Netflix, a leading video streaming service provider, has announced that it will invest over US$62 million in four South African productions in the next two years.
The streaming giant announced the endorsed value during the 4th Annual South African Investment Conference at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg.
Citing that South Africa is quickly befitting as the best place for Netflix productions, the country looked upon as a preferred destination with a durable and accomplished film industry with local talents to carry international stories, stated Netflix.
The contribution will cover one international and three local productions, short in South Africa during 2022 -2023.
The streaming service added that the productions of these films are some of many created in the country with production houses like Film Afrika, Gambit Films, Quizzical Pictures, including Burnt Onion will expand the film and TV industry in South Africa.
Netflix aims to exhibit local South African content to a global audience of more than 222 million subscribers in over 190 countries. This will also foster job creation and boost the economy.
“When a Netflix Original is commissioned, there is an opportunity for writers, directors, actors, stylists and make-up artists, and individuals behind the scenes make the production a success,” Netflix mentioned.
One big show currently in production is Project Panda — the working title of the international series One Piece — a live-action adaptation of the successful manga/anime show. “One Piece is currently Netflix’s biggest production in Africa thus far in scale and budget, covering South African cast and crew, infrastructure, and suppliers,” Netflix said.
The production of films will create opportunities for over 50 cast members from South Africa, with more than 1,000 full-time crew member jobs.
