IPO 2019 / 2020 EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

The new IPO Executive members elected at the AGM held on the 30th of July 2019.


IPO 2019 / 2020 EXECUTIVE MEMBERS

1. Nimrod Geva - Co-Chairperson
2. Sisanda Henna - Co-Chairperson
3. Thandi Davids - Deputy Chairperson
4. Neil Brandt - Secretary General
5. Leanne Kumalo - Treasurer
6. Rehad Desai 
7. Zikethiwe Ngcobo 
8. Michael Auret 
9. Katleho Ramaphakela 
10. Thierry Cassuto 
11. Marvin Saven
12. Dylan Voogt 

Profiles of the Executive Committee will be included in the next IPO Newsletter.

Sub-committees have a mandate to ensure that stakeholders are engaged and actions are taken, and report to the Executive Committee. Sub-Committee Members are as follows:

• NFVF Committee – Michael Auret, Neil Brandt, Zikethiwe Ngcobo, Rehad Desai
• Dti Committee – Michael Auret, Marvin Saven, Rehad Desai, Nimrod Geva, Thierry Cassuto
• Broadcast Committee –Thandi Davids, Zikethiwe Ngcobo, Luke Rous, Sisanda Henna, Vanessa Jansen, Jane Lipman, Nimrod Geva, Katleho Ramaphakela (chairperson)
• Legislation and IP – Laura Colucci, Rehad Desai, ZIkethiwe Ngcobo
• Membership and Communication - Nimrod Geva, Sisanda Henna, Thandi Davids, Leanne Kumalo (Chairperson),

Premier’s First Thursday Event

WGSA PRESS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

MADIBA BAY WOMAN ELECTED TO COUNCIL OF WRITERS' GUILD OF SOUTH AFRICA


Professor Adelle Gascoyne has been elected to the Council of the Writers' Guild of South Africa (WGSA) in the portfolio: Professional Development for Eastern Cape and Free State. Gascoyne kicks off her portfolio this month with a workshop titled, “Acing emotion in screenwriting,” on Saturday, 31 August, in Despatch/Uitenhage.

JOHANNESBURG, 19 August 2019, 12:00: The Writers' Guild of South Africa (WGSA) is pleased to announce the election of Professor Adelle Gascoyne to the Council and her acceptance of the portfolio Professional Development: Eastern Cape/Free State. Gascoyne became a full member of the WGSA earlier in 2019 as she is a produced performance writer.

The WGSA is a full member of the International Association of Writers' Guilds (IAWG) and has five (5) tiers of membership: Full member – for produced performance writers; Candidate member – for aspiring performance writers who does not yet have work produced; and, Student Member – students enrolled at educational institutions; Friends of the WGSA and Corporate Members.

The field of performance writing covers both traditional and new media: screenplays (for film and television), stage plays, radio, and new media (such as webcasting and gaming). The WGSA is committed to helping performance writers through a wide range of services, including:

· advocacy and lobbying: ensuring writers receive legal protection (statutory law) and fair wages;
· professional development: hosting courses facilitated by local and international trainers;
· the guilds’ international affiliation: allowing for discounted rates on screenwriting software;
· the script registry: protecting the intellectual property of our writers.

Gascoyne is the first Council member for years specifically dedicated to the needs of writers in the Eastern Cape and Free State. Her 1st workshop is scheduled for 31 August from 9.30am-4.30pm with the title “Acing emotion in Screenwriting”. The workshop will cover a wide range of human emotions and how to successfully bring this to screenwriting. The workshop will benefit both existing writers and aspiring writers. Anyone with a dream to write for the screen is invited to attend.

The cost is R150 for WGSA members, R200 for non-members and R50 for students.

For inquiries please contact admin@writersguildsa.org
To make a booking click HERE, or
WhatsApp Adelle on 0815670640.




FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DO YOU WANT TO KNOW MORE ABOUT YOUR RIGHTS REGARDING SEXUAL HARASSMENT? JOIN US TOGETHER WITH SWIFT ON THE 24TH AUGUST 2019,CAPE TOWN

WGSA presents: “ACING EMOTION IN SCREENWRITING”

Bookings essential:  Bookings close on 27 August at 12h00   DATE:     Uitenhage:  31 August 2019 TIME:      9h00 to 16h30 VENUE:   To be announced Successful movies break the 4th wall by engaging the audience emotionally. Understanding the components of emotionality and its impact upon behaviour is thus crucial to master to be successful as a writer and screenwriter.   This workshop will look at the following topics: The function of emotion; The components of emotion; The core and range of human emotions; The 5-fold impact of selected core emotions; Methods for evoking emotion in screenplays; Practical: Writing a 'golden' emotional scene. PLEASE NOTE: Participants are encouraged to bring a 1-2 page scene to the seminar to work on using the emotional tools learned.

Short Trainer Bio: Adelle Gascoyne has a PhD in Behaviour Modification (specialising in emotion in conflict) and is a Professor of Theology and Social Sciences. Since 2007, through her charity, she provides educational and therapeutic services for the Department of Correctional Services (DCS) to correct the behaviour of violent offenders and she is recognised as a specialist in this field, achieving the status of accredited service provider to DCS. Her work on emotion is studied by conflict students at esteemed academic institutions such as the Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice (USA). Adelle is herself a published author and produced playwright now venturing into radio and screen. She is the WGSA Council Member for Professional Development for Eastern Cape/Free State and a 2019 Muse Awards Judge.

WGSA Student members - R50  Members / Students with valid student card / Affiliated organisation:  R150 Non-Members:  R200  To secure your booking:  Please pay the required cover charge to our bank account:   WGSA Current Account Standard Bank, Melville Branch No: 006105 Acc No: 300082444 Acc type:  Current Please use your name and surname as reference

After payment, BOOK HERE 

VANSA PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE WORKSHOPS IN MPUMALANGA, AUGUST 2019

Opportunity Description

The Visual Arts Network of South Africa (VANSA), in partnership with the Department of Culture, Sports and Recreation in Mpumalanga and the Arts & Culture Trust invite all visual arts practitioners to a workshop on the following topics:

• Writing: Artists biographies and statement;
• Artists (self)presentation and professional conduct; and
• How to sell in and outside your city

The workshop will be presented by Chepape Makgato, a Joburg-based independent artist and arts writer, contributing formerly to ART AFRICA and The Journalist online publications. He works at the Royal Art House studio in Johannesburg and is the founder of Samanthole Creative Projects & Workshop, a community-based art organisation focusing on arts and literacy youth programmes. He is a multi-award winning visual artist who has exhibited on three continents of Africa, Europe and North America in solo and group exhibitions including art fairs. His work is collected by various global and local corporates including JP Morgan. His inaugural theatre production was Man Alone in Polokwane, Limpopo province. Amongst his accolades, is a library named after him in his home province of Limpopo which is called Khehla Chepape Makgato Youth Library at Ngwamorei Secondary School. He is presently studying towards Masters Degree in Fine Arts at Wits University.


Workshop details:

Date: Wednesday, 21 August 2019
Venue: KwaMhlanga Government Complex, Solomon Mahlangu Drive
Time: 12:00 – 14:00

Date: Thursday, 22 August 2019
Venue: Ermelo, Regional Library
Time: 11:00 – 13:00

Date: Friday, 23 August 2019
Venue: Archives Building, Mbombela
Time: 11:00 – 13:00



Deadline


21, 22 & 23 August 2019

Website


https://vansa.co.za/

Stunt for Actors Workshop

Please find our new times for the workshop and we apologize for any inconvenience caused. 

JHB: Saturday 10 August

14h00 – 17h00

Address: Saint Columbus Church, 45 Lurgan Road, Parkview

RSVP: admin@saguildofactors.co.za

Wesgro’s Film and Media Promotion in partnership with Film Cape Town, FNB Foreign Exchange and Silwerskerm Fees cordially invite you to our next Film Finance Workshop

Wesgro’s Film and Media Promotion in partnership with Film Cape Town, FNB Foreign Exchange and Silwerskerm Fees cordially invite you to our next Film Finance Workshop.

The workshop intends to build an ecosystem for all Western Cape film and media role players with specific focus on the finance leg of the production. It will also inform attendees of other opportunities that could add value to their company and how to go about securing
funding.

FNB’s in-house Exchange Control team together with other key financial players and stakeholders will provide insights to help grow the industry, while Wesgro will provide a brief update on the current film and media landscape.

Attendees can also expect presentations by the kykNET/M-Net, NFVF, IDC and other industry experts.

Date: 22 August 2019
Time: 09h00 – 14h00
Venue: Workshop venue: Rotunda, The Bay Hotel, 69 Victoria Rd, Camps Bay, Cape Town
Hot desks venue: Silwerskermkamer, The Bay Hotel

rsvp: film@wesgro.co.za by 14 August 2019
(Please specify dietary requirements as each guest will receive a lunch pack)

Press Release

 

Press Release:

 

5^th  August 2019                                                                      For immediate release

 

CAPE TOWN/ JOHANNESBURG/POLOKWANE:  Women’s Power fuels new sexual harassment awareness campaign set to premiere this Women’s Day 

Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT) partnered with MNET to produce six public service announcements on sexual harassment for the second consecutive year. All six one minute films were written and directed by  women as a means to empower female filmmakers who often go overlooked in their male dominated industry. 

Following the success of the first series the second instalment is highly anticipated with six new directors and young women at the helm of production.

The launch will take place simultaneously in Cape Town and Johannesburg and will be livestreamed on UCT TV on 8^th August 2019.

Cape Town: Cape Town TV, UCT Television Studio , Baxter Theatre Centre ,Cnr Main Road and Burg Road, Rondebosch

Johannesburg:  8^th August 2019, 6:30pm to 9pm. Atlas Studios, 33 Frost Avenue, Braamfontein Werf 

The project was filmed in Gauteng, Limpopo and Western Cape empowering cast and crew in all provinces.  The #THATSNOTOK VIDEO SERIES covers a range of scenarios that depict inappropriate behaviour perpetuated by both men and women in the film industry dealing specifically with the grey areas of abuse - the not so obvious ways in which abuse manifests.

and aims to generate conversations about solutions and services available.  

The directors of the PSAs are:

Joyce Nkgapele	Limpopo
Genevieve Akal	Western Cape
Londeka Mazibuko
Maryann Madishona	Gauteng
Rea Moeti
Noma Khumalo

BACKGROUND on SWIFT #ThatsNotOk VIDEOS

SWIFT (Sisters Working In Film & Television) is a registered NPO run by film industry

volunteers with the main objectives to empower, enlighten and connect female

filmmakers across South Africa.

SWIFT conducted an anonymous survey in 2017  and the disturbing revelations indicated that over 66.7% of womxn in film & TV feel unsafe at work. Thus, SWIFT continues to exert industry pressure and  take tangible action against sexual harassment through a campaign called #ThatsNotOK

The Goals of the video campaign - based on REAL-LIFE stories of sexual harassment submitted

are:

● To help womxn & men in the industry recognise what harassment is.

● To let them know that they are not alone or imagining harassment.

● To help womxn & men recognise that their abusive behaviour is “NOT OK”.

● To make womxn aware of the resources and legal assistance available to them

via SWIFT membership

 

Funding and Sponsorship

The funding from MNET ensured that  SWIFT was­­­ able to pay crew & cast for their creative and technical contributions.

It also facilitated film trainees shadowing crew members on all shoot days in all three provinces.

 

Plans for the videos

● As with the previous set of Public Service Announcements released in  2018. We want to have the new videos used as AWARENESS/TRAINING VIDEOS to educate crew &

cast at the beginning of every new production. The aim is to get as many Broadcasters & Production Companies to make this a mandatory procedure.

● To create a sustainable MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME for upcoming female

filmmakers, working with real content.

● To offer the video concept to Government & the Corporate Sector to highlight

sexual harassment within their own industries.

 

DAVID SCHWIMMER #THATSHARASSMENT

The style of the video campaign is heavily influenced by the #ThatsHarassment

campaign, produced by Segal Avin, David Schwimmer & Mazdack Rassi and we are

thrilled to have their endorsement for our #ThatsNotOk video campaign.

 

SWIFT hopes the campaign will impact the entire Film and TV Industry across the African continent creating safer workplaces for everyone.

 

Issued by SWIFT:

 

Facebook: SWIFT – Sisters Working in Film and Television

Twitter: @swiftsa

Instagram: @swift_safrica

YouTube: SWIFT – Sisters Working in Film and Television

 

AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEWS PSA Executive Producer:

 

SWIFT Chairperson Sara Blecher

SWIFT Spokesperson Zoe Ramushu  073 454 8887

SWIFT Sisterhood Committee Chairperson: Flavia Motsitsi : 083 309 0365

 

Notice of the 2019 WGSA Annual General Meeting

Notice of the
2019 WGSA Annual General Meeting

In line with the 2014 WGSA Constitution you are hereby notified that the 2019 WGSA Annual General Meeting will take place on:
 13 July 2019 at 10h00.

To date only 12 members responded to our previous call, which does not constitute a quorum.  We urge ALL MEMBERS to please make an effort to attend or at last indicate their willingness to participate via zoom.

Venues for Johannesburg and Cape Town will be announced in due course.  Members outside of these two centers will be able to participate in the AGM via ZOOM

AGENDA:

1.  Opening and Welcome	Chairperson - Harriet Meier
2.  Attendance 2.1  Proxies and Apologies 2.2  Establish Quorum	Public Officer:  Thea Aboud
3.  Acceptance of Agenda	Chairperson:  Harriet Meier
4.  Acceptance of Minutes of the Previous AGM on 30 April 2019	Chairperson:  Harriet Meier
6.  Constitutional Changes 6.1  Voting	Public Officer:  Thea Aboud
7.  Chairperson's Report 7.1  Acceptance	Chairperson:  Harriet Meier
8.  Portfolio reports 8.1  Professional Development and Membership 8.2  Communications, Relations and Marketing 8.3  Legal Services
9.  Treasurer's Report	Treasurer:  Lukhanyo Sikwebu
10. New Business	Chairperson:  Harriet Meier
11. Election of council and election results	Public Officer:  Thea Aboud
12. Closing	Chairperson:  Harriet Meier

The current WGSA council would like to table changes to the Constitution.  Please see attached all relevant information.  Kindly study these changes before the meeting and direct all enquiries to admin@writersguildsa.org

PLEASE NOTE that we require a two thirds majority vote to pass the changes to the constitution, and urge all members to please vote.

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Documentation attached:
1)  The minutes of the previous AGM of 30 April 2018.
2)  The approved 2014 WGSA Constitution
3)  The proposed 2019 WGSA Constitution
4)  A summary of all proposed changes for easy reference
5)  The 2018/2019 Auditor Report and Financial Statement

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WGSA COUNCIL ELECTION PROCESS

Nominations for council members has also been extended and will now close on 5 July 2019 at 12h00. Voting for Election of the 2019/2020 WGSA Council will open at 12h00 on 8 July 2019 and will remain open until 10h00 on 13 July 2019.

1) Existing council members need no nomination, but need to confirm that they are members in good standing (fully paid up), and that they are prepared to stand for another cycle. Their standing has to be seconded.
2) Full and Candidate Members may nominate themselves or may be nominated by another Full or Candidate member. If they are nominated by another member, the nominee needs to confirm via email that they accept the nomination.  Nominees must be members in good standing (paid up members).
3) Voting members may ask direct questions of any of the nominees via admin@writersguildsa.org, and nominees are expected to respond to the best of their ability.
4) Electronic voting will take place via SURVS. Every voting member will get the link and the system will only allow one person to vote per link to ensure that every member only votes once. If two members reside at the same premises and make use of the same computer, the second person will need to contact admin@writersguildsa.org.

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Only Full and Candidate Members in good standing (members who have valid membership on 8 July 2019 will receive access to the electronic voting process.

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Please click below to indicate attendance or if you will participate via zoom, to nominate yours3lf and others for council or to appoint a proxy

2019 WGSA AGM:  Attendance, Proxy Appointments & Council Nominations

HOW TO CREATE A SERIES BIBLE

WGSA presents: HOW TO CREATE A SERIES BIBLE  DATE:     JOHANNESBURG:  20 July 2019 TIME:      9h00 to 16h30 VENUE:   TO BE CONFIRMED In this workshop, Dylan will cover how to create a series bible which include Logline, Series Overview, Characters, Pilot Synopsis, Episode Outlines, Future Season Outlines, Locations, Themes, Styles, Tones and anything else deemed necessary to make your pitch deck stand out.  What is a Series Bible? Do you prepare a word document bible or a flashy image presentation bible? What is in it and do you need a pilot script as well to pitch? Logline: Who is the main character or main characters. What is their conflict and what will keep the story moving forward over 4 or 5 seasons. Pitch: An overview of your series in 1 or 2 paragraphs. Characters: Get to know your main and supporting characters. Pilot Episode Synopsis: Setup your characters and story for episodes and seasons to come. Episodes Outline: Strong episode concepts of your first season. Future Season Outlines: 4 to 5 season concepts. This is critical in pitching a show. Longevity it crucial in any show that will be picked up by a network. Locations, Themes, General Notes, Styles, Tones can all be added in.

Dylan Ben-Israel was born and raised in Johannesburg and has spent his career writing and producing between South Africa and the United States. He has written locally for the likes of Franz Cronje, Ronnie Apteker, Lance Samuels, Mbongeni Ngema and others.  He has just finished writing The Dead Sea, a horror/thriller for producer Sam Feuer (First Grader, The Translator) of Big Boy Films. Radha Mitchell (Pitch Black, Man on Fire, The Shack) is attached to star and produce.  HIs script I’ll Get You was recently sold and is scheduled to begin production towards the end of 2019 as well as Forged, his action series which has a potential US pilot planned for production in 2020. His script The Donor, a female driven story about a psychologist who is kidnapped to have her organs harvested, recently made the semi-finals in Screencraft’s action/thriller genre contest, is financed and is currently out to talent and directors.    He is currently writing the Shyamalan-esque original drama script Splitting Daisies.

Bookings essential:  Bookings close on 17 July at 12h00 WGSA Student members - R50 Members / Students with valid student card / Affiliated organisation:  R200 Non-Members:  R300 To secure your booking:  Please pay the required cover charge to our bank account: WGSA Current Account Standard Bank, Melville Branch No: 006105 Acc No: 300082444 Acc type:  Current Please use your name and surname as reference After payment, BOOK HERE

Not a WGSA Member? JOIN US

BASIC SCREENWRITING CLASSES

The WGSA in association with the Scribe Writers Room is again holding a series of “Basic Screenwriting” classes from 6 July 2019 to 31 August 2019.

This course has in the past been well attended so to ensure that you don’t miss out, book your spot now by filling out the application at the bottom of this page

Comments from previous students include:

"Extremely insightful and well-structured programme."
"Definitely would recommend these classes to aspiring screen writers."
"The lessons run at quite a pace, so there's little chance of distraction."
"Classes were extremely educational and they were building blocks to the process of writing our films"

COST:
WGSA Members - R150.00 cash per Saturday
Non-Members - R200.00 cash per Saturday

There is an up-front payment discount available... payments must show in the WGSA account before 05 July 2019. Details will be sent to you once you register by filling out the application below

WGSA Members - R1 000.00
Non-Members - R1 300.00

VENUE:
Urban Brew Studios, Brightwater Commons, Republic Road, Randburg, 2194, Johannesburg.

Map to venue 

CERTIFICATION:
Learners attending all 8 classes will receive a certificate

CONTENT:
06 July - Screenplay Formatting
13 July - Genres, Loglines & the Premise
20 July - NO CLASS (DIFF in Durban)
27 July - The Story World & the Writers Voice
03 August - Writing Characters
10 August - Story Structure
17 August - Setting the Scene / Introducing a Character
24 August - Writing Action
31 August - Writing Dialogue

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
For more information about class content and Scribe Writers Room visit www.scribewritersroom.co.za
Or E-mail: admin@scribewritersroom.co.za or admin@writersguildsa.org

MEDIA RELEASE

Media Release

DFM Creative Corner & WGSA Script Read Sessions - July 19-22 2019, Durban Film Mart

The  Durban FilmMart has partnered with the Writers' Guild of South Africa (WGSA) in an innovative new programme this year that aims to support scriptwriting in development.

This Creative Corner, Script to Live programme, sees 8 selected projects given an opportunity to present excerpts of their screenplays to industry delegates in hour-long sessions incorporating an introduction by the writer, a script excerpt of 15 minutes, performed by local actors, a Q&A and feedback session with the audience.

The WGSA and the Durban FilmMart are seeking both in-development and production-ready feature film projects from South African writers. Applications are open to WGSA members and non-members. 

Script to Live Sessions will take place at Durban FilmMart's Creative Corner, Panini Lounge, Tsogo Sun Maharani Hotel, Durban, from 19 to 22 July. Please note that travel and accommodation costs for writers whose scripts have been selected are not covered by this initiative.

Writers of the selected projects will receive a Delegate Badge, giving them access to the DFM and the Durban International Film Festival.

Applicants must submit the following materials in ONE pdf:

One page outline, including title, logline and synopsis.

Feature film script excerpt of maximum 18 pages. It is recommended the excerpt features 1 to 4 characters prominently throughout, for casting purposes. 

To protect their IP, writers are advised to register their scripts before they are presented in a public forum. This can be done online at the Writers' Guild Script Registry (http://www.writersguildsa.org/script-registry). Registration numbers must be indicated on the submitted works.

Biography of writer

List of key attachments: director, producers, production companies 

Producer's permission to submit, if not the owner of the work

WGSA Membership details (where applicable)

The deadline for materials to be submitted via email to dfmindustry2019@gmail.com, is midnight on Monday 1 July.  Selected projects will be announced Monday 5 July.

Actors who wish to participate in the script reads, are invited to attend auditions on Saturday, 6 July at the Durban Botanical Gardens Hall (9A Johan Zikala Road, Berea). Please bring a half page monologue prepared for the audition.

To book a slot for the audition, send an email to dfmindustry2019@gmail.com.

-ends

MEDIA RELEASE: SABC

PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release

SASFED (South African Screen Federation) is the national federation of independent film, television and audiovisual content industry organisations in South Africa. SASFED represents a broad spectrum of industry players, via affiliates representing several thousand individual members and hundreds of member companies employing up to a hundred staff.  SASFED as such represents an industry which has been severely damaged by the ongoing financial crisis at the SABC and will continue to be further damaged if the SABC is left to literally dwindle into the abyss.

We are convinced that the SABC can be a viable independent public broadcaster with an independent board and a good management team. However none of this is possible without the SABC being able to access a loan to dig itself out of the present crisis. Besides our concern for workers at the SABC, we are deeply concerned about our industry - we have already cut staff, lost companies and some have still not been paid revenues owed to them by the public broadcaster. It is clear to the entire media eco-system that the present crisis needs first to be averted before serious work can be put into turning the institution around.

We would like to make a call to all the present stakeholders to avert the crisis - to stop the tide of resignations, the impasse, the infighting and re-enter into a working relationship to save our national broadcaster.

It is with dire concern for our industry that we align ourselves with the following statements released by SOS Coalition and the Media Monitoring Africa.

Herewith Excerpts: 

First – the Board cannot be allowed to become inquorate and unable to operate: It needs stability not another interim/final Board circus – which would be the fourth in just over a decade.

Second – the National Treasury, together with the President must immediately provide the SABC with a government guarantee – which we stress is not a bailout, it is a guarantee, giving the SABC’s lenders and creditors a measure of comfort that the Board and management has political support.

Third –  given the tension and uncertainty that this has raised, we call on the SABC Board to withdraw the section 189 Notice with immediate effect. The withdrawal does not have to be indefinite. But we recognise that temperatures are such across the political spectrum that this is not serving the public interest at this time. 

End Quote.

SASFED calls on all stakeholders to come back to the table to immediately avert the collapse and support the SABC to rebuild this institution that is in the public interest. 

SASFED Co-Chairs

Lwazi Manzi & Pat van Heerden

Pat van Heerden:  083 258 3226