admin
Auxilia Katongomara Entertainment Reporter
THE Zimbabwe Broadcasting Corporation Television (ZBCtv) has become a bore to its viewers as it lacks quality and interesting programming suitable for family viewership during prime time.Prime time viewing is between 6PM and 9PM everyday and viewers expect to watch quality programmes, particularly soapies and dramas that tell the day-to-day stories — especially after a long day at work or school.
However, a look at the present season’s viewing shows there is a lack of new homegrown dramas and soapies during prime time on ZBCtv.
Quizzed on what had led to the disappearance of local productions, ZBC public relations officer, Gladman Bandama said the scarcity of local productions had negatively affected their programming.
“There is scarcity of productions on the market, the independent producers are also struggling to get sponsorship for films,” said Bandama.
He said ZBC was heavily affected by the lack of funds in the past years and as a result it had become difficult to produce or buy products from independent producers.
“In the past year, our finances were not so good, but this year, we are certainly going forward. In the past few months, we have been training our staff on productions and upgrading their skills so that we can produce our own dramas and films.
“We are also looking at creating partnerships with independent producers so that we have more local productions,” he said.
In the past years, ZBCtv has seen a plethora of dramas from different parts of the country. Productions such as Kukhulwa Kokuphela, Gringo, Estate Blues, Studio 263, Amakorokoza, Small House Saga and Guluva were some of the popular products which were screened on the national broadcaster.
The national broadcaster is lagging behind regional counterparts such as SABC, Swazi TV and Muvi TV in terms of packaging local productions for its viewers.
Meanwhile, Studio 263 producer Joe Mawuru says the soapie is sourcing funds for the production. He said the Studio 263 storyline would move from the old cast to a new one.
“We have initial funding for the actors and are now looking for funding for the production. The deadline for us to start shooting the soapie is May 1,” said Mawuru.
He said actresses such as Tinopona Katsande and Chipo Bizure were on board, while the character of Vimbai Jari was still vacant.
“From the final audition we will choose between Annie Nhira and Charlotte Matsetsema for Vimbai’s character. This time, we want partnerships rather than looking for people who will give us money and we pay back later,” said Mawuru.
Online Reporter