M-Net’s commitment to local storytelling
continues with a slate of new productions that will provide compelling viewing
for DStv customers and feed the growing global appetite for television drama
series.
“This is the golden age of television
series – an era marked by a year-on-year increase in scripted content that is
eagerly consumed by audiences, both live and through binge viewing,” comments
CEO of General Entertainment for MultiChoice, Yolisa Phahle. “Audiences are
also increasingly receptive to authentic, universal stories and this provides
an opportunity for us to take African stories to the world."
First up is Trackers and House of Phalo
with more productions to be rolled out soon.
Trackers is a gripping adaptation of acclaimed South African crime writer
Deon Meyer’s international best-selling novel. The six-part series is being
co-produced with SCENE23, a new production hub created by Meyer, Cobus van Den
Berg and Tim Theron, together with Three River Fiction, a London-based,
next-generation independent production company dedicated to creating,
developing and producing quality must-see drama.
The stories of a Cape Town woman who
finally escapes her emotionally abusive home, the head of the Presidential
Intelligence Agency and an ex-state bodyguard are deftly woven into a
sophisticated action-packed thriller that covers the length and breadth of
South Africa. Trackers explosively
collides in Cape Town, in a violent conspiracy involving organised crime,
smuggled diamonds, state security, Black Rhinos, the CIA and an international
terrorist plot.
“It is a real pleasure and privilege to
co-produce an international TV series based on my novel, Trackers – with South
African talent, textures and accents,” says Meyer. “Thanks to M-Net and Three
River Fiction’s involvement, we are also delighted to have Robert Thorogood,
best known for the Death In Paradise
TV series, on board as the show runner, leading our writing team. Working with
Robert has been an absolute pleasure and I’ve learnt a lot!”
“Deon Meyer has been responsible for
introducing millions of people across the globe to South Africa, so it made
absolute sense to adapt one of his books for SCENE23’s first outing into the
great unknown of the international industry,” adds producer Van Den Berg. “The
global and critical success of Trackers
made it the perfect choice to go with. As producers we’re really excited to
join the current push to show the world that we’re not just a great place to
come and shoot their films and series, but that our own stories deserve to be
seen and enjoyed by the global audience. But we can’t do it alone, and SCENE23
is extremely proud to be partnering with M-Net and Three River Fiction to make
this project a reality.”
“Three River Fiction is delighted to be
working with SCENE23 and M-Net on Trackers,” says Jonathan Drake, CEO and
co-creative director at Three River Fiction. “Deon has written a thrilling
book, and working with Deon and Robert Thorogood to adapt the story for
television is a really exciting opportunity. M-Net is the ideal home for
Trackers – a story rooted in Africa but with strong international appeal. It is
already generating strong interest from other networks around the world.”
A uniquely South African historical drama
series is also currently in production - House
of Phalo, a telling of the first modern history of the Xhosa and the rise
of King Phalo.
Mfundi Vundla’s Morula Pictures is behind House of Phalo. Vundla is renowned for
his game-changing television, having created South Africa’s first soapie in
1994, and his latest creation will appeal to fans of series like Vikings and Game of Thrones.
A daring production that spans over five
generations, this factually-inspired Xhosa drama traces the foundation of the
Xhosa tribe through a pre-colonial narrative that lays bare the intricate
relationships and often bloody take-overs that defined the royal house chess
game.
“This story is about shattering the popular
narrative that the history of our people began in 1652 with the arrival of Jan
Van Riebeek,” explains Vundla. “There is indisputable evidence that Xhosa
people have lived in the Eastern Cape since the 15th century. It’s only through
systematic erasure by colonialists and Apartheid that we have lost part of this
history. It was crucial for us then to treat this drama with the care and
reverence it deserves. We hope we have managed to evoke a sense of pride in our
history, a better understanding of the people we are, and a clearer vision of
our present and future.”
M-Net CEO, Nkateko Mabaso is buoyant about
the role of co-productions to further M-Net’s commitment to telling homegrown
stories that can travel the world. “Co-productions are on the rise globally and
they are certainly playing a huge role in the opportunity to build global
audiences for local stories. These days it is common to see productions that
are a collaboration between broadcasters operating in different markets.”
“This is good for the industry as it has
the potential to increase audiences” says Mabaso. “We are thrilled to be
working with some of the finest talent, both locally and abroad, to bring an
increased focus to the incredible talent in South Africa.”
With production on Trackers and House of Phalo
underway, M-Net’s continued investment in original content is set to bring
audiences uniquely, rich African stories that are confidently in step with
current global television trends.
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