DRAMA - AFRIKAANS AND YOUTH SKEW

Closing date 01/10/2023

PLATFORM: Showmax

GENRE: Long Running Drama

SUBGENRE: Young Adult/ Teen/ Romance, Coming-of-Age

LANGUAGE: Predominantly Afrikaans. (Must skew Afrikaans, but will allow for diversity in other languages as long as it is authentic and organic)

DURATION: 30min drama x 90 episodes

BUDGET: Dependant on concept

DEMOGRAPHIC: SHOWMAX is searching for a fresh and innovative long running Young Adult Drama series that can captivate Afrikaans audiences from all walks of life. In today's fast-paced digital age, we recognize that traditional linear platforms may not always be the most effective way to reach this demographic, and therefore, we are specifically looking for a series that appeals to younger, more diverse Afrikaans audiences who are constantly exposed to international trends and programming. This series should reflect the dynamic and evolving interests of this audience and meets them where they are and resonate with a broad range of Afrikaans cultural perspectives and engages with issues that matter to today’s younger viewers.

TARGET AUDIENCE: The primary focus for this series is to engage with two key age Afrikaans-skewed groups, 16 – 24 and 18 – 34. We're looking for a narrative that truly connect with these audiences on a personal level, addressing their desires, aspirations, and perspectives.

DETAIL: SHOWMAX seeks a compelling and engaging young adult drama series that will captivate audiences with its blend of drama, romance, and coming-of-age themes. This 90-episode series, with each episode lasting 30 minutes, should transport viewers to a world of privilege, diversity, secrets, and complex relationships, while exploring the lives of a group of young adults as they navigate the challenges of growing up in an seemingly affluent South African community. 

The series should be set in an interesting, picturesque and uniquely South African town or city and should explore the lives of a group of young people as they navigate the town or city’s lavish gated estates, schools, university, picturesque views, social problems, and tight-knit community.

Although the setting might be reminiscent of a playground for the wealthy, beneath its glamorous façade lies a web of hidden agendas, betrayals, and personal struggles.

The series should strike a balance between heartfelt emotional moments, witty dialogue, and intense dramatic turns. The tone should be vibrant, capturing the beauty and allure of the locations while delving into the complexities of the diverse characters' lives. The series should not shy away from controversial subjects like sexual, racial, social or gender issue but should address these realistically as they play out in the contemporary lives of recognisable and resonant characters within an Afrikaans-skewed South African environment. Please note that the central premise of this series should not be rooted in a story world of crime or murder but one of escapism.

Each episode of the series should present a combination of character-driven storylines and overarching plot developments. The series should skilfully blend emotional moments, humour, and cliffhangers to keep target viewers engaged and invested in the characters' journeys.

THEMES: 

SHOWMAX is keen to explore the following themes in this series:

• Coming of Age: The series should follow the characters as they transition from adolescence to adulthood, grappling with identity, ambition, and finding their place in the world.
• Family Dynamics: Explore the dynamics of both nuclear, traditional, non-traditional, and extended families, showcasing how relationships evolve and unravel in the face of secrets and challenges.
• Social Stratification: Delve into the stark contrast between the lives of the privileged elite and those on the fringes of society, highlighting the impact of wealth and status on characters' choices and relationships.
• Love and Relationships: The series should interweave a variety of romantic relationships, exploring the intricacies of first loves, forbidden romances, and the complexities of sustaining relationships in a high-pressure environment.
• Secrets and Betrayals: Uncover hidden secrets, lies, and betrayals that have the power to reshape characters' lives and test their loyalties.

REFERENCES:

• Gossip Girl (2007-2012)
• The O.C (2003-2007)
• 90210 (2008-2013)
• One Tree Hill (2003-2012)
• Dawson's Creek (1998-2003)
• The Fosters (2013-2018)
• The Secret Life of the American Teenager (2008-2013)

However, we want this series to be unique to the South African context, not a copy of international stories. We believe that our audiences are hungry for fresh, original content that celebrate their diverse Afrikaans culture and resonates with their experiences.

CHARACTERS:

To win us over, your characters must be relatable and resonate with the demographic we have stipulated. They should offer a fresh angle that pulls the audience in from the start. We want to provide our viewers with a form of escapism, with cliff-hangers and gripping storylines that will keep them on the edge of their seats, shock them and embrace their reality. It's not just about having a fantastic plot; it's about delivering an experience that our viewers will never forget.

So, if you have a brilliant idea for a new drama that meets our requirements, we want to hear from you! We invite you to pitch your ideas, and if your concept is selected, we will provide you with the resources and support needed to bring your vision to life. Our goal is to offer our Afrikaans audiences with the best viewing experience possible, and we are confident that your original content will help us achieve that goal.

THE PITCH:

When submitting your pitch, we kindly ask that you limit your proposals to 5-8 pages or slides uploaded as a PDF. As a visual representation of your series can be an effective way to communicate your vision, please consider including images or graphics to help illustrate your ideas. To ensure that we are able to thoroughly evaluate your proposal, we require that you include the following:

1. Series Synopsis (200 words): Please provide a brief overview of your series, including the concept and overall story arc.
2. Series Outline (500 words): We ask that you include a detailed outline of the series, including major plot points, character arcs, and any significant story developments, and most importantly – how it all ends and whether there is scope for further seasons.
3. Main Characters/Storylines: Please introduce your main characters and provide a brief overview of their individual storylines.
4. World of the Story: We are interested in the setting and world-building elements of your series, please provide details about the world in which your story takes place.
5. Your Team: Provide information about the key members of your team, including writers, directors, producers, and any other relevant contributors to the project.

We appreciate your interest in pitching your series to us and look forward to reviewing your proposal.