Wesgro Film and Media

The film and media industry is changing every day, with disruptive technology and increasing competition.

The Wesgro Film and Media promotion unit uses its network of relationships with stakeholders along the entire film and media supply chain to help local and international film crews create world-class film, commercials, animation and gaming productions in the Western Cape. 

This includes working with professional associations who carry a mandate to professionalise and promote their relevant industries within and out of the Western Cape. 

SERVICES

The Wesgro Film and Media promotion unit provides the following services: 

• Assisting local and international film companies who want to create their productions in the Western Cape.
• Assisting local and international film companies seeking distribution and co-production opportunities.
• Hosting B2B knowledge sharing sessions, Exporter Development Programmes and Masterclasses.
• Co-ordinating annual inbound and outbound missions to build the local sector and to promote the Western Cape 
• Offering guidance on policy and regulatory matters
• Communicating with and lobbying regional and national regulatory and professional bodies
• Mentoring projects 
• Providing investment advice
• Marketing the City of Cape Town and the Western Cape as a preferred film and media production destination.

INCENTIVES AND CO-PRODUCTION TREATIES

The South African government recognises the contribution of the film industry to the national economy. Various incentives are available to local and foreign film production houses to boost the industry and promote the country as a film-friendly destination. The dti has created various incentive packages to boost local job creation, enhance South African creative and technical skills, and to promote the country internationally as a desirable film location.

We have included a summary of the available incentives here. For more details on each, please visit the DTI website, and their pages relating to financial assistance: 

• South African Film and Television Production and Co-Production Incentive 
• Foreign Film and Television Production and Post-Production Incentive 
• South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive
• South African Revenue Services’ (SARS) Section 12O tax rebate

South Africa is also a signatory to co-production treaties with nine other countries to support productions that are being delivered by teams comprising both local and international professionals. The treaties are held with Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, Italy, New Zealand, Australia, France, The Netherlands and Ireland. For more information about the co-production treaties, please see the National Film and Video Foundation’s website.  

Source: www.wesgro.co.za