Newcastle, a Hollywood in the making
Although the films are not well-known among the general public, Newcastle was clearly ready to make its mark in the entertainment world.
Newcastle is not often linked to the film industry, yet six local movies have appeared on e.tv over the past two years.
Although the films are not well-known among the general public, Newcastle was clearly ready to make its mark in the entertainment world.
Sibonelo Nzimande, Tourism Development and Marketing Manager of Newcastle Municipality, explained local government saw the potential of film making in stimulating the economy in the area two years ago.
“We made arrangements with e.tv, who has shown six of our movies since then.”
As a means to stimulate local film industry, Simphiwe Ngobo and Ziyanda Msanigwane from KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission in Durban, hosted a workshop last Tuesday at Blackrock Casino for actors, producers, fashion designers and screenwriters.
“We would like to develop the film industry in Newcastle, which is why we have started working with KZN Film Commission,” Mr Nzimande emphasised.
With aspirations of blasting onto the silver screen, Mr Nzimande said there was hopes of creating documentaries based on Newcastle to boost the tourism sector.
Mr Ngobo said locals could own their movies without having them claimed by big time producers.
“If there is potential we will help, whether through funding or arranging a mentor-ship programme.”
