Peu Communications resumes Skeem Saam filming after Sasani Studios fire, set damage unknown

by Thinus Ferreira

Peu Communications has resumed filming of the SABC1 weekday soap Skeem Saam after filming shut down following an on-set fire that saw two crew members injured and hospitalised.

Sasani Studios in Highlands North in Johannesburg belong to eMedia Holdings, with Peu Communication Solutions that is the production company renting space on the lot where Skeem Saam is filmed.

Sasani Studios is also home to other shows like e.tv's Scandal! and kykNET's Diepe Waters.

The Sasani Studios fire broke out on Saturday 22 February.

Sumaja Mogola, Skeem Saam publicist, told TVwithThinus that Skeem Saam resumed filming on the Tuesday thereafter on 25 February.

"A part of the studio was damaged, however we were still able to resume our usual shooting scheduling. We don't have a timeline, nor do we have the costs incurred with regards to the repairs."

Mmoni Seapolelo, SABC spokesperson, didn't respond to any media enquiries which were made since last week and this week about the Skeem Saam fire, when filming would resume, which sets of the show were damaged, and what the extent of the fire damage is.

eMedia Holdings last week told TVwithThinus in response to a media query that the fire at Sasani Studios "is an ongoing investigation and we cannot comment at this time".

Fire at Sasani Studios injures two crew members working on SABC1's Skeem Saam, damages sets and equipment

by Thinus Ferreira

A fire that broke out on Monday afternoon at Sasani Studios in Highlands North in Johannesburg on the set of SABC1's Skeem Saam and damaged sets and equipment, injured two crew members who were hospitalised.

Sasani Studios belong to eMedia Holdings, with Peu Communication Solutions that is the production company renting space on the lot where Skeem Saam is filmed.

Sasani Studios is also home to other shows like e.tv's Scandal! and kykNET's Diepe Waters.

The cause of Monday's fire at the SABC1 weekday soap is not yet known or when filming will resume.

"The SABC confirms that a fire occurred at Sasani Studios on the set of SABC1's flagship drama, Skeem Saam, resulting in two crew members being injured and hospitalised," says Mmoni Ngubane, SABC spokesperson.

"The fire caused some damage to sets and equipment and the full extent thereof is being assessed. To this end we are working closely with Peu Communication Solutions and Sasani Studios to evaluate the situation.

"Our thoughts are with the injured crew members and we wish them a speedy recovery."

eMedia Holdings was asked for comment and about the crew injuries with the company that responded that "this is an ongoing investigation and we cannot comment at this time".