SOUTH AFRICA AS A GLOBAL PRODUCTION DESTINATION
The Rise and Fall of International Film and Theatre Production in South Africa
By Paul Noko
Over the past decade, South Africa has positioned itself as a premier filming destination. Cape Town, with its stunning landscapes and modern infrastructure, has hosted blockbuster productions such as Mad Max: Fury Road, The Last Face, and numerous Netflix projects. Johannesburg, with its gritty urban settings, has attracted a mix of local and international productions, while provinces such as KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo, and Mpumalanga are increasingly utilised for their unique natural environments.
This growth has brought significant economic benefits, including job creation, skills transfer, and infrastructure development. The South African government has also introduced tax incentives to encourage international filmmakers and theatre-makers, making it financially attractive to shoot films or stage productions in the country.
The Hidden Cost: Exploitation of Local Artists and Crew
Despite these gains, many South African artists, technicians, and crew members continue to experience exploitation. Long working hours, minimal pay, and limited regard for labour rights or fair compensation have become common realities on many productions.
Several factors contribute to this troubling trend.
Power Imbalances in International Productions
International productions often hold the upper hand in negotiations, leaving local artists and crew with little leverage to demand fair wages or humane working conditions. In many cases, contracts are one-sided, and workers are expected to accept terms without question.
Weak Regulation and Poor Enforcement
Although labour laws exist, enforcement remains weak—particularly in remote or less regulated regions. This lack of oversight allows exploitative practices to continue largely unchecked, especially on short-term or informal productions.
Limited Representation and Negotiation Skills
Many local artists and crew members lack union representation or adequate training in negotiation and labour rights. Without collective bargaining power or legal literacy, individuals struggle to challenge unfair treatment.
Economic Vulnerability and High Unemployment
South Africa’s high unemployment and poverty levels further compound the problem. With unemployment hovering around 30%, many workers accept substandard working conditions simply to secure income, even when those conditions are exploitative.
Why Exploitation Remains High in South Africa
South Africa’s broader economic landscape creates fertile ground for exploitation within the film and theatre industries. The informal nature of some productions, coupled with gaps in labour protection, leaves workers exposed.
Furthermore, the dominance of international companies often sidelines local creatives, reinforcing a cycle where profits are extracted from South Africa’s natural and human resources without equitable redistribution. Local talent is used, but rarely empowered or adequately rewarded.
The Regional Landscape of Film and Theatre Production
Cape Town
Cape Town remains the heart of South Africa’s film industry, attracting a steady stream of international productions. World-class facilities such as Cape Town Film Studios and a large pool of skilled artisans support the industry. However, exploitation persists beneath this success story.
Johannesburg
Known for its urban and industrial settings, Johannesburg is a hub for commercials, music videos, feature films, and theatre. While the city boasts a diverse and talented creative workforce, fair labour practices remain inconsistent, and much of the talent remains underutilised.
KwaZulu-Natal
Durban and surrounding areas are increasingly popular for productions seeking coastal or rural settings. While opportunities are expanding, workers often face the same exploitative conditions seen elsewhere in the country.
Limpopo and Mpumalanga
These provinces are emerging filming destinations due to their scenic landscapes. Theatre activity, however, remains limited. With underdeveloped infrastructure and minimal oversight, artists and crew are particularly vulnerable.
North West
Known for its mining landscapes and expansive plains, the North West province is gaining attention for productions requiring open outdoor settings. Theatre storytelling here is strong, yet exploitation continues to shadow production activity.
What Needs to Be Done
Addressing exploitation in South Africa’s film and theatre industries requires a multi-faceted approach:
• Strengthen Regulation and Enforcement
Implement and enforce labour laws specific to the creative industries, ensuring fair wages, reasonable working hours, and safe conditions.
• Unionisation and Collective Bargaining
Support the formation and strengthening of unions to empower artists and crew to negotiate fairer terms.
• Capacity Building
Provide training in negotiation, legal rights, and industry standards to equip local creatives with the tools to protect themselves.
• Equitable Revenue Sharing
Develop policies that ensure local artists and crew benefit financially from international productions through royalties, residuals, and long-term participation.
• Promote Local Content
Invest in and prioritise local storytelling to reduce dependency on international productions and retain economic value within South Africa.
• Independent Industry Oversight
Establish monitoring bodies to ensure compliance with labour standards across all provinces.
Conclusion: Towards a Fair and Sustainable Industry
South Africa’s film and theatre industries hold immense potential to lead globally, showcasing the country’s diverse landscapes, cultures, and talent. However, without confronting systemic exploitation and ensuring fair compensation for local artists and crew, this potential remains unrealised.
Sustainable growth demands collaboration between government, industry stakeholders, and civil society to build an equitable, respectful, and thriving creative ecosystem. Only then can South Africa truly harness the power of its stories—and the people who bring them to life.
ABOUT PAUL NOKO
Paul Noko is a South African theatre-maker, director, playwright, and dramaturge educated at the University of the Witwatersrand, where he obtained a Master’s degree in Applied Drama and Theatre in Education and an Honours degree in Cultural Policy and Indigenous Theatre. His work bridges community development, education, and performance, with a strong focus on authentic South African storytelling.
He is best known for his acclaimed one-hander Fruit, which received multiple nominations at the Naledi Theatre Awards and earned a Standard Bank Silver Award at the National Arts Festival. His work has toured internationally, and he is frequently invited to contribute to global webinars and playwrighting symposiums.
A former student and practitioner at the Market Theatre Laboratory, Noko has directed, written, and performed in numerous award-winning productions. He was nominated for the Fleur du Cap Theatre Awards and received the John Kani Award for excellence in community theatre directing.
Through his company, Sketch Productions, Paul continues to mentor young performers in Soweto, contributing to the growth and sustainability of community theatre in South Africa.
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