Los Angeles/ Johannesburg – As more than 1,500 delegates from 70-plus countries arrive in Johannesburg for the 8th edition of DISCOP Africa, which commences at the Sandton Convention Center, the Los Angeles and Johannesburg-based organisers announce full details of the vibrant DISCOPRO conference agenda, which will feature 70 speakers across the three-day event.
Developed in partnership with Africa’s most active production communities and sponsored by Wananchi Group, East Africa’s leading home entertainment operator and the second largest pay-TV operator in Africa through its Zuku TV channels, DISCOP Africa 2013 will feature a diverse agenda of keynotes, thematic sessions and training tracks.
Focusing on helping producers explore co-production opportunities and showcase their projects, highlights include three thematic Pitching Competitions hosted by the international TV industry consultancy The Format People, which will reward TV shows created in Africa. Close to 60 projects have been entered for consideration in the competition, across TV Formats, TV Series and Documentaries.
A three-part series entitled Africa Rising will take place, as Richard Bell, CEO at Wananchi Group, Brett St. Clair, Head of New Products Sub Sahara at Google (USA) and Jason Njoku, CEO of iROKO Partners (Nigeria) highlight ways to accelerate the development, production and distribution of television and online content made in Africa. Mike Dearham, SVP at Cote Ouest Audiovisuel will present Export Readiness, guiding producers in the process of taking their business international and Nico Meyer, CEO at MultiChoice Africa will present a keynote speech Celebrating a 20 Year Legacy in Africa.
“With the producer in mind, this year’s DISCOPRO is focused on topics aimed at empowering the producer with strategic insights into the key advancement areas of content, giving tips and tools that will elevate their position in the marketplace,” commented Azania Muendane, DISCOPRO’s community manager, who added, “We are humbled and excited by the contributions of over 70 global speakers who have committed themselves to participate.”
Each evening will also feature a host of networking opportunities including the Welcome Cocktail Party on November 6, hosted by MultiChoice Africa and open to all delegates.Invitation-only cocktail parties will be hosted by NHK Japan, Pact UK, Cote Ouest and the France umbrella group, as well as a Gala Dinner celebrating Nigeria, DISCOP Africa’s Guest Country, is scheduled for November 7.
