South Africa’s cost-effective production rates, exceptional creative talent and unbeatably diverse filming locations have made it a top choice for production companies around the globe
At first glance the dystopian tech horror Black Mirror, the 2022 film The Woman King, and the feel-good Netflix teen Rom-Com The Kissing Booth don’t appear to have much in common. They’re so generically distant that one might not guess their commonality at all. Unless viewers recognize the incredible backdrops of cityscapes, rolling hills and tropical shores – all belonging to various regions across South Africa.
South Africa’s cost-effective production rates, exceptional creative talent and unbeatably diverse filming locations have made it a top choice for production companies around the globe.
The country has already seen blockbuster hits like The Avengers: Age of Ultron and Invictus play out on its streets and in its stadiums. But, apart from a flurry of international films, South Africa already has a well-established film industry.
According to a recent report, South Africa generates approximately $600-750m – with $220m coming from from foreign film production.
Filming in SA
Commercial production remains a strong component of the South African industry.
Global clients including BMW, Porsche, Smirnoff and Mars are attracted to the value and technical capacity and dependably sunny climate year-round.
While the country’s diverse, natural locations are often home to international film sets, most of the prominent South African players in the film industry are located in the key cities of Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town, with the latter being a particularly popular choice.
Although South Africa’s film industry has long been a popular choice for those in the know, a recent boom in international attention has further highlighted its benefits on the world stage.
Unbeatable settings, state-of the art facilities, and cost-effective production are just a few of the benefits on offer. As the South African film industry continues to grow, don’t be surprised if you spot a few famous faces on the streets of SA’s big cities.