Second season of period drama Sanditon to debut on 12 May now as a BritBox Original.

by Thinus Ferreira

The second season of the period drama Sanditon will debut on BritBox on 12 May with the Regency Era-set series that has also been renewed for a third with feisty heroine Charlotte Heywood (Rose Williams) returning to the seaside resort where romance, new suitors and adventure awaits.

With the first season now available on BritBox, the second season of the acclaimed period drama that is now a BritBox Original, picks up the story nine months after the end of the first season as Charlotte returns to the seaside resort that's on the cusp of dramatic change.

Tagging along this season is Charlotte's starry-eyed younger sister Alison (Rosie Graham) with the new season following the lives and loves of the town's inhabitants, with romance, humour and plenty of plot twists and turns.

This time Charlotte attracts the attention of not one, but two new suitors.

 

While Theo James bowed out as Sidney Parker, in his place are a number of new, eligible bachelors in the form of Colonel Francis Lennox (Tom Weston-Jones), the wealthy but reclusive Alexander Colbourne (Ben Lloyd-Hughes) and the enigmatic artist Charles Lockhart (Alexander Vlahos).

Against the backdrop of beautiful coastal vistas, further adventures also lie in store for rebellious Miss Georgiana Lambe (Crystal Clarke) who is keen to forge her own path in life.

The second season also sees the return of other familiar faces such as Lady Denham (Anne Reid), Tom Parker (Kris Marshall) and Mary Parker (Kate Ashfield).

South African property reality series Listing Jozi expands with Listing Cape Town on BBC Studios Africa's BBC Lifestyle.

by Thinus Ferreira

The South African property reality series Listing Jozi from Nico Nel and Trevor Kaplan's AlternaTV is expanding with Listing Cape Town which will also be on BBC Lifestyle (DStv 174) and will follow a new set of realtor movers-and-shakers showhousing multi-million properties in the Mother City.

Listing Jozi made its debut in 2021 on BBC Studios Africa's localised BBC Lifestyle channel on MultiChoice's DStv satellite pay-TV service in South Africa and across sub-Saharan Africa, following 5 property brokers in Johannesburg selling property.

Listing Jozi started filming in early-2020 just as the global Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown of society hit the country.

AlternaTV has now expanded its BBC Studios Africa pact with a Listing brand extension in the form of Listing Cape Town, also stylised as Listing CT, that will feature a new set of property brokers working in Cape Town.

In mid-2021, Nico Nel, when asked about a Cape Town possibility - similar in the way in which Bravo's Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles branched into New York - said that it is something that AlternaTV is "actively pursuing".

"We self-find all of our shows so it's not a commissioning thing, so there's a lot of water that still needs to go into the ocean before we can finalise it but we are venturing into it and of course Cape Town would be phenomenal with all of the properties he said.

With BBC Studios Africa and DStv Media Sales - the advertising arm of MultiChoice - promoting and pushing Listing Cape Town as a new TV property available for TV commercials and sponsorship, TVwithThinus on Thursday asked Atmosphere Communications, BBC Studios Africa's PR agency in South Africa, in a media query for more information about Listing Cape Town.

Atmosphere Communications was asked when Listing Cape Town will start on BBC Lifestyle, as well as the names of the real estate agents who will be appearing in this new, second version.

An Atmosphere Communications publicist didn't help with any information and said in response "we have not released any information on Listing Cape Town yet".

ALSO READ: INTERVIEW. The Listing Jozi producers on their mega-mansion reality show: 'It's a TV experience - a chance to walk into and seeing a R15 million house'.

ALSO READ: Million rand realty reality TV coming to BBC Lifestyle from June in Listing Jozi as BBC Studios Africa expands its local content slate.

Paul Wesley to appear as Captain James T. Kirk in season 2 of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds.

by Thinus Ferreira

Paul Wesley from The Vampire Diaries will be playing Captain James T Kirk in the second season of the upcoming new Star Trek: Strange New Worlds spinoff series.

The new series will debut on 5 May on Paramount's Paramount+ video streaming service in America, with Paramount that released a character photo of Paul Wesley in a yellow Starfleet uniform, and a statement announcing the character casting.

"Paul is an accomplished actor, an astonishing presence and a welcome key addition to the show," says executive producer Alex Kurtzman and showrunners and co-executive producers Akiva Goldsman and Henry Alonso Myers in a joint statement.

"Like all of us, he is a life-long Star Trek fan, and we are excited by his interpretation of this iconic role."

The role of Captain James T. Kirk has been synonymous with William Shatner for decades since the original Star Trek series in 1966, with Chris Pine that has played the character in the reboot Star Trek movie series from J.J. Abrams.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds revolves around Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) as he leads the USS Enterprise, together with Number One Una Chin-Riley (Rebecca Romijn), science officer Spock (Ethan Peck), Nurse Christine Chapel (Jess Bush), La'am Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong),cadet Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose), Lt. Erica Ortegas (Melissa Navia) and Dr M'Benga (Babs Olusanmokun).

Mzansi Magic's crime drama Housekeepers back for a third season from 4 April.

by Thinus Ferreira

The Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) drama series Housekeepers with Thando Thabethe will return for a third season from Monday 4 April at 20:00.

Starring Thando Thabethe as Linda and Paballo Koza as her brother Mtho, the series produced by Ochre Moving Pictures follows an agent solving criminal cases while undercover as the house help.

While Linda has a new big crime to uncover in the third season's 13 episodes, her biggest fight is her desperate attempt to save Mtho's life.

Attending university and adjusting to his and his sister's new financially secure reality, Mtho is accused of a shocking crime with Linda who has to try and prove his innocence while keeping her true identity hidden from her dangerous new employers.

Having made a promise to their mother to keep Mtho safe, Linda is wracked with guilt and, since she couldn't save June, she wants to save her brother by any means necessary - something that leads her down increasingly morally ambiguous paths

The Housekeepers season 3 cast includes Gabriel Simphiwe Mini, Ernest Ndlovu, Andile Mxakaza, Noxolo Dlamini, Fezile Makhanya and Zandi Nhlapho.

The supporting cast includes Kenneth Nkosi, Connie Chiume and Chichi Letswalo.

"We're happy to keep giving viewers shows they love and Housekeepers is one of the series that has kept our audience enthralled since its premiere," says Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels.

"It's a very South African twist on the classic detective show, and it's so much more than a crime series. It's relevant and features social commentary and a lot of heart, while still being entertaining. The show is as multifaceted and as intelligent as our audience."

Mzansi Magic adds Umbuso as a new Sunday night drama series from 3 April.

by Thinus Ferreira

Mzansi Magic (DStv 161) will debut a new Sunday night local drama series, Umbuso on Sunday 3 April at 20:00 with a cast including Lillian Dube, Bheki Sibiya, Sandile Mahlangu, Mzwandile Ngubeni, Zinzi Zungu, Christopher Jafta, Makhaola Ndebele and Omuhle Gela.

Umbuso revolves around a street-smart businessman, Ma E (Bheki Sibiya) and a politician, Tiny (Makhaola Ndebele) who are two old comrades determined to secure a post-struggle legacy for themselves and their families.

Umbuso is produced by Meca, in association with war child entertainment.

After a brutal and bloody murder, a long-hidden and dark secret is finally revealed, cutting to the heart of both families. 

At the centre of it all is Qhawe (Kwanele Mthethwa), a daughter trying to keep her family – and its business – together.

While Umbuso is a story of the past haunting the present, politics and crime, at its heart the series is  about family and the lengths people go to in order to protect those they love and what they believe is rightfully theirs. 

Other cast members in Umbuso include Sphamandla Dhludhlu, Bathabile Mashigo and Bahumi Mhlongo. 

"Sunday's primetime slot is critical for us a channel, and our viewers are constantly looking forward to the enticing and excellent shows that we have in store for them," says Shirley Adonisi, M-Net director of local entertainment channels.

"We're always upping the ante, and Umbuso is our latest. While the drama is always high stakes, the characters and what drives them are relatable and authentic to our viewers."

Business rescue plan approved for South Africa's Ster-Kinekor Theatres.

by Thinus Ferreira

The business rescue plan for South Africa's embattled Ster-Kinekor Theatres (SKT) has been approved, with 100% of shareholders and 99.75% of Sterk-Kinekor's creditors who voted in favour of the plan during two virtual meetings on Thursday.

Ster-Kinekor entered voluntary business rescue in January 2021.

Stefan Smyth, Ster-Kinekor Theatres business rescue practitioner announced that with the approval of the cinema chain's business rescue plan, a lifebuoy of R250 million will now be funnelled into Ster-Kinekor in the form of a debt facility from investors Blantyre Capital and Greenpoint Capital.

"The plan is binding on all parties, and implementation of the plan will now begin," says Stefan Smyth.

According to the Ster-Kinekor Theatres business rescue plan, the current shareholders are to transfer their Ster-Kinekor ownership over to Blantyre and Greenpoint Capital, meaning that the investors obtain full ownership of Ster-Kinekor's equity.

"Suspensive conditions of the purchase by Blantyre Capital and Greenpoint Capital include amended commercial lease agreements, to be agreed with landlords and any regulatory or other approvals where applicable."

"Once the suspensive conditions of purchase have been fulfilled and the funds transferred, the business rescue practitioner can file for a notice of termination of the business rescue proceedings with the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission."

"The business rescue practitioner can then terminate the business rescue proceedings and transfer the shares in Ster-Kinekor Theatres to the investors."

Stefan Smyth says "The trajectory of a bright new future for the business provides security for some 776 employees, suppliers and partners, and preserves a firm favourite form of entertainment option for South Africans, as Covid restrictions are reduced at this critical time".

ALSO READ: Devastated Ster-Kinekor begs South Africa's government: Open cinemas says chain that warns 'impact of current lockdown will have a devastating impact on the business'.

Meet the cast: The Real Housewives of Lagos starts 8 April on Showmax with a Lagos lawyer, social media influencers, a stylist and creative director.

by Thinus Ferreira

A Lagos lawyer, a social media influencer, a TikTok star, a celebrity stylist, a creative director dabbling as a YouTuber and a real estate CEO are the 6 women starring in The Real Housewives of Lagos that will debut as the latest African franchise of the Housewives reality format on 8 April on MultiChoice's video streaming service Showmax.

New episodes of The Real Housewives of Lagos will be released every Friday from 8 April on Showmax, starring Carolyna Hutchings, Laura Ikeji, Chioma Ikokwu, Toyin Lawani-Adebayo, Iyabo Ojo and Mariam Timmer opening their glamorous, drama and conflict-filled lives in Lagos, Nigeria.

The first season of The Real Housewives of Lagos will consist of 12 episodes - 10 episodes and 2 reunion episodes.

Dubbed "RHOLagos", the West African reality offshoot produced by Livespot 360 as the 16th international version of The Real Housewives format, will be available on Showmax in 40 African countries and is distributed internationally by NBCUniversal Formats which is part of Universal International Studios, a division of Universal Studio Group.

RHOLagos is the third African adaptation, following after The Real Housewives of Johannesburg and The Real Housewives of Durban on Showmax. 

The Real Housewives of Lagos stars Carolyna Hutchings, the CEO of Hutchings Limited, a real estate, oil and gas, and agriculture company. She is also the founder of Hopeville Foundation, an NGO that caters to women and children and is the mother of three.

Laura Ikeji, a mother of two, is a social media influencer, author, and entrepreneur and is married to the former Super Eagles star Christopher Kanu.

 

Chioma Ikokwu is a lawyer as well as co-founder and CEO of luxury hair brand Good Hair Ltd, and Brass and Copper Restaurant & Lounge, and also runs a women- and children-focused charity called the Goodway Foundation. Chioma has never been married.

 

Toyin Lawani-Adebayo is a renowned celebrity stylist, fashion designer, business mogul and CEO of Tiannah’s Place Empire. She is a mother of three super-talented kids and is married to musician and creative photographer Segun Wealth.

 

Iyabo Ojo is a Nollywood actress, producer, TikTok sensation, brand influencer, entrepreneur and CEO of Fepris Limited. She is a divorced mother of two.

 

Mariam Timmer is a PR expert and chief executive director at Six Sixteen Agency. She's the creative director at Lure Fashion Limited, an online retail fashion line; an online content creator; YouTuber; and entrepreneur. Mariam has a daughter and is married to John Timmer.

Candice Fangueiro, Showmax Africa head of content, says "As an African brand, showcasing and telling African stories is at the core of our content production, so we are excited to be partnering with NBCUniversal Formats to bring The Real Housewives of Lagos to our subscribers".

"The Real Housewives of Durban, now in its second season, has smashed viewing records and delighted fans. Our Nigerian subscribers are in for a treat with the local edition."

Busola Tejumola, MultiChoice Nigeria executive head of content and West Africa channels, says "The Real Housewives of Lagos has long been anticipated by fans of the franchise across Africa, and we're excited to finally bring it to your screens".

"The show will explore the rich culture and lifestyle of Africa’s largest megacity, Lagos, through the eyes of six of the city's most glamorous women. Each of these women is unique, fabulous and watch-worthy. We are certain that our viewers will enjoy the ride."

MultiChoice Studios to distribute more local African content internationally, Showmax's The Wife to dubbed in French for Canal+ distribution.

by Thinus Ferreira 

MultiChoice Studios, the content sales and distribution arm of the MultiChoice Group, will be distributing a new and wider selection of African continent from the pay-TV operator to the rest of the world in 2022, including dubbing Showmax's isiZulu telenovela The Wife into French for Canal+ distribution.

MultiChoice produces films and series in South Africa as well as across the rest of sub-Saharan Africa through its M-Net Original and Showmax Original banners for its various linear M-Net packaged channels on its DStv pay-TV service, as well as its Showmax video streaming service.

Established in 2013, MultiChoice Studios now offers roughly 65 000 hours of content in a range of different formats and genres.

"The MultiChoice Group is the largest producer of original television content on the continent and our extensive catalogue features titles that appeal to a wide range of audiences," says Mauro Black, MultiChoice Studios director of content sales and distribution.

"All of our co-produced and commissioned titles are in high demand and in 2021 we saw incredible growth in that demand."

"We licensed 7 times more series and movies than we did during the previous year, placing us firmly on the world stage as a leading television content provider."

The Wife, produced by Stained Glass TV for Showmax and filmed in isiZulu, will now be dubbed into French for distribution to intercontinental and international markets through Canal+ that has steadily increased its shareholding in MultiChoice.

"The licensing of The Wife also highlights a developing trend among many buyers, who are requesting bundled packages that contain both evergreen dramas and new releases," says Mauro Black.

"This is testament to the quality of the productions on offer and also to the fact that they meet all technical requirements for dubbing into other languages."

Additional titles in MultiChoice's catalogue of series include the romantic comedy-drama, Entangled, and the drama series Lioness, Reyka, and The Republic.

"As a leading and credible source of the African narrative, MultiChoice is not only showcasing and advancing filmmaking in Africa, it is also showcasing African talent on the global stage." 

South Africa's Film and Publication Board launches review of Showmax’s 16 VSNL rating after The Wife’s lurid sex scene between Khanyi Mbau and Mondli Makhoba shocks viewers.

by Thinus Ferreira

South Africa's Film and Publication Board (FPB) is using the country's new Film and Publications Amendment Act, known as the "Internet Censorship Act", to launch a review of the 16 VSNL content classification of Showmax's local telenovela The Wife after "online public concerns" following last week's lurid sex scene between Khanyi Mbau and Mondli Makhoba that shocked viewers.

Showmax subscribers were quick to record the graphic sex scene on their mobile phones and to make screengrabs which were then posted across social media like Twitter and Facebook, and shared on Whatsapp.

President Cyril Ramaphosa made the FPB's controversial Film and Publications Amendment Act, dubbed the "Internet Censorship Bill" and "Internet Censorship Act" law on 1 March this year. 

The new law gives expanded powers to the FPB to clamp down on online content in South Africa and expanding the scope of the FPB far beyond classifying and regulating TV and film content but also to act as a regulator of almost all online content - including social media - published in South Africa.

The FPB says that as a "preliminary step" and following "online public concerns regarding an episode of the Showmax series The Wife" it brought it to MultiChoice's attention that it's reviewing the compliance of its video streaming service with the FPB's ratings system, with MultiChoice that has the "opportunity to respond to these in writing in 7 days".

Showmax self-classified The Wife as 16 VSNL which it is allowed to but the FPB says it has the power through the Act, to to regularly audit the distributor's compliance with its rating system and hear and/or adjudicate public complaints regarding classified material".

"The 16 VSNL assigned by Showmax to The Wife will be compliance checked against the justification given by Showmax in the classification report that all distributors with online distributor agreements to self-classify need to complete," the FPB says.

"Should the review of the classification rating of the episode be found to incorrect, the FPB has the powers in terms of section 18J of the FP Amendment Act to reclassify any material that was previously classified in terms of the Act."

Dr Mashilo Boloka, FPB acting CEO, says that the FPB is "worried about the distribution and wider circulation of this clip by members of the public via social media".

"These clips have the potential to cause harm if accessed by children on unregulated online platforms."

"The Films and Publications Amendment Act does not in any way limit the sharing of content by members of the public as long as the content is not harmful, illegal and/or prohibited by the Act. We will in due course publish guidelines relating to the sharing of content via digital platforms to the members of the public so that they know what is permissible within the new law," Mashilo Boloka says.

"The spread of this material on social media platforms underlines the need for vigilance by the FPB to curb the illegal distribution of harmful and prohibited materials so as to protect the public, including children."

"We are putting in systems to monitor non-compliance with the new act, including the Online Rapid Response Team and the Enforcement Committee."

Laura Cooke, Showmax head of publicity, told TVwithThinus on Tuesday morning in response to a media query that "Showmax has noted the media statement of the Film and Publication Board regarding The Wife".

"All our shows are rated according to the FPB classification guidelines. We will provide the FPB our response within the required time-frame."