COVID-19: MultiChoice Group Supports Local Entertainment Industry   

Calvo Mawela, MultiChoice Group CEO

March 28, 2020//-MultiChoice has set aside R80 million to ensure that current productions are able to pay full salaries of cast,crew, and creatives for the months of March and April as the coronavirus (COVID-19) spread across the world.

The need to secure salaries of our creatives goes a long way in creating income stability for them and their families. We believe this to be critical for the industry and in our view; this is simply the right thing to do, according to senior officials of the company.

Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory, we will be launching an online learning portal that will support over 40 000 members of the industry to gain access to courses and online master classes, so they can continue to hone their craft whilst adhering to the public health measures of social distancing and isolation, MultiChoice Group CEO Calvo Mawela, said.

Furthermore, the company has committed to guarantee the incomes of freelancers in its SuperSport Productions, who are currently unable to work due to the suspension of sport and the national lockdown. This extends to guaranteeing the income of freelancers in its broadcast technology environment.

 Mr Mawela stressed: “Our main concern is to ensure as much as possible that we secure the incomes of creatives, cast and crew over this period. We want to ensure that they and their families are not negatively impacted as work has come to a standstill.”

As an industry made up of thousands of freelancers which include actors, producers, directors and camera operators, Africa’s video entertainment industry is particularly vulnerable at this time.

These people play a critical role in keeping our viewers and communities informed, entertained and connected. All the whilst contributing significantly to the economy.

 African Eye Report

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