The Only Two Things That Matter in Film Right Now: The Film Biz Show and Fame Week

As the African film industry continues to grow and gain global recognition, platforms like The Film Biz Show are playing a crucial role in shaping conversations around the business of filmmaking. Launched in August 2023 by Marcus Mabusela and Kevin Khumalo, the podcast has quickly become a go-to resource for filmmakers, producers, and industry professionals seeking to navigate the complex ecosystem of the film business. What began as an effort to address the challenges faced by emerging creatives in the industry has now evolved into a respected platform that not only educates but also empowers.In celebration of its one-year anniversary, The Film Biz Show is taking its commitment to the next level by collaborating with one of the most prestigious events in African cinema—Film Week Africa.In this article, we delve into the origins of The Film Biz Show, its impact over the past year, and what audiences can expect from its collaboration with Film Week Africa. We also explore Marcus Mabusela’s vision for the future of African cinema and the pivotal role that events like Film Week Africa play in realising that vision.

1.How did the film biz show come to be?

My business partner, Kevin Khumalo and I had been working on developing different projects together. Apart from the work that I do as an actor and he as a D.O.P. We wanted to produce shows and start initiatives that would develop young people. We pitched to some companies but it didn’t work out the way we thought it would. Our ideas tanked. During my period of reflecting on what could have possibly been the reason our ideas couldn’t stand in the boardroom when pitching. I realised that we lacked a lot of support as businesses, his company Fortune Well and mine Metric Productions had done some work in the services and production side of the industry. However, we just  simply didn’t have enough knowledge and support to execute our ideas at a higher level. So then I thought, how about we start a podcast that would explore the whole eco-system of the film business. One that would educate people about how the business actually functions. To interview experts who are working, day in and day out to put bread on the table for themselves and their families, from the proceeds of this industry. Our intention was to understand how to navigate the business of film in relation to all its different departments within the eco-system.  I approached Kevin, told him about it. He loved it! And we didn’t waist time and went for it. We launched August 2023 and we are a year old now.

“We need the different bodies which protect the interests of workers to strengthen and have a stronger voice. So that we don’t see artists die poor.”

Marcus Mabusela

2.When the film biz  show  started, what did you hope to achieve  and looking back, would you say you have succeeded or are on the right track?

Firstly we were clear that we were targeting a niche market. We weren’t chasing numbers. We wanted nothing about the show to be superficial. We wanted it to be about the actual work, the stake holders that determine how the business is actually run and also the workers on the ground like directors, actors, producers, unit, legal, accounts, crew, all the aspects that shape the machinery of film making. For instance, we interviewed Moagisi Sibanda from the Independent Electoral Comission (IEC). To speak to us about the importance of people working within the film industry to vote, during the elections campaigns and how policy decision making is determined for our sector. We also interviewed Chola Makgamathe, the Chairperson of the Copyright Coalition of South South Africa to educate us about the Copyright Amendment’s Bill. Renowned actors such as Bonko Khoza, Salamina Mosese and Vuyo Dabula came on, to speak about their journeys both in front and behind the camera lens and taught us the secret ingredients to their success and longevity within the business. To date our show has 6 thousand subscribers on Youtube and we have a growing presence on Spotify and Apple music. Do I think we are in the right track? I definitely do. I aim to see the show stay true to our mission and to delve deeper in the Pandora ’s Box that is the film business, while maintaining a steady growth in numbers and aligning with good partners, such as The Magic Light Box company and The Dynamic work Spaces, our sponsors for the show.

3.Film is a window to different worlds for many people ,what does film mean to you and why do you think it should be preserved?

Film making is a reflection of the world we live in, our world view, our aspirations, our imaginations, our fears and our state of being as a society. As a father, I wonder what world I will leave behind for my son when I am no longer on this physical plane. I would like to leave him good stories about where he comes from, about himself and about the world around him. I would like the generation that comes after me, to have a good self-image and be brave enough to conquer their dreams and ideas with confidence. The preservation of a healthy Television and film industry is my insurance that this can be achieved.

4.How would you describe the film industry in South Africa, What are its  good qualities and What can be improved?

I feel like, there could not be a better time in history to be part of the film business. It is changing at such a dynamic pace, alive with opportunities and pregnant with infinite possibilities for innovation, creativity and collaboration. We are seeing young black people start their own companies and create lively hoods for many South Africans. Which is fantastic! I think we have to focus more on developing skills that are much needed in this sector. We have to make sure that South Africa is an attractive destination for international investment in our film sector by creating policies that protect the workers who make the business function and also creating partnerships across different government departments to make it easier for better work conditions and funding. We need the different bodies which protect the interests of workers to strengthen and have a stronger voice. So that we don’t see artists die poor.

5.My fave Segment of the show is called ‘Put them on’, how important is it to highlight upcoming talents in the film industry?

‘Put them on’ was the brain child of our two senior producers, Juliet Kemanga and Sandile Dlamini. The idea is to put a spotlight on any up-and-coming creatives and administrators within the sector. It has caught on very well with the audience and has even created network opportunities for some the mentioned artists.

6.There’s a rise in AI tools for creating films, are you one of the people that feel like AI is replacing human creativity or do you think there’s a way to collaborate with AI to make film better?

I think AI is definitely something that we should look out for. It will eventually play a huge role in how films are made and change the landscape drastically. We have to understand it now, while it is in its infancy stage and see how we can use it to our advantage. The recent strikes in America over the IP image rights of performers and writers was a huge wake up call for South African artists to have a conversation about their residuals and royalties for the work they have done over the years. That’s why I think joining bodies that represent the collective voice of South African creatives is important. Being part of organisations such as The South African Guild of Actors, The Independent Producers Organisation, The South African Guild of writers and many other institutions that protect the ideas of creatives helps create opportunities and to equip them with knowledge to protect ourselves is good.

Fame Week Africa Collaboration

1.Can you tell us more about the collaboration between Film Biz Show and Fame Week Africa? How did this partnership come about?

The media partnership between The Film Biz Show and Fame Week Africa is a mutually beneficial collaboration between us. We approached them about the idea. They had been following our podcast for a while and they thought it would be a great collaboration. Fame Week takes part as a week-long event from the 2^nd September to the 7^th. MIP Africa, the film market part of the event will be taking place at The Cape Town International convention centre from the 2^nd, 3^rd  and 4^th of September. The Film Biz Show, will have a stand on the floor of the event, we will conduct interviews and cover all the action live. And then, the second part of the event, The Short Film Festival takes part from the 5^th to the 7^th of September, at The Labia Independent Cinema house in Cape Town. We will be conducting reviews and having conversations with the film makers involved in the festival, from different countries across Africa.

2.What can audiences expect from Film Biz Show during Fame Week Africa? Will there be special episodes or features aligned with the event?

Fresh new content. We have plenty of new episodes planned.

The Fame Week program is packed with lots of activities during the 7 day event from September the 2^nd up until the September 7^th. We will be broadcasting live some of the events and having exclusive interviews with delegates during the event.

3.What are the main goals of this collaboration, and how do you envision it impacting the African film industry?

For us, as The Film Biz show, it is an opportunity to engage with a bigger audience. An audience base that is entrenched in the business of film. To broadcast and market the event to our online audience and to also expose the podcast to new people. Fame Week Africa presents an opportunity for that. Intern, for Fame Week, they can tap in to our digital community of 6 thousand loyal digital subscribers.

4.Fame Week Africa is a significant event for African filmmakers. What are some of the key highlights or themes of this year’s festival?

Fame Week Africa consists of the following events: MIP Africa, Cape Town International Animation Festival, Muziki Africa, Africa Fashion Forum and Fame Shorts film Festival. This years instalment will have an electrifying program filled with so many things to do and attend. The International guest is none other than Steve Harvey who will be talking to us about his investments in Botswana and Africa as a destination for International Investment in our sector. We also will be broadcasting, amongst other activities The Independent Producers Organisation panel discussion with the IDC head of communication and other IPO delegates. It’s an exciting week filled with lots to learn, explore and connections to make.

5.Looking beyond this year’s festival, how do you see the collaboration between Film Biz Show and Film Week Africa evolving in the future?

Our aim is to develop a long term partnership with Fame Week Africa. We have a broad vision, as The Film Biz Show, to be a podcast that is all about being a digital platform of engagement between film business experts, apprentices, brands and professionals across the board. In time we want our partnership to evolve, year around and possibly go into explorations of CSI programs of training and development in communities going forward that are aligned to both Fame Week Africa and The Film Biz Show.

6.What are your hopes for the future of African cinema, and how do events like Film Week Africa contribute to that vision?

My hope for African Cinema is that we can have more collaboration between African countries. To explore the advantage that we have as a united Africa, in numbers. We can tap into the power of our potential and our diversity. If we can work together we can achieve bigger things and help create generational wealth for African families. Fame Week Africa for me, brings that hope and dream closer to reality and makes it tangible. It is an opportunity to network, to learn, to up skill and to have fun. It’s all in the ingredients of making a successful African Film Industry.

With the exciting collaboration with Film Week Africa, the show is set to reach new heights, offering even more enriching content and opportunities for filmmakers and enthusiasts alike.We encourage all our readers to follow The Film Biz Show on social media platforms to stay updated on the latest episodes, industry news, and behind-the-scenes content. Don’t miss out on the insightful interviews and discussions—be sure to watch The Film Biz Show on YouTube and join the conversation that is shaping the future of African cinema.