The South African Black Filmmakers Incentive

Objectives:

The objectives of the South African Black Filmmakers incentive are to strengthen the competitiveness of the South African film and television industry, to develop black talent in the South African film and television industry whilst ensuring distribution of films into the market. The incentive is designed to address the historical imbalances in the sector and ensure diversity and inclusion at all levels of production including ownership and control. This is as per the Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy in order to facilitate broader participation in the economy by Black people.

Benefits:

  • The incentive is calculated at fifty percent (50%) of the Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE).
  • The costs for the purchase of key production equipment may qualify once-off under this incentive programme to a maximum cost-sharing incentive of R2 million.
  • The incentive programme offers a reimbursable grant to the maximum of R25 million per qualifying project.

PROJECT ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

The South African Black Filmmakers Production Incentive is available to qualifying South African black-owned productions as follows:

  • Productions must have a minimum QSAPE of R R500 000 for all qualifying production formats and a minimum of R500 000 for documentaries:
  • At least eighty percent (80%) of principal photography must be filmed in South Africa;
  • At least fourteen (14) calendar days of the principal photography must be filmed in South Africa; and
  • For productions with a minimum QSAPE of R50 million, the eighty percent (80%) and fourteen (14) calendar days’ requirements may be waived and such discretion will take into account the budgetary implications of the decision made.
  • The Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) must account at least seventy-five percent (75%) of the total production budget (TPE);
  • The Director must be a Black South African citizen who is credited for that role in the production;
  • The Producer and Line Producer must be a Black South African citizen who is credited for that role;
  • The top writer and producer credits must include South African citizens either exclusive or shared collaboration credits;
  • The majority of the five (5) highest-paid performers must be South African citizens; and
  • The majority (51%) of Heads of Departments (HODs) and key personnel must be black South African citizens.

Mandatory conditions 

  • The applicant must be a black South African production company.
  • The Production Company must have at least seventy-five percent (75%) Black South African citizens; of which the majority must play an active role in the production and be credited in that role;
  • Use of multiple subsidiaries and connected companies to be regarded as production companies is not allowed.
  • The applicant must complete and submit an application prior to commencement of the project anywhere in the world. If a project commences prior to receiving an outcome from the dtic, the applicant would have done so at their own risk.
  • If the applicant chooses to commence with the project prior to receiving an outcome, the project must be fully funded. Should such projects receive an approval, the project will not be eligible for milestone payments;
  • The applicant must procure a minimum of 20% of qualifying goods and services from entities which are 51% black-owned by South African citizens and have been operating for at least one year.
  •   Where the project is not fully funded, the applicant must have secured at least ten percent (10%) of the total production budget at application stage; supported by firm commitment such as concluded agreements and ring-fenced funds in the Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) Bank Account. Such applications must receive an outcome before commencing with the principal photography;
  • The applicant must provide the dtic with a financial plan and signed contract from financier(s);
  • Prior to commencing with principal photography the applicant must have secured 100% of the budget following the grant awarding decision by the dtic and such proof must be submitted.
  • The applicant must register a SPCV incorporated in the Republic of South Africa solely dedicated to the production of the film or television project to participate in this incentive programme. The SPCV must be wholly owned by the applicant.
  • The qualifying expenditure and payments made to third party companies must be settled directly from the primary bank account of the established SPVC.

Application Forms and Guidelines:

Notice pertaining to the processing of personal information


Contacts:

Applications:

Eliya Ndou ENdou@thedtic.gov.za  +27 12 394 1748
Mr Khabo Mhlanga KMhlanga@thedtic.gov.za  +27 12 394 1349
Mpho Nkuna MNkuna@thedtic.gov.za  +27 12 394 1805

Claims:

Nesi Masuku NMasuku@thedtic.gov.za  +27 12 394 1065
Michelle Mochochoko  MMochochoko@thedti.gov.za +27 12 394 3456
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