The IPO represents, protects and promotes the interests of independent South African film, television and digital media producers and, in turn, all who work in and are suppliers to the industry value chain.

ABOUT US

The Independent Producers Organisation (IPO) represents, protects, and promotes the interests of independent South African film, television, and digital media producers and, in turn, all who work in and are suppliers to the industry value chain in South Africa.

VISION

Fostering an empowered, transformed, vibrant and flourishing production industry which maximises its economic contribution and job-creation potential, striving to ensure a sustainable, inclusive and globally competitive production industry which celebrates and affirms our country’s diversity.

MISSION

The IPO endeavours to effect positive change in the industry through its interaction with stakeholders comprising the Parliament, Broadcasters, Department of Communication, Treasury, Arts and Culture, the DTIC, NFVF, IDC and film commissions. The organisation is succeeding in leading dialogues that would guarantee that producers, particularly producers from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, triumph in becoming accomplished film and television business owners. The organisation continues to map the way forward on issues regarding policy, strategy and transformation.

  • Represent, promote and protect the specific needs and interests of producers.
  • Represent and promote the economic and cultural interests of the South African film, television and video production industry locally, continentally and abroad.
  • Develop, support and implement growth strategies for the industry to increase local, continental and international markets.
  • Promote the development and establishment of aspirant and emergent producers and production companies.
  • Overcome historical disparities within the industry, based on race, gender, disability and sexual orientation.
  • Promote the industry for the good of the broader South African economy.
  • Promote a stable and viable industrial environment within the industry.
  • Encourage professionalism and high technical and creative standards in the industry.
  • Keep producers at the forefront of technological, economic and cultural changes.
  • Interact with and create negotiating channels and standard agreements with industry-related organisations.
  • Regulate relations between members and employees or trade unions.
  • Promote health and safety standards for the industry.
  • Play a key role in education, training and enhancement of skills within the industry.
  • Inform and enlighten non-industry organisations (e.g. educational institutions, government bodies, financial institutions) about the industry.
VALUES

Leadership – we are brave, bold, assertive, protectors, ethical, warriors, vigilant, inclusive, supportive

Strategic thinking – we are analytical, objective, tactical, focused, agile, visionary, responsive, collaborative, detail-oriented but big-picture focused

Committed – we are relentless, confidential, trustworthy, accountable and recognise that our role on Exco is not about status but about contribution and service

Innovative – we are pioneering, trailblazing, creative, progressive, disruptive, alert/early adopters, risk-taking

Communicative – we are open, factual, transparent, respectful, tolerant

INDUSTRY PARTNERS

National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) 

The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF) is an agency of the Department of Arts and Culture that was created to ensure the equitable growth of South Africa’s film and video industry. We do this by providing funding for the development, production, marketing and distribution of films and also the training and development of filmmakers. In addition, the NFVF commissions research and produces industry statistics that provide both the public and stakeholders with valuable insights into the South African film industry. Visit website »

The South African Screen Federation

SASFED is a federation body with member organisations making up the independent film and TV Sector of South Africa across the value chain. The below is an alphabetical list of member organisations, which currently include 8 active SASFED member organisations, guilds or associations. Each member is listed with details as provided by the respective organisations on their SASFED application form or by way of an update to us. Visit website»

The Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (ICASA)

ICASA is a product of statute, the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa Amendment Act of 2000, amended in 2005. ICASA was established in July 2000, as a merger of the telecommunications regulator, the South African Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (SATRA) and the Independent Broadcasting Authority (IBA). The ICASA Amendment Act 2005 also provided for the incorporation of the Postal Regulator into ICASA. Visit website»

The Department of Trade and Industry

The dti´s mission is to promote structural transformation, towards a dynamic industrial and globally competitive economy; provide a predictable, competitive, equitable and socially responsible environment, conducive to investment, trade and enterprise development; broaden participation in the economy to strengthen economic development; and continually improve the skills and capabilities of the dti to effectively deliver on its mandate and respond to the needs of South Africa’s economic citizens. Visit website »

The Industrial Development Corporation of South Africa (IDC)

The IDC was established in 1940 as a national development finance institution to promote economic growth and industrial development. The Media and Motion Pictures SBU focuses on funding motion pictures, digital cinemas in townships, broadcasting for the development of black industrialists, developing an animation hub and films. The unit invests in the production of content, and in the services and infrastructure that support productions in this significant industry. Visit website »

REGIONAL FILM ORGANISATIONS AND SUPPORTERS

KwaZulu Natal Film Commission

The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission was established in accordance with a provincial Act passed in 2010. The KwaZulu-Natal Film Commission is set to begin fulfilling its mandate to make the province a film production centre. The following are the Vision and Mission of the Commission. Visit website »

Gauteng Film Commission

The Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) develops, promotes and coordinates the film and television production industry in South Africa’s wealthiest province. An agency of the Gauteng Provincial Government, we are tasked with positioning the province as a world-class destination for film-making as well as attracting local and international investments in the film and television industry. Visit website » 

Wesgro Film and Media

The Western Cape is a sought-after film destination. Major international and local productions are drawn by the wide range of locations, exemplary services and studios. Wesgro Film and Media assist with production in the province, including regulation guidance and finding co-production parties. Visit website »

Eastern Cape Film Office

The core objective of the Eastern Cape Film Office is to position the Eastern Cape to globally compete in the development of film, thereby boosting economic, social and cultural development. It operates under the auspices of the Eastern Cape Provincial Arts and Culture Council. Visit website>>

INDUSTRY ALLIES & FRIENDS

SOS: Support Public Broadcasting

The Coalition is committed to, and campaigns for, public broadcasting in the public interest. While the SABC is its primary focus, the Coalition also looks at community media. The Coalition’s purpose is to lobby for the strengthening of public and community broadcasting in the public interest broadly, with the aim of ensuring excellent programming for South African audiences, particularly on the SABC. Visit website>>

A.S.A – Animation South Africa

A.S.A is a non-profit organisation mandated by industry to develop and represent South African animation. Founded in 2006 by a group of like-minded animation industry professionals who came together to create a culture of knowledge-sharing in South African animation. Relaunched in 2015 with a new board of directors, their vision is to nurture a vibrant, sustainable and transformed Animation and VFX industry for South Africa  Visit website>>

DFA – The Documentary Filmmakers Association of SA

DFA was established to nurture and develop the interests of documentary filmmakers in South Africa. The documentary film genre is unique in that it can stimulate public discourse, reflect on social, political, cultural and current events in a very immediate way. It is the most accessible genre of filmmaking, yet is often marginalised within the bigger environment of film and the broadcast industry.  The DFA aims to create a unified voice for documentary filmmakers and gain recognition for this genre of filmmaking in South Africa. Visit website>>

The Independent Black Filmmakers Collective (IBFC)

A collaborative business network of like-minded Black South African Independent Filmmakers, Content Creators, Film and Television/ Commercials Directors, Producers, Distributors, Exhibitors, Media and Entertainment, Facilities and Services Entrepreneurs and Industrialists. The IBFC’s aim is to engage government and industry stakeholders in policy change and advocate as “one voice” in engagements with public and private sector institutions and organizations. Visit website>>

PMA – The Personal Managers’ Association

The Personal Manager’s Association is a community of Actors Agents consisting of members; associate and affiliate members. Our goal is to guide actors in their professional careers, uphold the professional standards on behalf of the performers we represent with regards to contracts (and the standardization thereof); fees and working conditions in the areas of film; television; voice; theatre; presenting; commercials; etc. Visit website>>

SAGA – South African Guild of Actors

SAGA was established to regulate relations between actors and film/television/theatre/radio producers, to perform and protect interests of its members; to plan and organize its administration and lawful activities; to co-operate with or join local or international organisations,; to promote, support or oppose any proposed legislative or other measures affecting the interests of its members; to provide legal assistance to members in connection with their contracts with producers; and to organise and represent members of SAGA for the purpose of collective bargaining. Visit website>>

SAGE – South African Guild Of Editors

SAGE is a voluntary, non-profit organisation which represents film and video picture editors, assistant editors and sound editors. With more than 100 active members, the guild represents most of the best talent in the feature film, TV drama, documentary, insert, on-line and sound editing in South Africa. Visit website>>

SWIFT – Sisters Working In Film and Television

SWIFT stands for Sisters Working in Film and Television. Birthed when a group of South African women making films and television came together to discuss the needs of women, it is now the only South African organisation focusing exclusively on the common concerns and shared experiences of women working in film and television. SWIFT has fast become a hub of support, empowerment and inspiration. Visit website>>

WGSA – Writers’ Guild of South Africa

The Writers’ Guild of South Africa (WGSA) was established on 8 May 2009 and remains the only association in South Africa with the sole purpose of protecting, empowering and developing performance writers in the local film, television, radio, stage, animation and new media (internet – mobile and digital distribution, and gaming) industries. The Guild also serves as a Collection Agent for writers’ residuals and manages an affordable local Script Registry. WGSA is an affiliate member of the International Association of Writers Guilds (IAWG). Visit website>

For further information about the IPO, please contact the Administrator on ad***********@ip*.za.">ad***********@ip*.za