-- DISCOP Africa highlights and speakers --
Mon, 01 Sep 2014 11:09
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From 5 to 7 November 2014 DISCOP Africa, a multiplatform television and digital content market, takes place at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. The event brings together leading buyers, sellers and producers of televised entertainment which seek to do business with and across the continent. Registration is now open for exhibition space as well as for non-exhibiting delegates who would like to attend.
Over 2000 delegates from 70 countries including over 250 global and regional exhibitors, over 750 key acquisitions, commissioning and programming executives from leading African broadcasters, pay-TV operators, OTT platforms, mobile networks and production companies will attend the TV and content industry hub along with national umbrella exhibitions representing firms from South Africa, US, Ivory Coast, the European Union, Kenya, China, Korea, France and Israel.
The event combines unique networking opportunities and events with a market and informative sessions delivered by expert guest speakers. It has also engaged in strategic partnerships with the Department of Arts and Culture, The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) and the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC).
Zama Mkosi, CEO of the NFVF says, The NFVF recognises distribution as one of the most critical elements in the development of South Africas film and content production industries. DISCOP Africa presents a unique opportunity for the advancement of our distribution goals.
Desmond Mthembu, projects manager at the GFC adds, The GFC, in our on- going support for locally based filmmakers and content producers, is proud to be part of DISCOP Africa, an event that presents real business opportunities for established and emerging content producers alike.
Events
Cote dIvoire celebrations
Ivory Coast is DISCOP Africa 2014 s guest country and the event, which is organised in partnership with RTI, Ivory Coast s public broadcaster, ONACI, the country s leading funding institution for film and TV content, the Ministry of Culture, the Ministry of Communications and the Ivory Coast Government, will celebrate the country s growing industry.
A national pavilion will also be set up to ensure maximum visibility for Ivory Coast as an attractive regional and international television content coproduction partner.
20 Years of Television in South Africa: What s Next conference
This two-day conference will bring together governmental representatives and key experts to discuss challenges in developing a sustainable digital television ecosystem in South Africa.
Black Legacy Gala evening
A celebration of 50 years of African American television pop culture and the achievements of those who have made a significant contribution to the global entertainment business.
DISCOPRO: Pitching, Mentoring and Networking Program
A 3-day program aimed at assisting established and emerging TV content producers with TV content development, coproduction and distribution across Africa. The event includes mentoring workshops, pitching competitions and access to the marketplace.
The deadline for project submissions for the pitching competition is 15 of September and all pitching competitions will take place on 7 November. Visit the DISCOPRO Pitching competition webpage for more information.
20 Years of Television in South Africa conference
Trends which have affected and driven television programming over the past 20 years in South Africa and the continent at large are the focus of this event. Highlights include:
From YouTube to the Big Screen: a two-part series paying tribute to creators of highly acclaimed TV shows which began on YouTube.
Digital Migration - a panel discussion on the obstacles which lie ahead of the full digital switchover process.
Home-grown Sports Content - a session to examine ways to establish a sustainable, home-grown, televised sports entertainment industry in Africa.
Mobile Loves TV a panel discussion on the reasons behind encouraging partnerships between content producers and mobile operators.
French Speaking Africa Rising - major international TV content production and distribution companies involved in Africa express views on growing coproduction opportunities for predominantly French-speaking African countries.
Close-Up on Nigeria an in depth look at where Nigeria stands and the monumental challenges it faces in the transition to digital migration in 2015.
Speakers and Participants
The below guest speakers are to take part at DISCOP Africa, its affiliated DISCOPRO and the 20 Years Of Television In South Africa What s Next programmes as experts, mentors and jurors:
Damien Naughton: Sports News Africa
Justin Bonello: Cooked In Africa / Ultimate Braai Master
Sarah Graham: Okuhle Media
Grant Flynn: Okuhle Media
Louise McClelland: Okuhle Media
Evert Van der Veer: Viacom International / head of Comedy Central Africa
Marc Schwinges: Underdog Productions
Saira Sow: Viasat Broadcasting
Miki Mori: NHK
Han Gao: Jiangsu
Denise Mwende: Zuku
Aletta Alberts: MultiChoice
Molefi Lebone: Endemol
Brendan Gabriel: Endemol
Charles Povey: Endemol
Helga Palmer: Endemol
Bridget Pickering: Fireworx Media
Marguerite Abouet: Abouet Productions
Ben Amadasun: Viasat Broadcasting UK
Ahmadou Bakayoko: director general RTI, Ivory Coast
Pierre Barrot: O.I.F. audiovisual specialist
Don Edkins: STEPS acquisition executive
Rick Feldman: former NATPE president
Grant Flynn: Okuhle Media
Gregoir Furrer: founder / president Montreux Comedy Festival
Michelle Garfoth-Venter: Ezinkulu
Peter Gird: Cooked in Africa Films
Ryan Grim: Vice Media
Terrence Khumalo: NFVF
Hans-Christian Mahnke: AfricAvenir chairperson of the board, Namibia section
Steven Markowitz: Big World
Alain Modot: founder an
