About Film Sector Development

Given the relatively robust nature of the sector internationally, governments and their agencies all around the world have recognised the ability of the “Film Industry” to create jobs, stimulate entrepreneurs and boost economic activity across a whole range of sectors, kindle local skills development and even contribute to tourism. In South Africa, this same “Film industry” can also support national imperatives of wealth creation and transformation, as well as cultural expression.

In the last few years, Film Commissions have begun developing a much broader scope for their activities than just addressing the needs of international / service productions. Instead Film Commissions are now the hub and thrust of ALL film related activity within a jurisdiction. The role of this new generation of Offices often includes encouraging the development and distribution of local productions, increasing audiences for film product particularly via film festivals, encouraging the study of film and the acquisition of film related skills, supporting a climate of entrepreneurship.

During our extensive and on-going research programmes, Martin Cuff Consulting has identified many of the constraints facing young people as they try to break into the film sector. This includes entry into the Service Sector as a crew member or service provider, as well as into the Local Film Sector as a Filmmaker. We have also been exposed to some of the better training and transformational programmes run by leading film commissions internationally, which respond to those various needs and have been able to adapt many of these programmes – as well as creating several new ones – which can be used to develop and / or transform the film sector in your community.

It should also be mentioned that we do not favour a “one-size fits all” approach; the Film Commission simply cannot be all things to all people, and the demands of entry level filmmakers and crew will necessarily be different from those who have been trying to break in for quite a while. Our projects are therefore designed within a progressive framework that bring in interested industry entrants, and grow the skills and experience of those who stick with the programme, whilst carefully managing the organisations financial obligations.

Furthermore, it is important to note that our programmes are largely designed to put the onus back on filmmakers themselves. We do not believe that the film industry is for everybody (yet). We do not believe that government can or should ever try to grow a film sector based on its own inputs and resources alone. We generally do not recommend the funding of film productions but rather in creating platforms whereby films may reach their natural audience of consumers. We believe that Filmmakers should not be encouraged to function in a rarified bubble where they can “experiment” with government money without considering who will watch their films – and how much they are prepared to pay for the privilege of doing so. We believe that to function effectively in this sector, individuals must have an email address.