Meet the Producer Aiming to Make Africa’s A24 with Netflix’s New Series ‘GO!’

by

South African production company, Ten30 Pictures by Kutlwano Ditsele, plans to create a lineup of new projects as they build upon the success of their Netflix original series “GO!”, set for global release on March 21.

In conversation with EbMaster in Johannesburg, who will be hosting the show’s debut on March 16, Ditsele expressed that this is merely the initial stride for his fledgling production company. He emphasized his ambition to transform Ten30 into the African equivalent of A24.

The key aspect is establishing a unique identity that sets our narratives apart from what’s currently available,” he noted. “Our focus now shifts to expanding and searching across the nation for filmmakers who create intriguing content and possess a distinctive style.

Title character Thandolwethu Zondi portrays Siya “Bolt” Gumede, a promising young sprinter granted a transformative scholarship to an esteemed Johannesburg school. However, he soon realizes that while attaining success on the track may be feasible, it’s another matter entirely to escape one’s past. This compelling six-part series is the brainchild of creators Ditsele and lead writer Thuli Zuma, who have previously worked on the successful Showmax original “The Wife.” The show is skillfully directed by Tristan Holmes, winner of an Academy Award in 2006 for his short film “Elalini.

The show signals the seasoned producer’s comeback to television following a short break, as Ditsele, known for successful MultiChoice dramas such as “Gomora” and “The Herd”, underscores his commitment to finding a way to tailor the industry to suit his needs.

In his previous career, he spent much of his time at a well-known Johannesburg studio called Bomb Shelter, but due to South Africa’s tough economic conditions, the commissioning model he was using has become more and more difficult. Instead, Ditsele began questioning: “What can I do to change what I offer and take control of it myself?

In order to make it happen, Ditsele opted for securing investment from private parties instead of signing pre-licensing deals with TV networks or streaming platforms that might take away ownership and creative freedom. With the series “GO!”, he established a budget of $1 million for six episodes, which was intended to provide a substantial return if a platform like Netflix expressed interest. Indeed, this happened when Ditsele claims that the former head of content in Africa from Netflix contacted him directly, stating: “Do not talk to anyone else. We want this show.

Just as crucial, Ditsele was confident he could present his proposed budget to investors in the banking and mining industries whose typical investments exceed tens of millions – even billions – of South African Rand. He explained, “The budget amount I’m discussing isn’t inherently intimidating to them.

After successfully selling “GO!” to Netflix during the initial stage of his extensive venture, Ditsele and his backers are currently aiming for a $13.7 million (250 million rand) investment round. This funding would significantly expand the scale of Ten30’s business operations.

The company’s lineup features two captivating series: “Clinical,” a medical drama centered around six young interns as they grapple with personal and professional challenges within South Africa’s elite public hospital; and “Imbali ne iNkabi,” an enthralling road drama that tells the tale of a contract killer on a mission to eliminate his childhood sweetheart, but finds himself ensnared in stories of love, salvation, and endurance. Meanwhile, a second season for “GO!” is currently underway.

In developing the lineup at Ten30, aiming to amass a collection of 30 films over the next decade, Ditsele seeks filmmakers ready for adventure. He encourages them by saying: “I’d appreciate it if you could share with me all the ideas that other networks have turned down first.

As a champion, I find myself deeply inspired by one of America’s pioneering independent retailers, A24. This unique model gives a platform to creative ideas that might otherwise be overlooked by others. By providing a space for such innovative voices, we are able to discover stories that captivate and challenge us in ways we wouldn’t have imagined otherwise.

The individual identified as Ditsele, managed by Talitha Watkins who’s associated with the founding team of ColorCreative along with Issa Rae and Deniese Davis, is not confining his creative endeavors to South Africa. At present, he is involved in a significant project with an American studio, collaborating with Zuma, a fellow co-creator of “GO!”.

Working within the Hollywood industry, as he put it, provides him an opportunity to conceive and produce on a scale far greater than what he can achieve in his hometown. Essentially, this enables him to undertake something much larger, more universally impactful. Additionally, being part of this system often includes access to significant American financial resources.

Currently, according to Ditsele, Ten30 occupies a modest area that enables networks to interact with us in an intriguing manner. In his opinion, ‘GO!’ serves as a perfect illustration of this. He further stated, “We are confident that we can produce exceptional work. We’re willing to take the risk.”

Or more concisely:

Ditsele mentioned that Ten30 is in a small space where networks can interact with us interestingly. Using ‘GO!’ as an example, he said, “We’re confident and ready to take risks to create great work.

The Joburg Film Festival runs March 11 – 16.

Read More

2025-03-15 14:17