to the suspension of sport and the national lockdown. This extends to guaranteeing the income of freelancers in our broadcast technology environment.
Our main concern is to ensure as much as possible that we secure the incomes of creatives, cast and crew over this period. We want to ensure that they and their families are not negatively impacted as work has come to a standstill.
Calvo Mawela, CEO, MultiChoice Group
As an industry made up of thousands of freelancers which include actors, producers, directors and camera operators, Africa’s video entertainment industry is particularly vulnerable at this time. These people play a critical role in keeping our viewers and communities informed, entertained and connected. All the whilst contributing significantly to the economy.
