by Thinus Ferreira
Canal+'s MultiChoice and Fame Week Africa have launched a new drama commission opportunity for African producers.
Launching as part of Fame Week Africa, MultiChoice is taking pitches from across Africa for a premium drama series concept that has "the potential to captivate local audiences while
resonating with viewers around the world".
The premium drama series commission is a dedicated
commissioning opportunity developed specifically around MultiChoice's content needs.
MultiChoice wants a "contemporary, high-concept drama series
that are commercially appealing, action-driven and rooted in authentic African
stories".
According to the pay-TV operator, "Projects should explore universal themes, feature aspirational
storytelling, and naturally connect audiences across two or more African
territories. Concepts may be created in any African language, English or
French, without compromising cultural authenticity."
The commissioned series will have to be between 8 to 12 episodes of 50
minutes each, although final episode counts will be determined by the creative
concept.
"Projects should demonstrate strong production ambition while remaining
commercially viable, without relying on large-scale financing or complex
international co-production structures."
Nicola van Niekerk, Canal+ Africa senior vice president for content, says "This is an exciting opportunity to discover bold new African drama that
speaks authentically to local audiences while travelling beyond borders".
"We are looking for commercially compelling stories with ambition, strong
characters and universal themes - stories that showcase the incredible
creativity emerging from across the continent."
Martin Hiller, Fame Week Africa portfolio director, says "One of Fame Week Africa's greatest strengths is connecting African creators directly with decision-makers who are actively looking for content."
"This commissioning opportunity with MultiChoice provides
producers with a rare opportunity to pitch directly against a clearly defined
editorial brief. Even if you've already submitted your project to the MIP
Africa Project Pitch Platform, we strongly encourage producers whose projects align
with the brief to submit again for this dedicated opportunity."
Producers have to submit a creative treatment (PDF) and an estimated
production budget, with the creative treatment that must include a series
overview, logline, synopsis, "world
of the story", style
and tone references, as well as character
overviews.
All of the submissions will be reviewed by the Fame Week Africa team before a
shortlist of producers will then be invited to present their projects directly to MultiChoice, Canal+ and StudioCanal commissioning panel.
According to Fame Week Africa, this dedicated commissioning call is in addition to the Fame Week Africa
Project Pitch Platform and says that producers who have already submitted to the Project
Pitch Platform are encouraged to submit the same project again, if it aligns
with the MultiChoice commissioning brief.
Submissions close on 18 September 2026 and can be done online here.
Fame Week Africa takes place from 28 to 30 October 2026 at the Cape Town
International Convention Centre (CTICC2).
