Gunning for Generations

As far as free-to-air channels go, e.tv is way ahead of the SABC with its content. This year marks its 17th year on air and the channel has come a long way. First having spread its tentacles into the news domain with eNCA and then, in October 2013, launching eKasi , eMovies , eAfrica and eToonz on the free-to-air digital terrestrial television (DTT) platform, OpenView HD.

Tonight caught up with Monde Twala, the managing director of e.tv channels division, to find out what's on the cards for 2015.

We have plans to grow our entire multi-channel base. The digital space is growing internationally and we are positive and ambitious when it comes to that, he says.

Aside from the revamp of its prime time slot, he reveals that they are not budging from their local is lekker position and, as such, are commissioning more crime dramas, rural dramas and telenovelas.

On the channel's bold decision to have it's new telenovela, Ashes to Ashes, go head-to-head with SABC1's Generations - The Legacy, he says: In the past years, a lot of broadcasters haven't gone directly against SABC1 and their programming. We came up with Ashes to Ashes to satisfy a demand; based on the gaps we have seen over the years as well as a mixture of audience research conducted on what's lacking. That is where the market is going. It has to be local. It has to be in the form of a drama/soap. So a telenovela is probably a middle ground. Audiences are guaranteed soap-styled content with a definite ending.

IOL Khanyi Katch it with Khanyi

Twala reveals that they are taking a long-term view with their strategy: We have one telenovela in production, one in pre-production and another two in development. That should give a sense of our long-term commitment to the genre and slot.

He confirms that the one in pre-production is centred on the mining world.

Obviously, it's a very topical subject given what's happening in the mining sector, at different levels. We are focusing on family life in a mining environment but you still have the normal drama, backstabbing, romance

The reshuffled prime time line-up starts from March 2 with Rhythm City moving to 7pm, airing back-to-back with Scandal at 7.30pm. Ashes to Ashes fills the 8pm slot. eNews Izindaba, a Zulu news package, will now occupy the 6.30pm slot with eNews Prime Time moving to 8.30pm. And Club 808: Make Some Noise will start at 6pm on Friday with season two of Traffic dominating the 8pm slot later.

He offers: We are trying to build prime time viewing and extend it. It will kick off at 5.30pm with the library of sitcoms that used to air at 8pm. Then we have Katch it with Khanyi, our premier talk show, at 6pm. With Mo (Flava) no longer with us, we will have a new male presenter on Club 808. I haven't finalised the agreement.

He confirmed the popular family game show, I Love South Africa, will be back for a second season in April. Masechaba Lekalake reprises her role as the host, with funnymen Mark Banks and Tats Nkonzo taking up the batons of team captains once again.

It did quite well last year - surpassing all expectations. It is a unique game show. This year we are doing something different - we are pitching a team of celebrities against a regular family. There will be different teams every week, though. I'm excited by that show. It works for that Saturday family viewing slot.

Twala is excited over Matatiele, a new rural drama that will debut on April 7.

Matatiele is a special project. What we are seeing on a day-to-day basis are too many urban stories. We've gone with a rural story-line to simply reflect the fact that rural areas have developed over time. And that it is also deeply entrenched in SA culture. We have to create the right balance with stories. If you look at Joburg over the festive period, it's empty. People go back home. And that is why we need to showcase rural stories.

We touch on a royal family setting and relationships. The idea that gave birth to the concept is the forbidden love story. We are targeting viewers from 18 to 35.

He also said that there will be a new season of SA's Got Talent and that they are eyeing another Step Up Or Step Out - but for next year.

Kasi Living: Edladleni and Kasi-licious also expose more home-grown flavour to viewers.

On the reality front, Twala offers: We still have Rolling With much later. We are now in season four and working on reinventing the brand. We want to keep stretching and challenging ourselves.

While viewers are excited to catch Traffic 2, another crime drama is on the cards. He reveals: We haven't finalised the lead yet. That's going to be shot on location. Not sure if it will be in Tembisa or Soweto.

Twala notes: I'm excited about our drama slate. The storylines are so diverse. The touch on rural drama is something that is going to bring back a strong SA sentiment. It is also going to redefine the e.tv brand in terms of being a national brand. I'm also excited by the younger actors we are going to unleash on some of the projects.

Look out for Thabo Bopape (Mzwakhe), Timmy Kwebulana (Captain Dabula) and Shimmy Isaacs (Warden Sallies), making their debut in the second season of Traffic!

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