Mzansi Magic (DStv 107) has just commissioned briefs and is looking for South African production companies, producers and writers to please pitch ideas for a new telenovela, so-called ''bubblegum'' movies and "bubblegum" series.
Producers, productions companies and writers have until 28 June to pitch for the channel's second telenovela, as well as the cheaply-produced TV series and movies.
The new commissioning briefs for local content for Mzansi Magic follows the success of Inkaba, the channel's first telenovela which is now the number one show on the channel viewership wise. "We're proud to say that Inkaba has quickly become the most-watched local programme on Mzansi Magic and we know this is just the beginning of a memorable new wave of local storytelling which will include telenovelas, bubblegum movies as well as series, and consolidate Mzansi Magic's position as a local television leader," says Lebone Maema, Mzansi Magic's channel head.
The full commissioning briefs can be found on M-Net's corporate website (Mzansi Magic is an M-Net channel) at www.mnetcorporate.co.za with full briefs and industry details with all the requirements to pitch for any of the shows.
Mzansi Magic's second telenovela will span over 208 half hour episodes in primetime. Mzansi Magic is looking for "an authentic story that world audiences can relate to".
Mzansi Magic says the bubblegum movies "should reflect contemporary South Africa from any region or background and can be told in English as well as indigenous languages". The movies have to be "firmly rooted within South African cultures and traditions and be suited for the entire family".
"Creating a highly entertaining telenovela that will grasp audiences for many months is a challenging yet exciting exercise and we look forward to seeing how great storytellers will take the genre to a new leve," says Lebone Maema.
"The bubblegum films provide the ideal opportunity for young, talented filmmakers as well as industry vterans to explore their creativity with the assurance of getting valuable exposure. It's Mzansi Magic's mission to boost our industry and we will continue to deliver on this promise."
