Showmax Kenya - Original Documentary

Closing date 30/11/2024

Showmax is a streaming service that offers a variety of award-winning TV shows, movies, Showmax Originals, kids shows & Sport. We continuously strive to grow the film and TV industry by developing talent in front of, and behind the camera, and propel the launch of local and international careers.

What are we looking for?

Showmax is inviting Docu-series proposals from Kenyan producers. 

We are looking for 7 episodes of 45 - 60 mins per episode.

BRIEF TITLE: Documentary Series

PLATTFORM: Showmax Kenya

GENRE: Documentary

TARGET AUDIENCE: 18 – 50 years male and female

SERIES: 7 Eps x 45- 60 min

LANGUAGE: Swahili, English & Vernacular where applicable

Editorial Guide:

The concept must be original and highly captivating. 

• Appeal to a broad audience 

• Must be locally/regionally relevant about current issues/stories/cases/events.

• Themes/Personalities must be clearly indicated for us to understand the purpose of your show.

• Episodic stories can be independent or one central theme or story to the show.

• Research tools to be indicated.

• Must be compact concept that can be executed 6-9 months between Research, Development & Production.

Proposal Requirements:

• Logline – what is the Show about in one sentence.

• 500 words synopsis (key plot points are highlighted from the beginning to the end of the story – could be episodic breakdown) 

• Character bios of key cast: Who are your characters? What makes their story stand out? What makes them who they are & relevant? 

• World View of the Story; Locations and Settings of the docu-series.

• Overall Plotline & Themes: What are the themes and why are they important?

• Docu-Series Look-book and Mood-board: References/ Picture collage that gives us a glimpse on how the docu-series will look like in terms of cinematography and production design, mood, and tone. 

• Tentative Production Schedule: Timelines from Development to Postproduction to Final Delivery.

• Full Budget: All Production Lines should be itemized and a Cost Per Minute included.

• Currency:  Must be Kenyan Shillings

• Team & Contacts: Who is the team behind the project? What have you done previously? Please include a company profile (Please highlight experience of the team)

• Business Case: What is the importance of this story? What distinguishes it from anything previously seen?

• Show reel: Of previous content produced (please include dates and broadcasting stations).  

• References: Please provide a list of previous clients. (Minimum of 2 clients)

• Attach the following compliance documents with your presentation:

o A Valid Business License.

o Certified Copy of KRA/ Company certificate for business. 

o Certified Copy of KRA certificate for Executive/Lead Producer.

o A certified copy of the Executive/Lead producer’s passport/national ID/driver’s license.

o Certified copy of a Valid Tax Clearance Certificate.

o Certified copy of Clearance Certificate from Country’s Copyright Society 

o Certified copy of Film Registration Certificate from Kenya Film Board. 

Submission process

All the requirements must be uploaded in one power point presentation deck which has a maximum of 15 slides.

Please note that submissions emailed or dropped at our office will NOT be accepted.

Technical and editorial standards required by Showmax will be set out in the production agreement.

Showmax will have the final editorial and creative control over all aspects of Commissioned Programming.

N.B: Failure to submit any of the above documents will lead to disqualification

The Evaluation/Selection Process

• Receipt of proposals will be acknowledged by portal notification.

• Proposals will be evaluated by a panel of Evaluators selected by Showmax Management.

• If successful, shortlisted proposals will be invited through email for a pitching session 

Our selection process will take approximately 8 weeks. 

If you don’t hear from us within 90 days after submissions deadline, consider your application unsuccessful.

Deadline for Submissions: 30th November 2024.