The objectives of the project were to conduct strategic research on the local and international audio-visual markets for the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC)
Review the GFC’s existing market intelligence and establish gaps.
Conduct local and international audio-visual (AV) industry research:
Comprehensive analysis of the South African AV industry,
Comprehensive analysis of the Gauteng AV industry,
Review of global trends, best practices and industry benchmarks.
Assess the competitiveness of the Gauteng audio-visual industry:
SWOT Analysis,
Critical Success Factors.
Make high-level Strategic Recommendations:
Optimum positioning of the Gauteng audio-visual film industry,
Optimal role of the GFC.
Consolidate findings and outcomes for submission to GFC Board.
Background to the Project
The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is a provincial government agency, tasked with the development and promotion of the audio-visual industry in Gauteng
The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) lacks sufficient market intelligence to adequately fulfil its mandate …
The South African audio-visual industry as a whole is facing a number of challenges:
Structural constraints i.e. high volatility, general unprofitability, and monopolised international distribution networks,
Prohibitive film production costs and decreasing levels of private production financing,
Lack of competitiveness relative to competitor countries,
Large volumes of imported material,
Increasing reliance on government funds as a means to protect local content development.
Rapidly changing consumer tastes and behaviour, with the emergence of new, interactive media platforms and technologies
The GFC’s main challenge is that it lacks access to quantitative and qualitative industry data. This has inhibited its capacity to:
Adequately respond to the challenges facing the industry,
Maximise the competitive advantage offered by this industry.
… and so subsequently requires comprehensive industry intelligence to inform its short-to-medium term strategic objectives
Project Framework
We defined a high-level project plan that detailed the key activities needed to deliver on the project’s objectives
We started by reviewing the GFC’s existing documentation, to establish any gaps in market data
We then mapped both the Gauteng and SA audio visual markets, in addition to reviewing industry best practices …
… having chosen to review the Gauteng audio-visual market in relation to both the national and international AV landscapes
Finally, we evaluated our findings to identify potential opportunities for the GFC and Gauteng as a whole
We mapped out a project timeline, with key milestones to measure progress
The project was structured into defined streams of work, with subject matter expertise and research support
… and sourced reliable and comprehensive secondary research data from the Deloitte Global Research Centre
Setting the Scene
The audio-visual (AV) industry is large and complex, with a myriad of role players and sub-sectors
The AV industry value chain contains value enhancing activities and role players that stimulate growth
Film Commissions tend to be established at a national or regional level, with a strategic mandate
We used a number of different sources to establish the extent of audiovisual production in South Africa
Key Findings
We conducted a review of the GFC’s available market documentation to gain an understanding of any data gaps
Global Trends and Industry Benchmarks
Global Trends and Industry Benchmarks
Global growth estimates for the film and television industries in 2003 were 9.4% and 6.3% respectively
Traditional industry revenue streams are on the decline worldwide, due to technology convergence, among other factors
The global film industry is in a state of flux, as movie theatre attendance stagnates and content delivery channels proliferate
Box office attendance is on the decline globally, primarily due to rising ticket prices
In the UK, digital media distribution and an increase in personal movie watching has driven down box office sales
The high risk nature of big budget films has led to changes in production funding approaches …
… which has forced changes in traditional business models
In the United Kingdom, the film business model has traditionally been driven by box office sales …
… however new distribution channels such as online portals are expected to change this
The digitisation of film content has led to an increase in piracy …
… that has in turn led to a shortening of the window period between movie theatre and DVD release
The digitisation of film production, distribution and exhibition is bringing greater efficiencies to the industry
Digitisation has facilitated the growth of the animation industry
Digitisation has facilitated the growth of the animation industry (cont.)
In South Africa, animation is seen as the possible next big break for the industry however challenges exist
The digitisation of film production, distribution and exhibition is bringing greater choice to TV audiences
Digitisation has enabled the production of higher quality content that can be distributed faster and cheaper
In a bid to increase market share and boost revenue, national film industries are now targeting global audiences
As a result of technology convergence, online revenue streams are gaining importance
Low budget, high volume films are the driving force behind the success of Nigeria’s film industry
Global Trends and Industry Benchmarks
Accessibility and suitability of setting are both industry growth drivers and they play a role in the choice of a location
Mexico’s technical infrastructure and conducive regulatory environment have helped make it an attractive location
The “Made in New York Incentive program” is a good example of the benefits of creating a film-friendly environment
There are a range of both financial and non-financial incentives that are typically used to attract productions
Incentives are a popular instrument employed by countries to attract productions
Incentives are a popular instrument employed by countries to attract productions (cont.)
In Ireland, a wide range of financial incentives are offered to help create opportunities for foreign and local involvement in the industry
The general business environment in Ireland is also supportive of the audio-visual industry
Government financial incentives in New Mexico have helped film productions grow tenfold
In the UK, public funding is available for a wide range of AV growth initiatives and capacity building
Both public and private sector funds are available to meet the needs of the AV industry in Spain
Funding should ideally be spread across the different segments of the value chain, with a focus on areas of greatest need
In South Africa, funds from the National Lottery cannot be allocated to private companies in the industry however…
The audio-visual industry can have a proven positive economic impact on the economy of a region or country
The audio-visual industry can have a proven positive economic impact on the economy of a region or country
The audio-visual industry can have a proven positive economic impact on the economy of a region or country (cont.)
Job creation is often the single largest economic outcome of the audio-visual industry
The GFC can better demonstrate the economic impact of the audio-visual industry, so as to lobby government for more resources
The broader economic competitiveness of a location has an effect on investor perceptions of its attractiveness
The availability of skilled resources, and the flexibility of the labour market, has helped attract productions to competitor countries
Productions are more likely to be shot in locations with readily available state-of-the art facilities and high-tech equipment
Global Trends and Industry Benchmarks
The role of a Film Commission typically ranges from facilitating the approval of permits to dealing with trade and investment policy related matters
Certain areas of commonality were identified amongst the Film Commissions / Film Offices that were reviewed
Certain areas of commonality were identified amongst the Film Commissions / Film Offices that were reviewed
Some differences were identified amongst the Film Commissions / Film Offices that were reviewed
Film Commissions have a diverse range of stakeholders within the audio-visual industry …
… to whom they need to provide different products and services
Few Film Commissions focus their efforts consistently within every segment of the audio-visual industry value chain
Ideally, Film Commissions add value by creating an environment that is conducive for the growth of the industry
The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) is a provincial government agency, tasked with the development and promotion of the audio-visual industry in Gauteng
The GFC’s stated core functions are not divergent from industry expectations
The value proposition of a Film Commission is dynamic i.e. it evolves as the industry evolves
Full public or full private funding are the two extremes of the continuum of revenue models for Film Commissions
The major source of revenue for Film Commissions is usually government funding
The bulk source of revenue for Film Commissions is usually government funding (cont.)
In the US, some Film Offices have been established with limited government involvement or public funding
Film festivals are just one of the many marketing platforms for Film Commissions
Although National and Regional Film Commissions employ similar marketing strategies, Regional Film Commissions also have a domestic focus
The AFC utilises different types of marketing initiatives to raise the profile of its industry
The Irish Film Board aims to maximise the participation of its industry in the international and national marketplace
Strategic industry partnerships often lead to better coordinated marketing efforts
Australia has a number of agencies that are dedicated to the audio-visual industry and supportive of the AFC
In Spain, various government-related and privately funded agencies support the audio-visual industry
South African AV Industry Overview
South African AV Industry Overview
The South African audio-visual industry dates back to the ‘birth’ of film, circa 1895
The South African audio-visual industry has two segments - the servicing of foreign productions and production of local content
South Africa has established audio-visual hubs in Gauteng, the Western Cape and Kwazulu Natal
The Cape Film Commission is mandated to promote Cape Town and the Western Cape region to the entertainment industry, as a world class production destination
Similarly, the Durban Film Office has a mandate to promote KZN as a world class production destination and attain 3% of the global film making share by 2008
There are also several other emerging hubs in South Africa, evidence of the growth potential of the local audio-visual industry
The primary value proposition of local Film Offices and Commissions is to market their regions as locations of choice
In South Africa, various government-related and privately funded agencies support the audio-visual industry
There are a number of initiatives being undertaken at provincial government level to promote the audio-visual industry …
… with the GFC engaging in a range of AV activities within Gauteng
The last 5 years have seen a renewed focus on strategies to grow the national and provincial audio-visual industries
South African AV Industry Overview
In 2006, almost R3 billion revenue was generated in the South African audiovisual production industry
Over a 3 year period, the bulk of commercials produced nationally were concentrated in Gauteng and the Western Cape
With very few exceptions, the local box office is dominated by foreign films …
… with ‘slapstick’ the most successful of local movie genre’s
South African audiences perceive local films as being either ‘slapstick’ or socio-political; there is little variety of genre
In South Africa, cinema attendance is characterised by areas of growth, stagnation or decline
Countrywide, new content delivery channels are booming due to falling prices of DVDs, computers and cell phones
South Africa faces impediments to increasing its market share as a globally competitive film-making destination
The AV industry has had a positive economic effect on the local economy
South African AV Industry Overview
There are several factors influencing the growth of the national audio-visual industry
One of the main impediments to growing the local industry has been poor audience development
South Africa has an internationally recognised comprehensive and progressive legal framework
There have been a few initiatives to reduce bureaucracy and inconsistent application of rules
There have been a few initiatives to reduce bureaucracy and inconsistent application of rules (contd.)
There are a number of commercial and government organisations offering film production financing in South Africa
The Large Budget Film and TV Production Rebate is the prime investment incentive available to both foreign and local big budget producers
Other incentives are available to support the industry in South Africa
As at 24 April 2007, R124 million had been paid from the Large Budget Film and TV Production Rebate Scheme
Efficiency of the Rebate Scheme:
The cost of production in South Africa is relatively cheap compared to developed countries, such as in the European Union
South Africa has a vibrant service industry catering to all aspects of the audio-visual industry …
Service Providers
… and a variety of small to medium-sized fully equipped studio spaces
The studio facilities available in South Africa have technical infrastructure and equipment that is ideal for commercials and low budget films.
A number of technically advanced studios are required in a country so as to attract international productions e.g. both Ireland and Australia have state-of-the art technical infrastructure, which is used to attract big-budget productions. To compete with these countries, South Africa would need to invest in such infrastructure e.g. the Dreamworld Film Complex:
The Cape Town Dreamworld Film Complex is expected to open in 2008. The complex will include four soundstages, four backlots and premises for production, post-production and supply companies. The Dreamworld project should open up opportunities for both local and international filmmakers as it meets international standards for studios.
For post-production projects, security and access to facilities is a big issue due to piracy. Shortening the theatre to DVD window in the country would be a key measure to mitigate the threat of piracy.
South Africa has well-developed public infrastructure with modern facilities and services available in all major centres
South Africa has a relatively advanced telecommunication industry with one fixed line operator, three cellular network operators and international links fed via submarine cable and satellite networks:
There is conflicting data available on the global competitiveness of Telkom’s rates
Upgrading of national broadcasting infrastructure from analogue to digital at an estimated cost of R2bn will eventually lead to greater efficiencies in the sector and enhance new content delivery channels.
Transportation compares favourable with first world countries – excellent road, rail, sea and air travel services.
South Africa has 3 international airports linking it to more than 59 cities around the world.
Major public and private hospitals have outpatient and casualty facilities for all health care.
South Africa’s diverse physical environment makes it an attractive location
Limited skills data on the South African AV market has restricted our evaluation of the skills set within the industry
Employment figures in the Commercials sector show a a general decline in overall numbers …
A comparison of two locally produced movies shows a high degree of employee transformation, with most employees working as freelancers
...
There are also skills gaps that have been identified by stakeholders as needing urgent redress to ensure the continued growth of the local industry
Several public and private sector organisations are providing training programmes to help address identified skills gaps
Tertiary institutions are also playing a key role in developing the skills required by the AV industry
From a global perspective, the business environment in South Africa is generally perceived to be supportive of businesses and is conducive for growth
Gauteng AV Industry Overview
Gauteng AV Industry Overview
Gauteng has the largest cinema audiences nationally, reflecting its strong movie-going culture …
… but cinema facilities are concentrated in the wealthier northern suburbs of Johannesburg and Tshwane
The Gauteng audiovisual production industry achieved revenue of approximately R1,1 billion in 2006 …
… and is generating a total of over R2 billion a year in economic activity due to multiplier effects
Gauteng’s audiovisual industry is dominated by television series production
Most popular South African TV shows are Gauteng-based
Commercials production in Gauteng is dominated by local production
Gauteng accounts for the bulk of locally produced films
Gauteng accounted for approximately 85% of all local film productions in 2006:
The Province is strong in the initial stages of the value chain (pre-production, production and post-production),
In other Provinces, particularly the Western Cape, Eastern Cape and KZN, servicing of international film productions is dominant.
Gauteng does however provide post-production services for international film productions:
E.g. Blood Diamond, Catch a Fire, The Interpreter, The Flyer etc.
Access to distribution channels remains a constraint for local filmmakers:
Alternate distribution channels for locally-produced content e.g. DVDs and cellphones, could address this issue in the future.
Gauteng AV Industry Overview
Gauteng is perceived as having strong technical skills, with easy access to both the wider South African and international skill pools
Gauteng is strong in technical infrastructure, particularly in the Auckland Park-Randburg corridor
Gauteng has a business environment that is conducive to the AV industry
Safety and security however, have emerged as a key concern for the industry
Film budgets in the province rely heavily on subsidies, incentives and soft loans
Other incentives are available, such as in the Jhb urban development zone
Gauteng has a good physical environment, not only for shooting of films but for post production as well
Sound infrastructure and a conducive business environment rate as the most important factors for the local industry
Gauteng AV Industry Overview
The challenge for the industry is how to effectively address the constraints it faces, so it can unlock the province’s growth potential
High-Level Strategic Recommendations
A visionary strategy provides the platform for rapid growth
The principles of good strategy highlight the importance of government supporting activities rather than individual firms or projects
Target productivity-enhancing “activities” instead of individual firms or sectors.
Provide additional support for new activities, while existing ones can be assisted by removing regulatory or infrastructure-related obstacles.
Promote an environment conducive to experimentation with products, production and distribution e.g. Innovation hubs.
Reduce information gaps that may limit private-sector economic activity, while avoiding creating economic opportunities for some firms and not others.
Avoid creating a form of corporate welfare. Incentives should be designed up front to be discontinued so that companies and the State do not come to depend on specific programmes.
Maximise public accountability and transparency, which will help to ensure positive net economic benefits and provide clear mechanisms for discontinuing programmes that do not work.
Take into account economic benefits and costs of interventions.
The GFC’s mandate aligns to these principles and does not mandate case-by-case interventions, instead focusing on ‘public goods’
In line with its mandate, the GFC is focusing on supporting activities that benefit the whole industry, not one or two players
To successfully execute its mandate, we recommend the GFC focus on five key areas to sustainably grow the industry
To meet its mandate, we recommend that the GFC focus on five key areas to sustainably grow the industry (cont.)
Bearing in mind that the international industry has potential to generate high revenues within the province ...
... sustainable growth in the province could be achieved by exploiting the synergies between the local and international AV industries
The GFC would need to tailor its functions to meet the different needs of both the international and local industries
An analysis of the provincial landscape suggests a lack of institutional capacity at local level, with overlap at national level
The GFC is one of a number of bodies supporting the AV industry, as part of the province’s strategy to drive economic growth
An institutional structure that contains national, regional and local structures would benefit from greater co-ordination and integration …
The GFC needs to play an increasingly strategic role in growing the provincial AV industry, even as it fulfils its stated mandate
This role however will need to evolve in line with the demands of its rapidly changing operating environment
The GFC needs to strategically drive the creation of a film-friendly environment in Gauteng
Though the GFC is fully government funded, it could consider other funding options to reduce its dependence on government grants
In conclusion, Gauteng film industry has the potential to be a significant economic force with the right strategy in place
Appendices
Appendices
We developed an overall project charter that outlined the project’s key objectives, activities and deliverables
Stream Charter: Gauteng Market Analysis
Stream Charter: South Africa Market Analysis
Appendices
References
References
References
References
References
References
References
References
Appendices
The audio-visual industry value chain contains value enhancing activities and role players that stimulate the growth of the industry (cont.)
Film Commissions typically have mandates that are developed by government in consultation with key industry stakeholders
The Madrid Film Commission is funded by a variety of public sector organisations
Effective performance management, including monitoring and reporting, ensures accountability in Film Commission operations
Best-in-class Film Commissions typically operate within a clearly defined governance framework
Australia has a number of agencies that are dedicated to the audio-visual industry and supportive of the AFC
Australia has a number of agencies that are dedicated to the audio-visual industry and supportive of the AFC (cont.)
In Spain, there are various government and private related agencies that support the audio-visual industry
In Spain, there are various government and private related agencies that support the audio-visual industry (cont.)
In terms of the global movie theatre market, there is also a growing shift towards alternative sources of entertainment
The audio-visual industry can have a proven positive economic impact on the economy of a region or country (cont.)
The audio-visual industry can have a proven positive economic impact on the economy of a region or country (cont.)
Some degree of transformation has occurred in the sector, for part time and full time employees
South Africa has a vibrant service industry catering to all aspects of the audio-visual industry …
Service Providers:
… and a variety of small to medium-sized fully equipped studio spaces
We have calculated the multiplier for the industry as a whole to be 2,3
Gauteng’s strengths complement other regions in the country
A BCG matrix provides a way of ranking different sectors in terms of their relative attractiveness and competitive advantage
In Gauteng, TV and commercials are classic cash cows, whereas film is a ‘question mark’
With the right strategy in place, ‘question marks’ have the potential to become cash cows or stars
Film industry – Given its existing advantages (good technical infrastructure, conducive business environment and good skills base), Gauteng has the potential to grow its market share,
Television – typical cash cow, and Gauteng should avoid over-investing in the industry as it is already growing near its potential,
Commercials – also a cash cow, but Gauteng is losing market share as international commercial producers prefer Cape Town,
New media / multimedia – the province’s existing strength in this area and the potential for explosive growth makes this the province’s star; it is still in early stages of development however.