by Thinus Ferreira
The City of Cape Town's Film Office has opened applications for its new Film Support Fund which will provide financial support for various film projects done in Cape Town.
Filmmakers now have until 20 October to apply with applications and supporting documentation that should be sent to Film.Fund@capetown.gov.za, with the Film Support Fund that will provide financial support for short films, feature films, music videos, commercials, and reality TV series.
The aim of Film Cape Town and its new Film Support Fund is to support local film production in Cape Town and to create job opportunities through the broader film and media production industry.
The film fund also aims to support emerging film talent through training in Cape Town.
"With this film fund, the city wants to ensure that we provide further support to an industry that already creates over 30 000 jobs and contributes to attracting direct investment into Cape Town," says Alderman JP Smith, mayoral committee member for safety and security.
"We believe this film fund has the potential to assist the local film industry to not only reduce the burden of production costs but also to help the sector improve its ability to attract international work currently going to other film territories overseas."
"We would like to encourage members of the local television, media and film sectors to make use of this resource that enables them to focus on the creative and storytelling."
Cape Town's film office is looking for projects that stimulate local economic growth and create jobs, highlight and promote unique aspects of Cape Town, support emerging talent, drive diversity and inclusion with the local film and media landscape, portray Cape Town's rich history and cultural heritage, and can drive direct investment into Cape Town.
Film Cape Town wants to support production, post-production funding for short films, feature films such as animation, interactive gaming, as well as live-action and would also consider music videos, commercials, reality TV series, film and media training initiatives, as well as film and media projects or innovative projects that are aligned with the city's strategic objectives.
Film Cape Town won't fund adult content, training videos or corporate videos, current affairs or news shows, or the buying of equipment or assets. The funding application form is on the Film Cape Town website.
