admin
Jonathan Mbiriyamveka Entertainment Reporter
Filmmaker Joe Mawuru has hinted that Zimbabwe’s first soap opera, “Studio 263”, will return in May with a new storyline and cast. The 26-year-old – who is the son of the late founding executive producer Godwin Mawuru – also said “Studio 263” was a national as it was a family project.
“We are hoping to start shooting beginning on May 1 with a new cast and storyline.
“Previously, we used to focus on public service themes such as HIV and Aids, but this time we are going to dwell more on the business side of the project.
“Yes, so far the family has provided money to start the project but I would want to believe that ‘Studio 263’ is a national project because it involves a lot of people. For that reason we want to partner other interested companies and partners so that we take it to another level and ensure its sustainability,” he said.
Asked how he intends to run the project, Joe said he was going back to basics.
“Basically, we are going to re-engage Aaron Chiundura-Moyo to develop the story with help from some of the best writers.
“I have also compiled a list of writers who are able to assist.
“Obviously, we are not going to retain the old cast simply because some of them have come of age and are doing their own thing while others no longer have time for shooting or rehearsals.
“The other thing is that when you have a new storyline it would be difficult to use the old cast because it might not work,” Joe said.
Joe is not new to the film industry having studied film at school before he did his internship on Studio 263 alongside his father, first as an editor before moving to other areas of production including behind the camera and eventually producer.
“All I can say is I was there when it all started and I believe working with other like-minded people will develop the project further. A lot of people are looking forward to it and this inspires the team,” he said.
Since its launch in 2002, “Studio 263” grew from a cheap drama to high-quality soapie production that groomed scores of actors and actresses.
So popular was the soap that it provided fodder for the media that preyed more on the behind-the-scenes rather than the front of the camera action.
Names like Denzel Burutsa (Jabu Jari), Chipo Bizure (Eve), Tatenda Mavetera (Tendai Jari), Kizito Mawoko (Dread Welly), Charles Kapfupi (Wakanaka), Anne Nhira (Vimbai) Amanda Mugoni (Sakina), Pretty Xaba (Mai Muwengwa), Ben Mahaka (Tom Mbambo), Joe Pike (Jacob), Steven Chigorimbo (John Huni), Edgar Langeveldt (Detective Insp Green) Tinopona Katsande (Joyce Huni), Arnold Chirisa (Detective Insp Davies) and the late Nevernay Chinyanga (Muwengwa) became household names after their stints on the soap.
The soap was the first Zimbabwan production to make it on the satellite television channel Africa Magic and featured the legendary Jamaican reggae singer King Sounds in one of the episodes.
Online Reporter