Telkom announced on Wednesday it has chosen three talented content producers to feature on its video streaming service, TelkomONE. After the call for submissions through the #OpenUpTheIndustry competition: joint prize-winners Lisa Marie Pyanee and Gosiame Ntshole in the Comedy category; Brandon Olifant (Mobivela) and Patty Monroe (Lifestyle), will each receive a R100 000 cash injection to produce a full web-series.
Final projects are to be screened on the TelkomONE platform.
“We were looking for content producers that stood out in how they shared their stories as well as relatable, authentically South African content that moved us, made us laugh and kept us engaged and entertained. I am looking forward to seeing what these talented creators will produce for TelkomONE and I’m excited for South Africans to see it. This is a project I’m so proud of; and one that truly opens up the industry in a meaningful way,” said Wanda Mkhize, Telkom Executive: Smart Home and Content.
Brandon Olifant, who won in the Mobivela category for his production, Crazy and Homless, commented: “With Crazy and Homless we aim to bring a lot of laughter and entertainment; it will be about two crazy homless friends that worship avocados and go through different and funny obstacles to achieve their daily goals. TelkomONE really did the most on this one, giving us young creatives a platform to showcase and share our work is really applaudable.”
For joint winner in the comedy category, Gosiame Ntshole, it was his original series, Going Viral, that caught the eye of the judges. Going Viral was aimed at bringing a lighter side to an otherwise bleak topic, COVID-19 and has received a positive response online and garnered over 100 000 views on a popular social media app: “When I started doing my series I had this great vision for it. Now I have the perfect platform to expand it. I am going to up the game when it comes to what you can do with online content. My goal is simply to break the mould, the rules and pretty much the internet!”
Lisa Payne, joint winner in the comedy category and AFDA graduate in Multimedia Design, is focused on adding more experience to her already decorated CV which includes television editor, producer and videographer. Talking about her production and winning the competition she said: “The Final Line is a competition-based reality show, showcasing various upcoming comedians in the entertainment industry. You can expect a show that’s fun, energetic, full of vibrance and laughter. We aim to entertain, as well as give you something to talk about. I can’t wait for everyone to see it and I’m excited because it’s easy to have a brilliant idea, but without funding or a platform, brilliant ideas will remain just that, a brilliant idea that never sees the light of day.”
South African producer and performing artist, Patty Monroe, won in the Lifestyle category for her submission called Keeping it 100: “This is going to show people a completely new side to Patty Monroe. I am a rapper/singer songwriter that’s moving into the television industry fast and heavy! I am super excited for the next part of my journey and looking forward to exploring this opportunity that come from ‘Keeping it 100’. Viewers can expect to be directed to delicious cheap eat and cool restaurants while our cool guest unpack real and raw conversations that you don’t usually get to hear every day; really keeping it 100.”
TelkomONE is a free and subscription based, South African, tv, video and audio streaming service, offering you a choice of great local shows, compelling international programs, popular television channels and a huge selection of music to enjoy across any screen, anytime, anywhere. Choose to watch free content or subscribe to AMP; enjoy the ability to catch up, rewind, download, create playlists or hop across devices and select from day, week, weekend or monthly subscription options.
