According to industry reports, Canal+’s subsidiary, StudioCanal, is embarking on an ambitious endeavour to develop a significant feature film that narrates a “massive South African story,” with plans to produce it locally in South Africa. The company also aims to explore numerous other projects in the region.
StudioCanal CEO Anna Marsh shared the firm’s intentions to expand its involvement in South Africa’s burgeoning TV and film production landscape—especially as Canal+ moves forward with its aggressive US$1,8 billion buyout bid for MultiChoice. StudioCanal has already been involved in co-producing local dramas like the Cape Town-based series “Spinners,” which is set to return for a second season and is distributed internationally by StudioCanal.
Marsh indicated that StudioCanal is particularly keen on leveraging the local production industry, especially with the anticipated takeover of MultiChoice enhancing opportunities in South Africa.
The studio is currently working on the details of the feature film project, which will be revealed soon. Additionally, StudioCanal recently completed filming the revenge thriller “Huntington” in South Africa. This project featured an impressive cast, including Glen Powell, Ed Harris, and Margaret Qualley, and was supported by a local production crew, benefiting from South Africa’s 25% tax rebate for foreign film productions.
Directed and written by John Patton Ford, “Huntington” was filmed in and around Cape Town. StudioCanal reported a production budget of US$7,9 million, employing 305 local crew members and 45 actors from the local community and enlisting 1,876 extras.
