M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy is looking for 16 interns for 2018 for a year-long, paid, practical internship in South Africa's TV and film industry.

M-Net is once again looking for interns for its Magic in Motion Academy for 2018, a year-long, paid, practical internship for people who want to work in South Africa's TV and film industry and who are completing any 3-year degree in film and TV studies at the end of 2017 or did in 2016.

The 16 interns will have to live in Gauteng during 2018, must be South African citizens, and M-Net doesn't guarantee any employment at the end of the internship.

Interns will however get the chance to make valuable contacts and work across the entire range of the various M-Net channel's local productions during the year in various capacities and several of previous years' graduates are now working in the industry not just at shows produced for M-Net.

People who want to apply can visit mnetcorporate.dstv.com/2017/11/14/2018-magic-motion-applications to enter online before 31 January 2018.

"When M-Net began the Magic in Motion Academy in 2015, our aim was to build a sustainable and consistent talent pipeline that empowered hard-working professionals with the skills they need to transform the video entertainment sector," says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net CEO.

"Four years on, we're delighted to be calling for entries once again."

 Together with generous production companies who provide the interns with training placements and aided by tertiary institutions who motivate their brightest to enter the Academy, M-Net is committed to building on the accomplishments of previous interns.

"This powerful partnership remains at the heart of the Magic in Motion Academy," says Yolisa Phahle.

"These institutions and companies are invaluable in enabling the Academy to reach its full potential." 

M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy is led by respected TV veteran Bobby Heaney as director.

The Class of 2018 will learn more about scripting, producing, directing, editing, production commissioning, concept innovation, sound, post-production and more.

Furthermore there will be Academy Master Classes led by the country's top TV executives will also expose the interns to the trends and technologies shaping the global entertainment landscape.

M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy strives to deliver highly employable individuals who understand a variety of genres, ranging from drama and comedy to live shows and reality formats.

"The beauty of the Magic in Motion journey is that our interns learn that this is an industry that will reward hard work and they can effectively work their way up with an M-Net Original productions calling card," says Bobby Heaney.

Entries open for M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy 2017, looking for 12 TV and film student interns; Magic in Motion Expo also returning with new scholarship programme.

Entries has opened for M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy for 2017, the pay-TV broadcaster's one-year practical internship programme for TV and film students.

Entries close on 31 January 2017, with M-Net who will choose 12 students who completed their 3-year diploma or degree in film and TV or a related studies in 2015 or 2016, with at least a C pass mark.

The internship primarily takes place in Johannesburg and the greater Gauteng and South Africans from all race groups can apply. Successful interns must be willing to move to Johannesburg for the duration of the internship programme.

2017 will be the 4th year that M-Net is running its Magic in Motion Academy.

The chosen 12 interns will receive hands-on training in producing, directing, cinematography, production commissioning, concept creation, script writing, sound, art direction, editing, post-production and more during the course of the year as they work and get practical experience across multiple M-Net shows across all of M-Net's various TV channels packaged for MultiChoice's DStv.

At the end of the year, M-Net will again choose three of the interns to produce their own films with funding from M-Net, with their work that could be broadcast on some of the M-Net channels.

The Magic in Motion Academy begins in May 2017, again under the guidance of Academy director Bobby Heaney and M-Net's CSI and skills development manager, Ashika Kirpal.

Besides the Magic in Motion Academy, M-Net will again host its hugely popular 4-day Magic in Motion Career Expo showcasing the exciting world of film and TV and the jobs available inside it to school children across South Africa.

M-Net will also announce details about a new scholarship programme soon.

"As M-Net celebrates 30 years as the pay-TV pioneer on the continent, we understand the importance of investing in stories for Africans, by Africans, and we are once again showing our commitment to taking talented youngsters under our wing to bring more local content to life," says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net CEO.

"It is so deeply humbling to be able to give the new generation of filmmakers, producers and writers an opportunity to learn the skills that could make their dreams a reality," says Yolisa Phahle. "Graduates from our two previous classes have proven themselves and have gone on to become successful professionals and entrepreneurs".

More details can be requested from MagicInMotion@mnet.co.za and the entry form and entry criteria for the Magic in Motion Academy 2017 can be found here online:

http://mnetcorporate.co.za/bigger-picture/magic-in-motion/applications-2017

M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy embroiled in a race row; trade union Solidarity slams pay-TV broadcaster over exclusion of white students from internship positions.

M-Net and its Magic in Motion Academy has become embroiled in a row about race with trade union Solidary slamming M-Net, saying the South African pay-TV broadcaster is unfairly discriminating by allowing no white students to apply for academy internships.

M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy (MiM Academy) that started last year has been doing wonderful work with the veteran producer and director Bobby Heaney as the academy's director.

For its second year, M-Net is expanding the landmark internship programme from 12 to 20 positions to give film and TV graduates much-needed and in-depth practical experience as they work closely with some of South Africa's top producers and TV shows.

According to M-Net, applications for the film Academy that closes on 11 December are "strictly EE (Employment Equity) qualifying candidates only – black, coloured and Indian".

According to Dirk Groenewald, the head of Solidarity's Centre for Fair Labour Practices, M-Net's film academy doesn't comply with the provisions of the Employment Equity Act.

"It boils down to nothing but the total exclusion of white people and amounts to a quota system."

"The said legislation prohibits quota systems. Moreover, the courts, including the Constitutional Court, have already found that the use of a quota system as well as the exclusion of people based on the grounds of their skin colour is unlawful".

Dirk Groenewald says Solidarity asked M-Net to amend the Magic in Motion advertisement in order for whites to also be allowed to apply for the internships. Solidarity plans to lodge a complaint with the Human Rights Commission if the MiM Academy requirement isn't changed.

Dirk Groenewald says it is allegedly not the first time that MultiChoice has reserved vacant posts for certain race groups only.

"Multichoice has already advertised a significant number of posts exclusively for specific race groups. It is clear that the race problem at MultiChoice is far more significant than initially thought."

Asked why M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy internship positions decided to exclude a certain race group, M-Net told TVwithThinus that the focus of the film academy is on previously disadvantaged communities.

"As the MiM Academy is one of M-Net's corporate social investment initiatives, the focus of the initiative is on previously disadvantaged communities".

"However, whilst it is targeted to a pre-determined demographic requirement in line with powerful national transformation objectives, there are also positions and development opportunities at M-Net that are open to a wider pool," says M-Net.

"In this way, M-Net is focused on maintaining its multi-cultural, diverse talent complement".

M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy looking for 20 non-white TV and film graduates who want to be paid interns working on various M-Net shows.

M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy (MiM Academy) is looking for 20 non-white TV and film graduates who want to do a paid internship at the pay-TV broadcaster in 2016 working behind the scenes across various shows and productions over all of the M-Net run TV channels.

For the second year of the Magic in Motion Academy, M-Net is expanding the landmark internship programme that instantly resonated with the South African film and TV industry, from 12 to 20 positions, and will continue to give film and TV graduates much-needed and in-depth practical experience as they work closely with some of South Africa's top producers and TV shows.

"In Magic in Motion, M-Net spotlights the philosophy that given an opportunity, an empowered new generation of filmmakers and TV professionals will rise to take their place at the forefront of our sector," says M-Net CEO, Yolisa Phahle. 

M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy, with veteran producer and director Bobby Heaney as the academy's director, is structured around the film and TV industry's need in South Africa to develop the local talent pipeline, build industry capacity and to contribute to the economic strength of the country.

Film and TV graduates who want to enter the Magic in Motion Academy's internship programme for 2016 must be South African and have completed their qualification in 2014 or 2015.

The Magic in Motion Academy internship programme is not for white people and according to M-Net applications are strictly EE (Employment Equity) qualifying candidates only - black, coloured and Indian.

Those who apply must have a 3-year qualification in drama, film, TV or a related media field from a recognised tertiary institution and must have graduated or expect to graduate with at least an overall B- mark.

Those who apply must have had no previous permanent employment in the film and TV sector.

The closing date is 11 December with more information available at www.mnetmagicinmotion.com, or email magicinmotion@mnet.co.za or call 011 686 6000.

M-Net unveils 12 interns part of the 1st class of M-Net's Magic in Motion Film & TV Academy; will work across M-Net's local shows for a year.

As South Africa's growing, yet struggling, television industry and the government call for bigger support of the country's TV and film biz, M-Net on Thursday announced the names on the 12 interns from across South Africa who will be the first class attending M-Net's new Magic in Motion Film & TV Academy for a year.

"The 12 Magic in Motion interns are indeed in for the ride of their lives," said veteran TV and film producer Bobby Heaney, the academy's director at the World Trace Centre in Sandton yesterday.

"This is their springboard moment."

"M-Net's Magic in Motion Film & TV Academy was specifically designed to achieve long term objectives which will benefit the whole industry and ultimately the whole country," said Bobby Heaney.

"The 12 interns represent the brightest, the most passionate and most dedicated film, television and media students from across South Africa," said Bobby Heaney of the academy's first class of students.

They will be attending the year long, accelerated work-readiness programme in the world of professional film and TV production.

"Do we have the next Koos Bekker among these 12 interns?" asked Bobby Heaney. "The next Anant Singh? The next Gavin Hood? Perhaps yes. But probably not without a strong support base and the practical and theoretical fundamentals."

"M-Net is building a new industry network - a network of sharing, nurturing, inspiring and creating to support new talent long into the future."

The 12 students - chosen out of 200 applications - will gain practical experience and knowledge by working across various local M-Net channels' TV productions ranging from Carte Blanche and Idols to Isibaya, Zabalaza, Rockville, Big Brother Mzansi, Binnelanders, Power Couple SA, MasterChef SA and several others, starting next week.

First they will all travel to Cape Town to work on the set of new reality show Power Couple SA, after which they will all work at Sun City on Miss South Africa 2015 returning to the M-Net channel this year. After that they will be split across the various other local productions.

At the end of the year the interns will also be tasked with pitching original TV show concepts to the various M-Net channel heads, and they will get to make their own TV pilot show as well.

"We received the highest caliber of students for the first intake," said Kershnee Govender, M-Net's corporate affairs director. She said M-Net's new Magic in Motion Academy is an example of M-Net's commitment to developing local talent in the film and television industry.

Buti Manamela, deputy minister in the presidency, praised M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy initiative, saying its very important that South Africans tell local TV stories and that South Africa's film and TV industry grow to nurture the youth interested in careers in this industry.

"It's important that every project for youth development include the youth."

"Too often our stories are being told for us. These stories are often not our own stories, they are largely American or Eurocentric stories from the outside market. We need to start telling our own stories that resonate and reaffirms our cultural identities," said Buti Manamela.

The first 12 interns for 2015 at M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy are:
·         Sandisiwe Aluta Qupa (AFDA JHB)

·         Palesa Rathebe (AFDA JHB)

·         Yalezo Njuguna ( UJ)

·         ThembaTwala (WITS)

·         Ignatius Shongwe (AFDA JHB)

·         Reitumetse Mataboge (AFDA JHB)

·         Thembalethu Mfebe (UCT)

·         Kabelo Ramputa (Boston Media House)

·         Mbali Zulu (UJ)

·         Lele Dinte (AFDA JHB)

·         Mark Madai (AFDA CT)

·         Sivela Mgudu (CPUT)

Bobby Heaney appointed as academy director of M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy.

The veteran South African film and TV producer and director Bobby Heaney has been appointed as the academy director of M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy.

The M-Net Magic in Motion Academy will start in March with its first intake of students who will have the opportunity to work across genres and productions in their year-long programme.

"We are excited to welcome Bobby Heaney to the team," says Kershnee Govender, M-Net's corporate affairs director.

"He brings many years of film and television experience, coupled with significant industry awards under his belt. M-Net, along with its support of highly focused broadcast partners and Bobby will ensure that our students benefit greatly which in turn benefits the greater industry," says Kershnee Govender.

Bobby Heaney will mentor the 12 students chosen for a year-long internship through M-Net's Magic in Motion Academy which aims to develop talent in the South African film and television industry.

"The Academy could not have come at a better time, for me, the learners as well as the industry in South Africa," says Bobby Heaney.

"I started as an actor, moved into theatre, directed theatre and subsequently moved on to acting, producing and directing in television. This is an amazing journey and I'm so honoured that I will forever be a part of it for the as academy students," says Bobby Heaney.

"Students will get to work on both single and multi-focus camera productions, in studio and on location and will leave the academy with exceptional knowledge that will narrow the gap between the theory they've learnt at tertiary studies and what actually happens on the ground in the profession."

Through the M-Net Magic in Motion Academy students will work with production houses that already produce shows on behalf of M-Net across various genres.

Part of the internship includes the opportunity to commission a programme either by coming up with a television format or pitching for and producing a pilot programme.

According to M-Net a critical feature of the Magic in Motion Academy is for the students to gain experience across the wide spectrum of the film and television. With that in mind, students will learn alongside producers, directors, vision mixers, boom swingers and other specialists who work on reality television, sports, drama and investigative journalism shows.

FIRST LOOK. Rockville on Mzansi Magic starting on Wednesday 19 June at 19:00 for a first season of 10 episodes.

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.