The Film and Television Production Incentives actively support the development of South Africa’s film industry and attract filmmakers to the country. The programme calculates grants as a percentage of local production expenses, ranging from 25% to 35%. Applicants must submit their applications before they begin principal photography.
The following programmes are offered:
•SA film production and co-production – This is aimed at South African film producers. The rebate is calculated as 35% of QSAPE.
•SA Emerging Black Film-makers – A grant of up to 50% on the Qualifying South African Production Expenditure (QSAPE) is offered. 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.
A business plan forms a crucial part of the early planning stage for any business. Whether you plan to start a new venture, expand your existing operations, or purchase an established business, a well-prepared business plan actively guides your strategy. At our firm, we regularly use these plans to create a clear vision, secure funding, obtain non-repayable business grants, attract skilled team members, and manage business operations effectively.
Elements of a coherent Film and Television Production Incentives Business Plan include:
Executive Summary and Legal Compliance
The executive summary must actively present the business as a fully compliant legal entity. Therefore, management should attach copies of all registration documents, as well as income tax and VAT certificates. In addition, this documentation demonstrates regulatory compliance and strengthens credibility with funders and stakeholders
Shareholders, Management, and Governance
The shareholders and management section must clearly demonstrate leadership capability. Furthermore, the company should attach detailed CVs of all directors, members, and key personnel. This evidence confirms that management possesses operational, administrative, human resources, marketing, and financial expertise.
In addition, the business must include its Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) rating together with a current organogram. Consequently, this approach confirms governance structure and highlights transformation compliance.
Capital Expenditure Requirements
In terms of capital expenditure, the business must provide recent quotations for land, buildings, vehicles, equipment, and soft assets. Furthermore, these verified quotations ensure that financial projections remain realistic and supportable.
Moreover, including accurate supplier quotations strengthens the credibility of funding applications. As a result, funders can assess investment requirements with greater confidence and accuracy.
Development Plan and Infrastructure
Regarding development, the company must submit a copy of the development layout and infrastructure plans. Furthermore, it must prepare a detailed bill of quantities supported by recent quotations for all material costs.
In addition, management should describe the key staff involved in the development process. It must also outline a structured skills transfer plan. Consequently, stakeholders can evaluate both technical capacity and long-term operational sustainability
Staffing and Human Resources
The staffing section must clearly define the total cost to company for all salaried, waged, part-time, and contract employees, both historically and prospectively. Furthermore, management must ensure that salaries align with market standards and comply with applicable minimum wage regulations.
In addition, the business should explain how it identifies, recruits, and appoints new employees. Consequently, this structured approach demonstrates responsible workforce planning and regulatory compliance.
Marketing Analysis and Revenue Strategy
The marketing analysis must rely on credible and verifiable data. Furthermore, projected turnover should derive from secured contracts, signed letters of intent, and comprehensive market research.
In addition, the company should attach supporting documents or detailed summaries of research findings. Moreover, management must design both a general and targeted marketing strategy.
Consequently, this strategy must clearly explain how the business will capture market share and achieve projected revenue levels. By presenting structured evidence and actionable plans, the business significantly strengthens the overall funding proposal.
Areas that the market research focuses on include:
-Competitors’ analysis;
-Competitive edge of the business;
-Demand and supply;
-Business sustainability;
-Future developments (technological, new market entrants, alternate products, etc);
-Contracts with clients;
-Letters of intent from potential clients;
-Other networks and potential relationships that might have been created; and
– Business premises.
•For acquisitions: Obtain the past three years’ historical financial statements and the latest management accounts for the current year. The valuation will be based on the Discounted Cash Flow Method (its income-generating potential, based on historical and projected future performance), and not necessarily the value of the assets.
•Financial projections: Comprises of eight documents namely; the management account, income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, cash forecast, break even analysis, loan amortisation schedule and fixed asset schedule with ratios, graphs, and calculations.
•Annexures: Statutory information needed by funders in an application (contact DTC for the complete list).
At DTC, we understand the complexities of the requirements and criteria for custom and accurate business plans. Whether you are using the document to raise funding and/or non-repayable business grants, we guide you through the process and provide access to our extensive network of funders in South Africa.
Contact us for more information and assistance with your Film and Television Production Incentives Business Plan
