Tag Archives: Roger Gertze

MultiChoice Namibia seeks film proposals

March 10, 2022NewsMultiChoice, Namibia, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, Roger Gertze, Stanley Benjamin SimiloGary

MultiChoice Namibia and the Namibia Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) are on the lookout for film proposals that reflect authentic Namibian stories.

Experienced filmmakers and producers who are citizens or permanent residents of Namibia and have an idea suitable for television can submit their proposals here by March 25.

Proposals must include relatable characters and themes covering unique real-life experiences like love, hope and betrayal. Made-for-TV film concepts may be in Namibian local languages but they must be culturally relevant and specific to the setting of the story.

Other stipulations are that any dialogue in indigenous languages should include English subtitles. Also, the film should be 50 minutes long and the accepted genres include comedy, family drama, action and romantic comedy. Any proposal should be suitable for family viewing.

Proposals should also include an overview of company – writers/director/DOP, logline, genre, synopsis, characters, a summary of the main character’s journey and a budget estimate figure.

MultiChoice has for many years showcased original and diverse Namibian content on its platforms through a carriage agreement that has made the national broadcaster’s channels available on its platforms DStv and GOtv.

Roger Gertze, managing director of MultiChoice Namibia, said: “We believe that with this massive investment to our film industry, we remain committed to supporting local production houses, including talented actors, writers and filmmakers.”

Stanley Benjamin Similo, NBC’s director-general, said: “Over the years, NBC has been the trusted national broadcaster of choice that has been dedicated to showcasing local content.

“MultiChoice Namibia has greatly assisted us with broadening our spectrum through its platforms. The renewal of the [MultiChoice/NBC] carriage agreement further strengthens our long-standing partnership to deliver quality local content to our audiences, and the implementation of the call for submissions is proof of that.”

tagged in: MultiChoice, Namibia, Namibia Broadcasting Corporation, NBC, Roger Gertze, Stanley Benjamin Similo

MultiChoice academy unveils student films

October 23, 2019NewsMultiChoice Talent Factory, Roger Gertze, Savannah Skies, Stanley Simataa, The Painting, Zambezi MagicGary

Two films produced by the first intake of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academy are airing on television this month.

Esther Beukes, Roger Gertze, Toivo Ashivudhi, Stanley Simataa and Sally Jason

The Painting was broadcast on October 18 at 21.00 and Savannah Skies will air on October 25 at 21.00 on DStv’s Zambezi Magic channel 162.

The 20 students of the class of 2018 underwent a grueling interview process and hail from seven countries within southern Africa: Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia, Malawi, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Stanley Simataa, minister of Information and communication technology in Namibia, where three of the students come from, said: “The interest exhibited by MultiChoice in developing Africa’s creative industry and the willingness the business shows is a key endeavour that will harness the potential for growth within the Namibian film industry, whilst showing positive economic contribution through job creation, cultural transformation and social development.”

Roger Gertze, MD of MultiChoice Namibia, said: “It was rewarding for me to see how determined and aspirational our Namibians were when they shared their experiences with our 2019 intake and we are proud of Esther Beukes, Toivo Ashivudhi and Sally Jason for the wonderful stories they were able to tell through the two showcased films.”

tagged in: MultiChoice Talent Factory, Roger Gertze, Savannah Skies, Stanley Simataa, The Painting, Zambezi Magic

MultiChoice rolls out masterclasses

January 17, 2019NewsMultiChoice Talent Factory, Roger GertzeJohn Winfield

MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), the flagship show from MultiChoice Africa, is set to hold its inaugural masterclasses in 13 countries.

Kenya, Zambia, Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Angola, Mozambique and Ethiopia will all host MTF masterclasses, with the first taking place between today and February 20. Dates for masterclasses in other countries will be announced shortly.

Aimed at improving the quality of local productions by developing the technical skills of creatives in audio, storytelling and cinematography, the workshops will offer “best in class” training to film and TV industry professionals.

They will be led by industry experts such as Femi Odugbemi, director of MTF Academy West Africa; South African director and producer Bobby Heaney; award-winning Kenyan film producer Appie Matere; Jonathan Kovel, the cinematographer behind award-winning South African film Ayanda; Dolby India sound consultant Vikram Joglekar; and pan-African storytelling and creative consultant Allison Triegaardt.

MultiChoice Namibia MD Roger Gertze said: “We are excited about the launch of this next touchpoint of MTF, as it reaffirms our commitment to supporting the industry and promoting sustainability in the industry by creating shared value across the business through quality programming for our customers and enriching lives.

“The success of these MTF masterclasses will, over time, deliver a more professionalised and networked film and television industry across Africa and an expanded community of highly skilled professionals who are passionate about creating quality homegrown content.”

The MTF Academy students have been primed as key players in the growth and sustainability of Africa’s creative film and television industry through the support of Dolby Laboratories and Fox Portugal.

tagged in: MultiChoice Talent Factory, Roger Gertze