The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (the dtic), along with the National Empowerment Fund and Industrial Development Corporation, recently unveiled their revamped film and television incentive guidelines. The launch of these guidelines aims to foster a positive environment of engagement and accessibility, promising a sustainable future for film and television production in South Africa.
Collaborative Approach for a Successful Industry
Ms. Susan Mangole, the Acting Deputy Director-General of Incentives at the dtic, emphasized the importance of collaboration, partnerships, and dialogue at the launch. The revised guidelines hold the promise of overcoming the challenges faced by the industry, thereby shaping its trajectory.
Ambitious Goals for the Industry
The dtic has set an ambitious goal of attracting over R200 billion in investment by the 2023/24 financial year, showcasing the potential of the industry. With the introduction of the R25 million threshold, these guidelines aim to transform the film industry and pave the way for a viable, sustainable path for future growth.
Clear Communication and Engagement for Effective Implementation
The dtic stresses the importance of clear communication and engagement with the industry to ensure that the new guidelines are seamlessly adopted. Over the next three months, the dtic will engage the industry through its associations, focusing on strategic matters impacting the sector, including the amended guidelines.
Embracing Technology for Administrative Efficiency
Though the dtic had hoped to introduce an online system for launching these guidelines, the information technology unit is working diligently to ensure that applicants can submit applications online, improving administrative efficiency. This will enable the film industry to become a significant contributor to South Africa’s Gross Domestic Product, while also achieving self-sustainability.
Advancing Industrialization, Transformation, and Building a Capable State
These guidelines align with the dtic’s apex outcomes of industrialization, transformation, and building a capable state. Effective immediately, the new amended television and film incentives guidelines can be accessed on the dtic website, marking a new chapter for the film and television industry in South Africa.
Success for the film and television industry in South Africa lies in the hands of not only the dtic but also the industry stakeholders. Collaboration, effective communication, and the unwavering pursuit of progress are essential for the industry’s future growth. With the guidance of the revised incentive guidelines, the future of South African film and television production is poised to flourish.
