Thinus Ferreira
ITV Studios is working with production company Scene23 and M-Net (DStv 101) in South Africa to produce a new drama series, The Invisible set in the Kruger National Park.
M-Net publicity gave the press release to the American trade publication Variety first and then sent the same press release to South African media to repeat the same basic information from the "exclusive" press release with nothing new.
The 8-episode The Invisible is based on Deon Meyer's novel Blood Safari and has actors Dougray Scott and Abbie Cornish in on-screen roles as well as co-executive producers, with Jozhua Malherbe as director.
The Invisible has been filming in Hoedspruit in South Africa's Limpopo province.
Deon Meyer created the TV-adaptation of his book with William Josef Schneider "taking the lead in writing the TV adaptation".
The rest of The Invisible cast includes Tim Theron, Tumisho Masha and Kim Engelbrecht.
One character is called Dekker who is a "former bodyguard with a haunted past" with no indication who this is - Dougray Scott or Tim Theron or someone else.
Then there is also an Emma character - again no indication from M-Net whether this is Abbie Cornish or Kim Engelbrecht or someone else.
Tumisho Masha obviously plays "local inspector Jack Phatudi".
According to ITV Studios and M-Net "In the shadow of South Africa’s Kruger National Park, a mysterious killer begins executing local poachers. As the body count rises, local Inspector Jack Phatudi is drawn into a dangerous manhunt to unmask the vigilante".
This "Dekker" is then hired to protect "Emma" a "South African expat who returns home to search for her brother who she believes is still alive, despite his disappearance 20 years ago. When Phatudi’s investigation collides with Emma and Dekker’s quest, they uncover a buried conspiracy reaching back to the political assassination of a pivotal African leader."
In the prepared statement first given to Variety, Deon Meyer is quoted as noting "To say I’m proud, grateful and excited about The Invisible as a TV series is a vast understatement".
"We've worked so hard for two years to put the series together, and now, it’s finally going into production with an excellent broadcast partner and executive production team, great writers, a stellar, international cast, a brilliant director and the best film crew in the world. How cool is that?"
Cobus van den Berg, Scene23 executive producer, is quoted as saying "Based on the work of acclaimed author Deoon Meyer, it’s about more than just a television series – it’s a chance to showcase our talent, our landscapes, and our storytelling on an international stage".
"We are proud to partner with BMG, M-Net and ITV Studios to bring this story to both local and international audiences."
Nomsa Philiso, MultiChoice's director of content for general entertainment for English and Portuguese-speaking Africa - the new very long title following MultiChoice's takeover of Canal+ - is quoted in the media statement as saying"The Invisible is a contemporary South African retelling inspired by true events – including the mysterious plane crash that claimed former Mozambican President Samora Machel".
The part that ITV Studios contributed to the press release given to Variety first is Julie Meldal-Johnsen, ITV Studios executive vice president of global content, with this drop-in quote: "We're delighted to be partnering with M-Net, Scene23, BMG, and the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), to bring this thrilling and action-packed drama to global audiences".
"The Invisible marks our first scripted project from a South African producer - hopefully the first of many."
And yet another superfluous quote - this one from Yu-Fai Suen of Berkeley Media Group, echoing what everyone already said: "We are proud and excited to be working with Abbie Cornish, Dougray Scott and a hugely talented group of creatives in South Africa on Berkeley Media’s latest international production".
"With our partners Scene23 and ITV Studios, we aim to bring alive this amazing African story to an appreciative global audience".
