SA TV and Film relief fund worth R8.3-million opens 

A film and television relief fund worth R8.3-million has been established by Netflix in partnership with the South African Screen Federation (SASFED) and supported by the Independent Producers Organisation (IPO).

The fund aims to provide short-term financial relief to ‘below-the-line workers whose livelihoods have been negatively impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic. Many of those impacted are paid hourly wages and work on a project-to-project basis. 

Netflix has launched a Covid-19 relief fund worth R8.3-million for the SA TV and film industry

In an official statement, Tshikulu Social Investment explains the aim of the fund. 

”We created this COVID-19 Film and Television Relief Fund to provide emergency relief to crew members who are most affected by the pandemic.”

Hosted and administered by the Tshikulu Social Investment, the fund will be available to a range of workers in the industry from Assistant Directors, Sound and art departments, makeup, and hair departments, stunt department to music, and animation departments along with a range of other industry freelancers. A full list of applicants who are eligible to apply can be found here. 

Applicants who are selected will receive a one-time benefit of R15 000.

How to apply 

Eligible industry members are encouraged to apply via the online form or by posting a printed version of the application to the following address; Private Bag X125, Braamfontein, 2017. Alternatively, applicants can courier documents to 8 Hillside road, Parktown, Johannesburg, 2193.

All applications will undergo a screening process conducted by Tshikululu Social Investment with a selection of industry role players evaluating applications and choosing those eligible for the funding. 

Eligibility 

Applicants must meet the following criteria to apply: 

• Their job function must be on the supplied list online
• Applicants must be a resident in South Africa since 1 March 2018. 
• Applicants must have worked in the South African screen sector for at least two months since 1 March 2019. 
• Applicants must provide contact details of at least two contactable references along with the names of the production or productions worked on within the film and television sector. 

Applications for the relief fund close on 16 August 2020 at midnight. 

Tshikululu Social Investment explains that there may be a second round of funding applications. 

”Should there still be funds available after the first round of evaluation is completed and funds are disbursed, we will open a further window for applications – and inform members of the creative community accordingly.”

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Featured image: Jakob Owens via Unsplash