Investment firm Talent10 Holdings, together with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), has pledged over $100 million (close to R1.9 billion) to create a new entertainment and gaming franchise in South Africa. In this initiative, Talent10 has acquired the rights to and has released an action-thriller film titled “Boy Kills World,” and has also developed a mobile and PC fighting game called “Super Dragon Punch Force 3.”
Furthermore, the company has approved the production of an eight-part animated series that delves into the backgrounds of characters from the game, thereby enriching the franchise’s content.
Talent10 highlights that gaming has emerged as a significant cultural trend in South Africa, with the local gaming and entertainment sector valued at $266 million (R5 billion). The industry boasts 26 million active gamers engaging on various platforms, with mobile phones being the most popular.
Wayne Fitzjohn, CEO of Talent10, remarks that South Africa presents an excellent cost-value proposition in terms of production expenses in US dollars, while still delivering products of high quality to consumers. Statista forecasts that the video game market in South Africa is set to generate revenue of $494.50 million by 2024.
The sector is anticipated to experience a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.37% from 2024 to 2027, culminating in a market volume of $612.10 million by the end of the period. By 2027, the number of video game users in South Africa is expected to reach 8.6 million.
The film “Boy Kills World,” which was fully funded, produced, and shot in South Africa by Nthibah Pictures, a subsidiary of Talent10, premiered at the Toronto Film Festival and garnered international acclaim, according to the investment company.
Following its successful debut, Lionsgate Films and Roadside Attractions have agreed to distribute the movie in the United States.
Wayne Fitzjohn, CEO of Talent10, sees the creation of an expanded universe around “Boy Kills World” as a strategic move to ensure the longevity of their investment and to set the stage for future projects to be financed and produced in South Africa. He notes that this significant investment has already contributed to local job creation and economic growth, reinforcing South Africa’s status as a key player in the global film industry.
Kagisho Bapela, the IDC’s sector lead for film and television finance, remarks that the IDC is tasked with investing in sectors within South Africa that demonstrate strong growth potential, which is exemplified by this film and gaming franchise. The partnership aims to bolster the local entertainment industry while promoting job creation and economic development.
“Boy Kills World,” which was released globally on April 26, features Bill Skarsgård as “Boy,” a character who is deaf and mute with a rich imagination. The movie highlights how “Boy’s” engagement with the arcade game “Super Dragon Punch Force 2” influences his mindset.
Talent10 explains that the game helps “Boy” develop an internal “voice,” driving his inclination towards violence and offering an outlet for his repressed emotions.
“Super Dragon Punch Force 2” is a fighting game developed by Talent Digital Art, Talent10’s gaming division, since 2022. Incorporating this game into the movie laid the groundwork for the ambitious mobile game “Super Dragon Punch Force 3,” which was launched at Cape Town Comic-Con on April 27, Fitzjohn reveals.
Talent10 emphasizes that the fusion of gaming and film highlights South Africa’s attractiveness as a location for international film production. The country’s varied landscapes, scenic beauty, and a pool of local talent in various creative fields have made it a favored destination for filmmakers, enhancing its reputation as a top film-making hub.
Fitzjohn asserts that South Africa is welcoming to the global film industry and anticipates that “Boy Kills World” will perform well at the box office, potentially providing a significant boost to the nation’s entertainment sector. A successful film release could draw more investment and spotlight South Africa’s film production prowess.
This could lead to more opportunities for local creatives, increased tourism, and greater international recognition of South Africa as a center for creative excellence. It may also encourage collaborations with international studios and filmmakers, further elevating South Africa’s role in the worldwide film market, Fitzjohn concludes.
