StudioCanal, a subsidiary of French media giant Canal+, is developing a South African feature film and plans to produce more projects in the country. The move is part of the company’s broader strategy to expand its presence in Africa, with a focus on English-speaking countries.
According to Anna Marsh, CEO of StudioCanal and Deputy CEO of Canal+, the company is eyeing an increase in Africa with its 45.2% stake in local platform MultiChoice, which boasts nearly 16 million English-speaking subscribers. “There are ongoing discussions to increase our ownership in that company,” Marsh revealed in a Deadline exclusive.
Marsh was appointed CEO of StudioCanal in 2019 and has almost two decades of experience in the entertainment industry.
In the interview with Deadline, the CEO stressed that investing in local content is crucial to the group’s strategy, allowing them to tap into South Africa’s film industry. “It’s an incredible opportunity, not only for the Canal+, but also for StudioCanal when it comes to our growth and production strategy. Just being able to tap into that incredible English-speaking subscriber base really opens things up.”
South African production with StudioCanal
Marsh confirmed that the company plans to produce more projects in South Africa, including a major feature film based on a South African story. “There are plans to make many more projects in the country,” says Marsh. “The company is already in development on one massive South African story which it is making as a feature film and will announce soon.”
For Marsh and the Canal company, the ambition is to continue supporting talent and producing films that resonate with subscribers across Europe, Africa, and beyond. “We’re looking to grow with the group and make sure we are working together in the best possible way, optimizing synergies that can create event cinema and add value to the group,” she says.
Canal+ has already co-produced the TV series Spinners with MultiChoice, which StudioCanal distributed globally. StudioCanal also recently shot the revenge thriller Huntington, starring Glen Powell, Ed Harris, and Margaret Qualley, on location in South Africa, utilising local crew and taking advantage of the country’s 25% plus tax incentive. Huntington was filmed in and around Cape Town.
StudioCanal boasts an impressive film library of 9,400 titles. It includes classics such as Breathless and The African Queen, as well as popular franchises like The Avengers and Bridget Jones.
