Connie Ferguson told me last week in Johannesburg that Rockville, the new TV drama produced by her, her real-life husband Shona Ferguson and Bobby Heaney who all worked together on The Wild will start on Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) on Wednesday 19 June at 19:00 for 10 episodes, and Mzansi Magic is now confirming this.
As I've reported last month Rockville was produced by Ferguson Films, Connie and Shona Ferguson's first foray into television as TV producers. Bobby Heaney is executive producer and Johnny Barbuzano is the director.
Last week Connie Ferguson told me that it was interesting and challenging to move behind the camera. "Suddenly you're the one everyone runs to with problems and challenges and unforeseen questions. 'How do I do this?' 'What happens with that?' and you have to come up with answers as quickly as possible to solve technical and production challenges," Connie Ferguson told me.
Rockville which would have been 13 episodes, will only have a first season of 10 episodes, but could be renewed for further seasons, depending on how viewers respond. The Rockville cast consists out of Trevor Gumbi, Mbali Mlotshwa, Bonnie Mbuli, Luthuli Dlamini, Minnie Dlamini and Boity Thulo.
"Rockville underlines Mzansi Magic's committment to producing quality entertainment, with a focus on story and production values," says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net's director for local interest channels in a statement.
"Mzansi Magic's mission is to provide a range of South African stories that present the diversity of life in our country today, whilst giving fresh talent the opportunity to work with industry stalwarts and learn from their experience. This partnership between Ferguson Films and Bobby Heaney is a prime example of this commitment," says Yolisa Phahle.
As I've reported, Rockville's setting is a middle class suburb in Johannesburg, as well as a working class Soweto and Club Venus in Rosebank, the nexus where the two worlds collide.
Rockville revolves around the student Lindi Mabaso (Mbali Mlotshwa) growing up in a poor Soweto household where the mother is Mavis Mabaso (Connie Ferguson).
On the other side is JB Bogatsu (Shona Ferguson) who lives in Waterfall Estate. Prostitution comes into play, and Lindi has to confront various difficult characters and situations.
Rockville will have a repeat on Mondays at 21:30 after every Wednesday's primetime episode.
