Margate could be ‘Little Miami’
All parties involved were passionate about the South Coast and all it has to offer.
Members of the Margate Business Association (MBA), Ugu South Coast Tourism, hotel management, investors, celebrity actors, and producers met in Margate on Monday this week to discuss an exciting new business venture.
The main idea behind the meeting was to discuss potential locations for film production and how shoots in Margate can essentially boost the economy and bring attention to the coastal town.
Furthermore, they discussed a multi-purpose production studio that would have to be built from the ground up. This could be used year round for the entertainment industry and be rented out to both local and international clients should they wish to use the Margate backdrop.
Synergising all businesses involved was important so everyone can benefit from this undertaking. What was evident was that all the parties involved were passionate about the South Coast and all it has to offer.
Joanne Wentzel, chairman of the MBA, said everyone can benefit from this idea, and they are there for anybody who wants to improve or add anything to the betterment of the economy, and the way the world sees Margate.
“All are in agreement that we need more events and we as business owners should take control of that, and assist whoever wants our help.”
It was mentioned that Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban have been the central hubs for shooting film and popular series such as Uzalo and Imbewu. However, Margate has been left untapped and has potential to be a new location.
“This could be a dream destination, a ‘Little Miami’ for filmmakers,” said actress Fundi Zwane.
The idea for the producers and script writers was to convene with MBA and Ugu Tourism, so as storytellers, they can tell the story of the South Coast accurately and represent the people who live here correctly.
Not only that, but these influential organisations have the power to introduce them to the right people to authorise the closing of roads, beaches and hotels and provide the temporary space needed to shoot a TV series.
The group walked the streets of downtown Margate and looked at hotels, clubs and restaurants that could be potential shoot locations.
The consensus was Margate needed to introduce big events back onto the calendar post Covid-19 lockdown and there needs to be a recovery strategy in place. The aim is to urge small local businesses to take risks and ultimately receive exposure through marketing and product placement in film.
Everyone was in agreeance that building a film studio was long overdue and the timing couldn’t be better. It is affordable for international clients and attractive to location scouts for its undeniable beauty.
The weather is perfect year round and in general nature and game reserves are nearby and available to filmmakers.
The aim is to ‘bring it home’ according to talent manager Justin Nanak of Society 5.0 and give Margate the recognition it deserves on a global scale.
