M-Net is adding two new local productions, Trackers, a 6-episode Deon Meyer crime novel adaptation; as well as House of Phalo, a period drama focused on the rise of Xhosa in the Eastern Cape and the rise of King Phalo produced by Mfundi Vundla's Morula Pictures.
M-Net says the pay-TV broadcaster remains committed to local storytelling and that the slate of new productions will provide compelling viewing for DStv subscribers and help to feed the growing global appetite for television drama series.
"This is the golden age of television series – an
era marked by a year-on-year increase in scripted content that is eagerly
consumed by audiences, both live and through binge viewing," says Yolisa Phahle, CEO of
General Entertainment for MultiChoice,
"Audiences are also
increasingly receptive to authentic, universal stories and this provides an
opportunity for us to take African stories to the world."
Trackers is an adaptation of the acclaimed South African crime writer Deon Meyer’s
international best-selling novel.
The 6-part series is co-produced with
SCENE23, a new production hub created by Deon Meyer, Cobus van den Berg and Tim
Theron, together with Three River Fiction, a London-based, independent production company.
"It is a real pleasure and privilege to co-produce
an international TV series based on my novel, Trackers – with South African
talent, textures and accents,” says Deon Meyer.
"Thanks to M-Net and Three River
Fiction’s involvement, we are also delighted to have Robert Thorogood, best
known for the Death In Paradise TV series, on board as the showrunner,
leading our writing team".
"Deon Meyer has been responsible for introducing
millions of people across the globe to South Africa, so it made absolute sense
to adapt one of his books for SCENE23’s first outing into the great unknown of
the international industry," says Cobus van den Berg.
"The global and
critical success of Trackers made it the perfect choice to go with. As
producers we’re really excited to join the current push to show the world that
we’re not just a great place to come and shoot their films and series, but that
our own stories deserve to be seen and enjoyed by the global audience. But we
can’t do it alone, and SCENE23 is extremely proud to be partnering with M-Net
and Three River Fiction to make this project a reality."
"Three River Fiction is delighted to be working
with SCENE23 and M-Net on Trackers,” says Jonathan Drake, CEO and
co-creative director at Three River Fiction.
"Deon has written a thrilling
book, and working with Deon and Robert Thorogood to adapt the story for
television is a really exciting opportunity. M-Net is the ideal home for Trackers
– a story rooted in Africa but with strong international appeal. It is already
generating strong interest from other networks around the world."
A Xhosa Game of Thrones
A uniquely South African historical drama series is
also currently in production - House of Phalo, a telling of the
first modern history of the Xhosa and the rise of King Phalo.
Mfundi Vundla’s Morula Pictures is behind House
of Phalo. Vundla is renowned for his game-changing television, having
created South Africa’s first soapie Generations in 1994 on SABC1. House of Phalo will appeal to fans of series like Vikings and Game of Thrones that's on M-Net.
"This story is about shattering the popular
narrative that the history of our people began in 1652 with the arrival of Jan
Van Riebeek," says Mfundi Vundla. "There is indisputable evidence that Xhosa
people have lived in the Eastern Cape since the 15th century."
"It’s only through systematic erasure by colonialists and apartheid that we have
lost part of this history. It was crucial for us then to treat this drama with
the care and reverence it deserves. We hope we have managed to evoke a sense of
pride in our history, a better understanding of the people we are, and a
clearer vision of our present and future."
M-Net acting CEO since 1 February, Nkateko Mabaso says "co-productions are on the rise globally and they
are certainly playing a huge role in the opportunity to build global audiences
for local stories. These days it is common to see productions that are a
collaboration between broadcasters operating in different markets."
"This is good for the industry as it has the
potential to increase audiences," says Nkateko Mabaso.
"We are thrilled to be working
with some of the finest talent, both locally and abroad, to bring an increased
focus to the incredible talent in South Africa."
