South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive

South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive is sponsored by The Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC). This incentive program is specifically designed to develop and support Black talent in the South African film and television industry. It provides a reimbursable grant of 50% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE), with a maximum of R25 million per project.

South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive - Industrial Financing South African Emerging Black Filmmakers Incentive Film and Media Production The South African Black Filmmakers Incentive is a transformation-focused incentive programme administered by the dtic to develop and support black talent in the South African film and television industry.

The programme aims to strengthen industry competitiveness while ensuring that black South African filmmakers have access to meaningful production opportunities and market distribution. The incentive provides a reimbursable grant of 50% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) , with a maximum grant of R25 million per qualifying project .

In addition, the costs for the purchase of key production equipment may qualify once-off under the programme to a maximum cost-sharing incentive of R2 million . The programme has strict qualification criteria to ensure that black South African citizens hold genuine ownership and creative control. The Director, Producer, and Line Producer must all be black South African citizens credited in their roles.

The majority (51%) of Heads of Departments and key personnel must be black South African citizens, and the production company must be at least 75% owned by Black South African citizens. To participate, applicants must register a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) incorporated in South Africa, wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to the production.

Applications must be submitted and receive an outcome from the dtic before commencing principal photography. A minimum of 20% of qualifying goods and services must be procured from 51% black-owned South African entities.

The programme is aligned with Black Economic Empowerment (BEE) policy and is designed to facilitate broader participation in the South African economy by Black people, ensuring diversity and inclusion at all levels of ownership and control in film and television production.

This incentive is available to black South African production companies meeting the following criteria: The production company must be at least 75% owned by Black South African citizens, with the majority playing an active role in the production. The Director must be a Black South African citizen credited in that role. The Producer and Line Producer must be Black South African citizens credited in their roles.

The top writer and producer credits must include South African citizens (exclusive or shared collaboration credits). The majority (more than half) of the five highest-paid performers must be South African citizens. The majority (51%) of Heads of Departments (HODs) and key personnel must be black South African citizens.

The programme is specifically designed to address historical imbalances and support emerging and established black filmmakers in South Africa. What support/funding you can get Main grant: 50% of Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) as a reimbursable grant. Maximum grant: R25 million per qualifying project.

Equipment purchase: Costs for key production equipment may qualify once-off for a maximum cost-sharing incentive of R2 million . The grant is reimbursable — it is paid after qualifying expenditure has been incurred and verified through a formal claims process.

The incentive is applied against Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) , which includes: Costs of principal photography conducted in South Africa Payments to South African cast and crew Local procurement of qualifying goods and services Post-production costs incurred in South Africa Purchase of key production equipment (once-off, up to R2 million cost-sharing) Any other costs qualifying as QSAPE as per the programme guidelines and the Annexure F Qualifying Formats Key requirements and conditions Project eligibility requirements: Minimum QSAPE of R500 000 for all qualifying production formats and a minimum of R500 000 for documentaries.

At least 80% of principal photography must be filmed in South Africa. At least 14 calendar days of principal photography must be filmed in South Africa. For productions with minimum QSAPE of R50 million, the 80% and 14-day requirements may be waived at the dtic’s discretion.

QSAPE must account for at least 75% of the total production budget (TPE) . Creative and ownership criteria: Director must be a black South African citizen. Producer and Line Producer must be black South African citizens.

Top writer and producer credits must include South African citizens. Majority of the five highest-paid performers must be South African citizens. Majority (51%) of HODs and key personnel must be black South African citizens.

Applicant must be a black South African production company (at least 75% black-owned). Use of multiple subsidiaries or connected companies as production companies is not allowed. Application must be submitted and approved before project commencement anywhere in the world.

If commencing before approval, the project must be fully funded; such projects will not be eligible for milestone payments. Must procure at least 20% of qualifying goods/services from 51% black-owned SA entities operating for at least one year. Where not fully funded, at least 10% of the total production budget must be secured at application stage, with firm commitments and ring-fenced funds in the SPCV bank account.

Must provide the dtic with a financial plan and signed contract from financier(s). 100% of budget must be secured prior to commencing principal photography following grant award. Must register a South African SPCV wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to the production.

All qualifying payments must be made directly from the SPCV’s primary bank account. How the application works Confirm eligibility: verify that the production company is at least 75% black-owned, and that the Director, Producer, and Line Producer are black South African citizens. Confirm the production meets minimum QSAPE thresholds and filming-in-South-Africa requirements.

Register a Special Purpose Corporate Vehicle (SPCV) in South Africa, wholly owned by the applicant, dedicated solely to this production. Secure at least 10% of the total production budget (with firm commitments and ring-fenced funds in the SPCV bank account) before applying. Provide a financial plan and signed contracts from financier(s).

Complete and submit Application Form A to the dtic before commencing production anywhere in the world. Receive an outcome (provisional approval) from the dtic before commencing principal photography. Secure 100% of the production budget following the grant award decision and submit proof to the dtic.

Conduct production in accordance with the approved application. Submit a claim using Form B and Claim Form C with supporting documentation and a Report of Factual Findings (FFR).

What to prepare before you start Proof of black ownership (at least 75% Black South African citizens with active roles in the production) Identity documents confirming South African citizenship for the Director, Producer, Line Producer, and key personnel Detailed production budget with QSAPE breakdown (must be at least 75% of total production budget) Production schedule showing filming days in South Africa (at least 14 days and at least 80% of principal photography) SPCV registration documents (South African company, wholly owned by applicant) Evidence of at least 10% of total production budget secured (bank statements, signed financing agreements) Financial plan and signed contract(s) from financier(s) Evidence of black-owned supplier procurement plan (at least 20% from 51% black-owned entities) Completed Application Form A (available from the dtic) HOD list confirming majority (51%) are black South African citizens Am I a fit for this particular fund?

Your production company is at least 75% owned by Black South African citizens Your Director, Producer, and Line Producer are Black South African citizens credited in their roles At least 51% of your Heads of Department and key personnel are Black South African citizens Your QSAPE is at least R500 000 and accounts for at least 75% of the total production budget At least 80% of principal photography (and at least 14 days) will be filmed in South Africa You apply and receive approval before commencing production anywhere in the world You can register a dedicated South African SPCV for the production You likely do not qualify if: Your production company is not at least 75% black-owned The Director, Producer, or Line Producer are not Black South African citizens Less than 80% of principal photography will be filmed in South Africa (unless QSAPE exceeds R50 million) QSAPE accounts for less than 75% of the total production budget You have already started production before applying You are a foreign production company (a separate incentive applies) Category: Incentive / Reimbursable Grant Scheme Name: South African Black Filmmakers Incentive What this is: A reimbursable cash grant of 50% of QSAPE (up to R25 million) to support black South African-owned film and television productions, developing black talent and addressing historical imbalances in the industry.

Geographic Scope: National Eligible Applicant Type: Black South African production companies with at least 75% black ownership and active involvement in the production Sector Focus: Film and television production Ownership Requirements: At least 75% Black South African citizen ownership; Director, Producer, and Line Producer must be Black South African citizens; 51% of HODs must be black South African citizens Business Stage: Start-up (Under 2 years trading), Growing Business (2-5 years trading), Established (5+ years trading) Is financial support provided: Yes Support form: Reimbursable cash grant Funding basis: Reimbursable — paid after qualifying expenditure is incurred and verified Funding percentage/amount: 50% of QSAPE Funding cap: R25 million per qualifying project; R2 million once-off for key production equipment Cost-sharing required: Yes (production expenditure incurred by the applicant) What the support can be used for Qualifying South African production expenditure (cast, crew, location costs, local procurement, post-production in SA); key production equipment purchase (once-off up to R2 million) Information you will need to provide Applicants must provide detailed production budgets with QSAPE breakdown (must be at least 75% of total production budget), a production schedule, proof of black ownership, identity documents for key personnel, SPCV registration, financing evidence, and a procurement plan showing at least 20% spend with 51% black-owned entities.

Key requirements and conditions At least 20% of qualifying goods and services must be procured from entities that are 51% black-owned by South African citizens and have been operating for at least one year. Use of multiple subsidiaries or connected companies as production companies is not permitted.

Application route: Submit Application Form A to the dtic before commencing production; contact application officials directly Assessment focus: Black ownership (75%+), black South African citizenship of Director/Producer/Line Producer/HODs, minimum QSAPE, filming days and percentage in South Africa, QSAPE as % of total budget, funding secured, B-BBEE procurement Turnaround time: Application must be submitted and receive an outcome before commencing production; processing time not specified Eliya Ndou: ENdou@thedtic.

gov.za | +27 12 394 1748; Mr Khabo Mhlanga: Kmhlanga@thedtic. gov.za | +27 12 394 1349 For productions with QSAPE of R50 million or more, the 80% filming requirement and 14-day minimum may be waived at the dtic’s discretion. If production commences before approval, the project must be fully funded and will not be eligible for milestone payments.

Eliya Ndou — ENdou@thedtic. gov.za | +27 12 394 1748 Mr Khabo Mhlanga — KMhlanga@thedtic. gov.za | +27 12 394 1349 Mpho Nkuna — MNkuna@thedtic.

gov.za | +27 12 394 1805 Nesi Masuku — NMasuku@thedtic. gov.za | +27 12 394 1065 Michelle Mochochoko — MMochochoko@thedti. gov.za | +27 12 394 3456 Programme Guidelines and Application Forms: Available on the dtic website Application Considerations: What You Need to Prepare Before Applying Most applications are delayed or declined due to incomplete submissions.

Preparing the items below upfront will significantly improve your chances.

Core documents (required for almost all funds) Company registration documents Ownership and shareholder information Business plan or project description Recent financial statements or management accounts Project budget and cost breakdown Project‑specific documents (depending on the fund) Quotes for equipment, infrastructure, or services Feasibility study or technical proposal (where required) Energy solution proposal (for energy‑related funds) Export contracts or buyer information (for export and insurance products) Job creation plan (where applicable) Turnaround or recovery plan (for distress funding) Proof of sector compliance or permits (where relevant) Evidence of co‑funding or financing approvals (for grants and blended funding) Any templates or declarations specified by the administering agency What Happens After You Apply Completeness check – your submission is reviewed to ensure all required documents are included.

Eligibility assessment – the agency confirms that you meet the fund’s basic criteria. Technical and financial review – your project and financials are evaluated. Decision and contracting – approved applications proceed to contracting and implementation.

Timelines vary by fund and depend heavily on the quality and completeness of your application. Important Notes for Applicants Approval is not guaranteed , even if all requirements are met. Funding terms may be subject to final agency approval and conditions.

Submitting accurate and complete information is critical. Misrepresentation or incomplete information can result in delays or rejection. Interested in this fund or have some questions?

Northern Cape, Free State & Mpumalanga Provinces (NFM) Email Address: NFMcustomercare@thedtic. gov.za Mr. Mahlatse Mothapo: 012 394 3554 / 082 903 5845 Ms. Jane Mtshali: 012 394 1385 North West, Gauteng & Limpopo (NGL) Provinces Email Address: NGLcustomercare@thedtic. gov.za Mr. David Molefe: 012 394 1262 Ms. Selinah Swaratlhe: 012 394 1140 Western Cape (WC) Province Email Address: WCcustomercare@thedtic.

gov.za Mr. Elias Rafapa: 021 480 8064 / 063 688 6466 Mr. Vuyo Zitha: 021 480 8055 / 066 306 8424 Ms. Monica Masangwana: 021 480 8063 / 082 647 3611 Email Address: ECcustomercare@thedtic. gov.za Mr. Andre Le Grange: 041 502 9000 / 060 753 0751 Mr. Simphiwe Ngonyama: 060 753 0663 Ms. Princess Konza: 072 295 4806 Email Address: KZNcustomercare@thedtic.

gov.za Mr. Wiseman Myeni: 076 129 9697 Ms. Rajeshri Sardha: 072 295 1480 Ms. Neela Govender: 072 296 0369 Ms. Constance Gumede: 072 296 1837 Find Funding That Fits Your Business Answer a few quick questions and get matched with the most relevant grants, loans and incentives for your business. Use the following tools to help you apply: Check if you’re ready to apply. Understand key funding terms.

Resources to support your submission. Ask us anything about our funds and services. Hi, welcome to Industrial Financing.

How can I help you? Tell me about your business or what you need funding for. I can help you find suitable funding and incentives, understand eligibility requirements, prepare for an application, find the right documents, or answer questions about the dtic, IDC, NEF and ECIC.

What funding options are available for my business? How do I know which fund or incentive I qualify for? I’m not sure where to start.

Can you guide me? What are the basic eligibility requirements? How do I apply for funding?

What documents will I need to submit? Can someone from the fund contact me? I have a question about a specific fund or incentive