Organizers of the 2018 Johannesburg edition of the DISCOP film, TV, digital and games content market and co-production forum have announced a parallel program for pitching, dubbed NEXT GEN. DISCOP Joburg (Nov. 14-16) is expecting more than 1,500 attendees from 90 countries, representing 1,000+ companies — including 200 global and regional distributors, 500 independent producer and 350 acquisition and co-production executives.
NEXT GEN is designed to help indie producers reach their potential, and is tailored to meet the demands of a changing media landscape: a preference for home-grown content, the emergence of local talent, increased on-demand streaming and mobile viewership, increased mobility and faster internet. Developed in partnership with African Animation Network, this year’s agenda puts a special focus on the continent’s animation industry. A pilot festival, DISCOMICS, will feature works in progress to be pitched to broadcasters, content platforms, producers, distributors and advertisers.
“The factors which influence the emergence of a booming animation sector in Africa are numerous and the most obvious is talent,” said Nick Wilson, President of AAN. “However, the pressing challenge for these talents is how to accelerate their development and help them be ready for progression more quickly.”
NEXT GEN will also spotlight new mobile distribution models, the relationship between content and music, blockchain technology, licensing & merchandising, Nigeria’s fast-growing entertainment and media sector, and the rapid emergence of the video game sector. Producers will also be able to explore partnership opportunities with Egypte, Canada, France and Morocco.
“This year’s NEXT GEN agenda is a ‘must attend’ event that will once again create value and opportunities for independent producers attending DISCOP Johannesburg,” said Tim Mangwedi, DISCOP’s Director for Sub-Saharan Africa. “As a platform focused on content business, our mandate is to help future generations of creators weigh their options, measure the challenges that lie ahead of them, and assess the risk landscape.”
A 50% Early Bird discount is available until September 17 for non-exhibiting delegates with the code EBDJ17SEPT; register at https://join.discopjohannesburg.com.
