HOLLYWOOD could soon come to Cape Town, with an investment in a new film
studio and Bollywood may not be far behind.
A decision is expected in weeks on a tender to build a new film studio,
which may be sited in Muizenberg, between Somerset West and Stellenbosch, or
at Culemborg in Western Cape.
This would be a major shot in the arm for the local economy, with the
promise of more jobs.
Alistair Ruiters, trade and industry director-general, visited Hollywood
recently to discuss greater involvement in SA by US film companies, and he
was in India last week, where he was due to meet Bollywood moguls.
Ruiters said after his Hollywood discussions with major studio executives
that he was encouraged by their positive perceptions of SA.
This could soon translate into not only the production of more films in SA
but also into investment in studio facilities, he said.
Western Cape's government is considering three bids to build a film
production studio in the province.
The three short-listed bidders are Cape Town Motion Picture Studios,
Dreamworld Film City and iKapa Film City.
In addition, Trade and Industry SA, a division of the trade and industry
department, plans to appoint a full-time official to work with the film
industry .
"We want to say to the big movie makers in the US, Europe and India that
just as it is cost effective to build a car in SA we will have a movie
factory in Cape Town where you can do it cheaply and professionally," said a
South African trade official.
South African Chamber of Business CE James Lennox said that any investment
in a South African film studio must be sustainable and commercially viable.
"There are obviously benefits in the further creation of a pool of skilled,
experienced technicians for the film industry, " he said.
Sep 01 2003 07:11:27:000AM John Fraser Business Day 1st Edition
Publisher: Business Day
Source: Business Day
Cape Town may soon be Africa's Hollywood
Posted On Monday, 01 September 2003 02:00 Published by eProperty News
HOLLYWOOD could soon come to Cape Town, with an investment in a new film studio and Bollywood may not be far behind.
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