16-08-2017
Wesgro today and the City of Cape Town launched the annual film industry pre-season briefing together with the Commercial Producers Association and South African Association of Stills Producers, Cape Town .
This two-day briefing was an opportunity to engage industry stakeholders, discuss developments over the past year as well as opportunities and challenges in the upcoming year and extends to various stakeholders such as Cape municipalities.
Cape Town International Convention Centre, which is a venue host this year, will deliver presentation, as well as other attractions such as the V&A Waterfront s over the next two days.
City of Cape Town Mayor Patricia de Lille delivered today's day's keynote address and used the opportunity to extend her support to the industry: “Over the years, the Cape film sector has made great progress and as an opportunity city, we are well aware of its potential. This industry has provided skills training and jobs to many residents, and we want to know what you need to grow and how the City can help you achieve your goals and unlock those possibilities.
“We need to leverage our success as an international destination in order to develop our own locally grown film industry. We must have a bold vision for this sector, which can do so much to position Cape Town globally and highlight the enormous talent that sits here.
“We also need to make sure that we build a more inclusive industry and that it becomes an industry that our young film makers can see a bright future in.”
Wesgro CEO Tim Harris said: “Cape Town is one of the top ten film locations centres globally. The province's beautiful locations, great climate, high quality infrastructure, the industry’s lowest annual operating costs, and over 2 500 direct service providers by our last count have positioned the local film and media industry as a key emerging sector.
“In the past few years, permit office applications have doubled, showing the strength of this industry. Through our Cape Town and Western Cape Film and Media Promotion division we will continue to attract more film production investment in the city in order to create jobs and opportunities.”
