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Corona: Digital pay-per-view media channel PlatformZA launched

PlatformZA is a new just-launched digital pay-per-view media channel which was germinated during the first COVID-19 lockdown in South Africa. A small subscription fee covers an amount of free content and the pay-per-view price varies for other material. It is a new concept for South Africa and the brainchild of Christiaan Ballot from technical supplier Blond Productions and production manager Pieter-Jan “Kappie” Kapp from PJK Project Management.

PlatformZA started with a series of Zoom chats between connected industry people and influencers, during which, explains Ballot, “it became very apparent that there was the need for a mechanism other than streaming to which artists and producers could bring their content.”

He and Kapp then hatched a plan. With the whole industry being affected, they wanted to proactively offer artists like comedians, singer-songwriters and bands plus other performers and presenters working in all genres of visual entertainment - from vlogs to games shows to cooking demos - “the chance to produce high-quality new material cost-effectively with full and professional technical production facilities and crew”, states Ballot, in addition to be able to host content that is made elsewhere.

To facilitate the former, they have transformed the Blond Productions warehouse in Midrand near Pretoria into a pop-up recording studio, and to stimulate the latter Ballot and Kapp energised their client and contacts base. With a large inventory of Robe moving lights in stock, the studios feature plenty of Robe products on the lighting rig.

The studio’s goal is to be as adaptable and widely accessible for those wanting to use it. Flexible staging and a lighting design by Ryan Lombard - with 12 Robe Esprites providing all the front and key lighting - are included in the package together with audio, LED screens and video/media servers. The six-camera system and PPU is supplied by Alfacam SA.

Additional Robe lighting includes LEDWash 300s for back washes, 12 x MiniPointes for beams and effects and 24 x LEDBeam 100s for side light. Other specials can be added as required. In addition to the studio shoots, the house team also works on location.

The studio has also been used for streaming since it was set up, but now with the added flexibility of pay-per-view access via PlatformZA, Ballot and Kapp feel that artists, creatives and producers working in multiple different sectors have much more scope to reach wider audiences.

There are currently four categories of content - music, stage, sitcom & comedy and lifestyle. Already, Platform ZA has over 2500 minutes of material available - a mix of footage produced in house and elsewhere, all of which will be available on the platform for periods of up to three months and sometimes longer.

Creating Platform ZA and recording the initial ‘house’ produced shows has provided work for over 200 technicians, camera operators, artists, etc.. The platform is designed to work on a revenue share basis, so everyone involved can benefit from more people viewing and enjoying the content.

(Photos: Blond Productions)

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