Careers & Opportunities

How do I become a filmmaker?

There are many schools, colleges, universities and other educational bodies offering training programmes aimed at aspirant filmmakers. Many of these bodies host open days at the start of the academic calendar where useful information about career and study opportunities can be gained. See Education, Training and Career Development.

For useful tips on career opportunities in the film industry also visit www.mappp-seta.co.za

What career development opportunities are there in the film industry?

In South Africa there are a number of professional bodies dedicated to growing professionalism in the film industry. Many of these bodies offer advanced training programmes and master classes. See Trade associations, Organisations and Guilds.

Where can I study filmmaking?

See Education, Training and Career Development for a comprehensive listing of academies, schools, colleges and universities.

Filming in Gauteng

Where and what is Gauteng?

Gauteng (meaning 'Place of Gold') is one of the nine provinces of South Africa and incorporates Africa's largest cities. Landlocked the province is located on a central plateau known as the 'highveld'. Pretoria (located in the Tshwane metropolitan municipality) is the administrative capital of South Africa and is famed for its lush, green suburbs, internationally respected universities, nature reserves and parks as well as the spectacular Union Buildings. 55 km south of Pretoria lies Johannesburg, the financial and corporate powerhouse of Africa and one of the richest cities in the southern hemisphere. In its brief 121 year history Johannesburg has taken centre stage in southern African economics, politics, arts, culture and fashion. To the east and west of these cities are a chain of cities and towns that developed along the gold mining belt of the Witwatersrand. Stark industrial landscapes characterised by spectacular mine dumps are interspersed by open agricultural farmland and suburban strip malls. In the north-west of the province lies the Cradle of Humankind a UNESCO world heritage site of international repute. Here, undulating grassland meets mountain scenery, whilst extensive cave systems contain the largest and most extensive hominid fossil record known to scientists.

Gauteng offers easy and convenient access to the rest of the region. Within two hours flying time the Okavango delta, the Victoria Falls, the Cape winelands, the tropical beaches of Maputo, the arid desert of Namibia, the Kruger National Park as well as the Drakensberg can be accessed.

What is the role of Gauteng Film Commission?

The Gauteng Film Commission is an agency of the Gauteng Provincial Government tasked with the development and promotion of the audiovisual industries in Gauteng. We report to the Gauteng Department of Economic Development. See About Us.

What tax incentives and funding schemes are available for filming in South Africa?

See Incentives. You can also visit our directory for a listing of financing and funding organisations and support programmes

What is the exchange rate?

The South African currency is the Rand (ZAR). Visit www.xe.com   for currency conversions. For exchange rate controls visit www.reservebank.co.za , the official website of the South African Reserve Bank.

Are South African cast and crew unionised? Are there minimum pay rates?

Crews in South Africa are world class and highly experienced. The average working day is 10 hours. There are no unions but the Commercials Producers Association (CPA) has set up a code of working conditions. These can be accessed from the CPA offices. The CPA is a self-regulatory body which represents all the leading South African commercial production companies. Members subscribe to a code of business ethics and are committed to providing excellent and professional production values.

In addition, the Performing Arts Workers' Equity (PAWE) of South Africa has put forward the following recommendations regarding the employment of foreign actors in theatre, film, television and other audio-visual production.

1. PAWE requests producers and facilitators to inform PAWE timeously of their intention to contract foreign actors for all productions, whether with local or foreign finance.
2. PAWE recommends due sensitivity when considering casting a foreign actor to portray a local person, real or fictional, living or deceased.
3. Where possible, no more than five foreign actors should be contracted to any one production.
4. All local labour legislation must be adhered to.
5. Freelance foreign work seekers must not be employed.
6. PAWE requires bona fide proof of foreign equity membership.
   

Click here for a list of trade associations, organisations and guilds . [For industry rates visit www.hotshots.co.za and www.videolab.co.za .]

Making a Film

I want to make a film. Where do I begin?

More than anything else making a film requires commitment and dedication. Talk to people in the industry who has done it before. Film festivals are a good place to meet filmmakers who would be willing to share advice. Film schools, universities and colleges often host open days where you will be able to find out more about what training programmes are on offer which could assist you with your project. A good place to start on any film project is with the development of a script. The South African Scriptwriting Institute provides training to aspirant scriptwriters and operates a resource centre for aspirant and professional scriptwriters. Contact them at (011) 484 0583. See Education, Training and Career Development for a comprehensive listing of academies, schools, colleges and universities.

How do I develop a script?

The South African Scriptwriting Institute provides training to aspirant scriptwriters and operates a resource centre for aspirant and professional scriptwriters. Contact them at (011) 484 0583.

I have made a film. How can I distribute my film?

For a listing of Gauteng distributors visit our Directory.

The GFC will also assist Gauteng-based filmmakers with submitting projects to international and local film festivals. Contact us.

How can I finance my project?

Visit the GFC directory for a listing of financing and funding organisations and support programmes . Note that the GFC provides support to emergent filmmakers in Gauteng wishing to gain access to these programmes. Contact us.