Thinus Ferreira
Primedia Studios that has proven success with bringing and placing localised and adapted global format shows on South African television will bring new seasons of Project Runway, The Voice, Idols and Dancing with the Stars to South African TV.
A misfired, extremely inept and badly done Project Runway SA was attempted by Khanyi Dhlomo's imploded Ndalo Pictures in 2018 for M-Net's Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) and was never seen again, while M-Net (DStv 101) had more success with several seasons of The Voice SA, Idols and Dancing with the Stars.
Primedia Studios is teaming with the American Yellowstone-star Denim Richards and his Opulent Entertainment Group to localise these format reality shows for South African television.
While no platforms have been announced, it's unlikely that Project Runway SA, The Voice SA, Idols or Dancing with the Stars SA will be on any of M-Net's packaged TV channels on DStv, or the financially struggling South African public broadcaster's SABC channels, although it remains a faint possibility.
There is a much greater chance for these localised versions to be allocated airtime on streamers like MultiChoice's Showmax or Netflix SA, eMedia's e.tv, or a number of other third-party supplied DStv channels like NBCUniversal International Networks' Bravo!.
Denim Richards' Opulent Entertainment Group which he co-founded with South African director Mandla Dube, has had success with producing the South African film Heart of the Hunter done for Netflix.
"We are honoured and incredibly excited to join forces with Denim and his Opulent Entertainment Group on a venture that will unearth new stars and infuse these four top-tier ‘shiny-floor’ shows with the spirit of Africa,” says Jan du Plessis, Primedia Studios president, in a statement.
"We share the same vision for the future of African storytelling, and Denim’s extensive experience oscillating between Hollywood and our home ground is part of what will take Primedia Studios’ content slate to the next level."
Denim Richards says "The key to the future and sustainability of entertainment in Africa lies in collaboration and opportunities".
"This collaboration with Primedia Studios is a multi-faceted, significant step forward. Shows like The Voice, Project Runway, Idols and Dancing with the Stars are a powerful platform for undiscovered talent from Africa – not only in front of the camera, but also behind the scenes."
Denim Richards says "Meeting Primedia Group CEO Jonathan Procter and his team has inspired us at Opulent Entertainment Group, since our dreams and vision are aligned."
Jonathan Procter says "Denim Richards is a force of nature. He will fundamentally change the future of creators and the industry in Africa and the way the world understands the creative soul of Africa."
Primedia Studios and Opulent Entertainment's collaboration follows after Primedia's work on revived localised formats for the South African market like Deal or No Deal SA, Deal or No Deal Celebrity, as well as MasterChef SA across various SABC channels of the South African public broadcaster.
