A total of 487 independent film, television, digital and animated content producers from 35 Sub-Saharan African countries attended the three-day market - twice as many as last year.
Wrapping up the seventh Johannesburg edition of the DISCOP content, adaptation rights and project markets, organisers announced a steady year-on-year attendance 1188 delegates representing 783 companies from 69 countries in 2018 versus 1155 delegates representing 772 companies from 63 countries in 2017.
Despite economic turbulences hurting Sub-Saharan Africas entertainment and media marketplace, 487 independent film, television, digital and animated content producers from 35 Sub-Saharan African countries attended the three-day market – twice as many as last year.
Commenting on the attendance, Patrick Zuchowicki, CEO of DISCOP Markets, said: For DISCOP to remain relevant in these fast-moving ecospheres, we must constantly pursue innovative services that provide more value to our delegates. For us there could be no greater value than empowering young and creative producers from Africa and providing them with a business platform that meets their true needs.”
The increased competition amongst broadcasters, SVOD, OTT and mobile platforms has reportedly been a boon for African producers who have seen more demand, and hence higher prices being paid for content made in Africa.
This years DISCOP Johannesburg also saw a number of major announcements taking place, with a focus on co-productions and international deals.
Global Content Hub by Zee announced a co-production deal with Nigerian agency MACE and Multimedia Group, a broadcaster from Ghana whose channels Joy Prime and Adom TV will air the new drama series Deceptive Measures. The series is currently in production and is a remake of popular Indian series Pavitra Rishta, one of the most successful ever Indian drama series with both Indian and international audiences. The filming takes place across Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria and the first season will have 52 one-hour episodes. Popular actors from Kenya, Ghana and Nigeria will star in the series such as Michael Godson, Joy Jasmin Aygeman (Adomaa) and other actors from the three countries.
America’s GRB studios and South Africa’s Black TV announced a deal that will see will GRB studios distributing more than 200 hours of programming per week to Black TV. Future plans include co-producing original content for the platform.
Additionally, THE CANAL+ Group announced the launch of THEMA Distribution, a new business activity of CANAL+ International, in charge of the distribution and sale of audiovisual content in Africa and internationally. THEMA Distribution will focus on the development of African content on all media, and in particular content produced or acquired by Group’s channels.
Further news for the region was the interest in the African adaption of Ugly Betty after the announcement that Known Entertainment Associates has bought the rights from RCN, Columbia’s Public Broadcaster.
