Discounts for filmmakers are a common way for countries to try and attract outside investment, but South Africa has done something a bit different with new incentives aimed at cutting the cost of post production work. The changes will affect editing, special effects and sound dubbing work, drawing on a growing pool of local talent. It is hoped that this will also encourage more young South Africans to go into the technical side of the industry.
As filmmaking booms across the African continent, Nigeria is leading the way in terms of quantity, but South Africa has carved out an impressive reputation for quality work. Providing support at the post-production end should help South Africa to hold on to more of its talented young filmmakers as well as attracting people from other African countries who want to give their films more polish before releasing them onto the international market. Yet it is from the wider world that South Africa hopes to attract most investment. Trade and Industry Minister Rob Davies hopes that those attracted by the new incentives will also find themselves drawn to the country's diverse landscapes, which other economic factors are making increasingly attractive to big productions.
"The South African government takes cognisance of the contribution the film industry potentially has in stimulating the country's economic growth, strengthening the country's profile in the global creative environment, and in the facilitation of employment creation," said Davies in a statement last week, emphasising that film should have a key role in the country's development strategy. He cited the success of films like District 9 as proof that South Africa can compete in the global industry.
