Film Crew News

As we cl ose out the year and prepare to wave goodbye to 2020, I’m reminded of just how much has changed for so many of us this year. Starting with the initial shock of COVID-19 hitting us in March and then having to adapt accordingly, some of us being impacted harder and faster than others. All of us sailing together on the same stormy seas but in different boats. What a vastly different year this has turned out to be, than the one we imagined or planned. Just goes to show how uncertain life can be, especially when we least expect it. Each of us have no doubt had our own reflections, revelations and lessons we have learnt through this experience, challenging for most I imagine, although indiscriminate and harsh “adversity” can be one of our best teachers. As I reflect, I’m profoundly grateful and humbled by how resilient our crew and clients have been throughout this tumultuous economic wave, and how our business model and relationships have held up. This makes me stand in awe to ...

 

STATE OF THE INDUSTRY  A letter from Bobby Amm - CPA Hi Jan There was quite a bit of work initially but I think it was mainly the work that had been postponed back in March / April.  Last month seemed to be exceedingly quiet with only a handful of jobs.  I am hearing from Exco members that the work is starting to pick up now and the boards are coming in.  I think the agencies have been a bit spooked and worried about carrying the risk so have opted to hold over but hopefully we will start to see work increase now.  One good thing is that companies will want to make commercials to promote sales to off-set losses they have experienced over the last 5 months.    Yes, lots of concerned people in Cape Town and things are even bleaker there.  Everything will depend on when the borders open.  If they open relatively soon we think we will have a season but, if it’s only next year, we are in for a tough time. Apparently many of the clients are keen to...

  SPORT, ARTS AND CULTURE RELIEF  FUND  2 ND WAVE APPLICATIONS TWO WAYS TO APPLY : 1. WhatsApp: Send a WhatsApp and say ‘Hi’ to  087 153-1027 . Follow the simple instructions to apply in English, isiZulu, Afrikaans, Sepedi, Tshivenda or Xitsonga. Apply between 19 August and 2 September 2020. No applications will be accepted after midnight on 2 September 2020. 2. Online: Simply logon the links below: Covid-19: Arts and Culture Relief Fund - 2nd Wave     Covid-19: Sport Relief Fund - 2nd Wave Apply now and note that the closing date for all online applications will be the 31st of August 2020 @ Midnight.  Note: Once you have selected the platform on which you want to apply, please continue on this platform for the duration of your application and ensure you only submit ONE application per person. Multiple or duplicate applications on one or both platforms may result in disqualification.

  The journey has been long and tough but we’re getting there and seeing an improvement in the work flow.  Stage 2 opens more opportunities and with summer around the corner, we are hoping that productions will step up and there will be more work for everyone. It’s going to take a while to get back to where we were and international travel is still restricted. Just to say, we’re proud of our crew and grateful to production companies for supporting us, hang in there, it is improving …stay safe!

COVID RELIEF FUND  Film Industry freelancers (e.g.: electricians, carpenters, hair-and-makeup artists, drivers, costume designers and many other freelancers) will be eligible to apply for a R15 000 one-time-benefit. Funding provided by Netflix through Tshikululu's website (tshikululu.org.za) or mail physical applications. The eligibility criteria will be posted on the website when applications open. Updated Link :   https://tshikululu.org.za/case-study/netflix-covid-19-film-and-television-relief-fund/

We’ve been talking to our Cape Town client s and have the following feedback regarding the state of the industry, which we thought might    be of interest to all our crew….   Hi Call a Crew-team!   Thanks for your newsletter.    M y thoughts on this…    The state of the industry in SA is for sure in a crisis - Desmond and I both work in South Africa but in SA winter we're always shooting in Europe (I am German ;)).   What we’ve noticed that despite all our European shoots being cancelled until end of June, from July onwards, things finally continue. Knowing this is a big relief and    I am sure as soon as things normalise a little and the borders open up, it will be the same in SA!   We hope to work with you in future!   Stay optimistic,   Hi Jan   Wow I wish I had a magic ball to see what the future holds.  Right now things are rather bleak on the local front.  There is a lot of talk about things taking off a...