Online Reporter
Primedia Studios has made the major move of rebooting the local versions of Project Runway, The Voice and Idols with early signs that the spin-offs will revitalise the fan-favourite TV competitions shows.
In addition, Primedia Studios has announced that local viewers will also get the first season of the African version of popular American dance series Dancing with the Stars.
All the planned four programmes will happen through a co-production collaboration between Primedia Studios and Opulent Entertainment Group.
Opulent Entertainment Group is co-founded by Mzansi auteur Mandla Dube (Silverton Siege, Kalushi: The Story of Solomon Mahlangu) and Hollywood actor Denim Richards. Richards has famously played Colby Mayfield in popular US TV series Yellowstone.
Netflix 2024 film Heart of the Hunter based on the novel by best-selling author Deon Meyer and starring Bonko Khoza, Connie Ferguson and Masasa Mbangeni was helmed by Opulent Entertainment Group.
The local film made Netflix history last year. A week after it was released, it scored the top spot in English-language films on the Netflix Top 10 weekly rankings — a first for an African film.
“The key to the future and sustainability of entertainment in Africa lies in collaboration and opportunities,” said Richards.
“This collaboration with Primedia Studios is a multifaceted, significant step forward. Shows like The Voice, Project Runway, Idols and Dancing with the Stars are a powerful platform for undiscovered talent from Africa — not only in front of the camera, but also behind the scenes.”
The last local version of Idols aired on Mzansi Magic and concluded in November 2023 after 19 seasons, while the last local version of The Voice flighted its last episode on February 2019 on M-Net after three seasons. Project Runway SA aired for one season on Mzansi Magic hosted by Lerato Kganyago in 2018. No word yet on when viewers will get to see the local versions of the TV shows. — sowetan
