by Thinus Ferreira
MultiChoice Studios, the content sales and distribution arm of the MultiChoice Group, will be distributing a new and wider selection of African continent from the pay-TV operator to the rest of the world in 2022, including dubbing Showmax’s isiZulu telenovela The Wife into French for Canal+ distribution.
MultiChoice produces films and series in South Africa as well as across the rest of sub-Saharan Africa through its M-Net Original and Showmax Original banners for its various linear M-Net packaged channels on its DStv pay-TV service, as well as its Showmax video streaming service.
Established in 2013, MultiChoice Studios now offers roughly 65 000 hours of content in a range of different formats and genres.
“The MultiChoice Group is the largest producer of original television content on the continent and our extensive catalogue features titles that appeal to a wide range of audiences,” says Mauro Black, MultiChoice Studios director of content sales and distribution.
“All of our co-produced and commissioned titles are in high demand and in 2021 we saw incredible growth in that demand.”
“We licensed 7 times more series and movies than we did during the previous year, placing us firmly on the world stage as a leading television content provider.”
The Wife, produced by Stained Glass TV for Showmax and filmed in isiZulu, will now be dubbed into French for distribution to intercontinental and international markets through Canal+ that has steadily increased its shareholding in MultiChoice.
“The licensing of The Wife also highlights a developing trend among many buyers, who are requesting bundled packages that contain both evergreen dramas and new releases,” says Mauro Black.
“This is testament to the quality of the productions on offer and also to the fact that they meet all technical requirements for dubbing into other languages.”
Additional titles in MultiChoice’s catalogue of series include the romantic comedy-drama, Entangled, and the drama series Lioness, Reyka, and The Republic.
“As a leading and credible source of the African narrative, MultiChoice is not only showcasing and advancing filmmaking in Africa, it is also showcasing African talent on the global stage.”