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Tafadzwa Zimoyo Entertainment Reporter
Blacktoe Productions, a Zimbabwean film and television company, has set its sights on the newly launched Zambezi Magic channel on DStv targeting over 250 million viewers in Southern Africa.
Previously, the company screened its magazine and lifestyle programmes on Blacktoe TV, an online platform.
“A bigger platform of over 250 million viewers has been created with the launch of Zambezi Magic on DStv, so we intend to increase our market share when we start screening our programmes on the channel.
“As a production company we were delighted with the gesture by DStv but what we have noticed is that there is not enough content on the channel, especially which showcases some of Zimbabwe’s briliant productions.
“For us, this is an opportunity to tell the Zimbabwean story and with the investments that we have made into the production we are hoping to screen some of the brilliant shows matching international standards,” Nyasha Madzima, the chief executive of the company (pictured below), said.
Zambezi Magic channel is primarily aimed at showcasing productions from Southern Africa but since its launch, the channel has been relying on “golden oldies”, mostly yesteryear episodes of South African soaps such as “Isidingo” and “Generations” among others.
However, Madzima and Blacktoe Productions have stepped up their efforts to bring Zimbabwean productions into the limelight.
“Yes, we are a Zimbabwean company but our productions not only appeal to Zimbabweans but the region. So far we have invested hundreds of thousands 0f dollars in equipment. One good thing about Zimbabwe is that the talents and the human resources are in abundance. All that was missing was the right platform and now we have it,” Madzima said.
Those who have been watching Blacktoe TV will recall the popularity of the sitcom “PO Box” starring two comedians with razor-sharp humour; tourism documentaries as well as music videos which showcased the best of Zimbabwean music. Besides films Blacktoe Productions is also involved in corporate branding and digital media.
Launched in October 2013 the production company has proved popular with its ability to showcase Zimbabwe’s entertainment scene along with celebrity host shows. Some of the programmes showcased included the Harare International Festival of the Arts, the Zimbabwe Fashion Week and the Zim Hip-Hop Awards, to mention a few.
Its 2013 film titled “Ivevane” was nominated for Short Film Outstanding Screen Production at the National Arts Merit Awards.
Madzima added that there is so much untapped talent in Zimbabwe that needs to be discovered.
“The talent out there in Zimbabwe is amazing and we have seen this from the interns that join the organisation from the University of Zimbabwe and the Midlands State University. However, the major challenge has been the shortage of equipment. With the new technology that is coming in television and film production you cannot cut corners. You need the high-tech equipment to move with the ever changing times,” he said.
Madzima was rated among the 10 outstanding Zimbabwean youths in 2013 by the Zimbabwe JCI, an organisation that celebrates successful young entrepreneurs.
Online Reporter