South Africa’s Known Associates, the parent company of Known Associates Entertainment (KAE) and Moonlighting Films, is venturing into unscripted programming, according to Variety. The company has acquired a 60% stake in Zero Gravity, a production outfit founded by former Endemol Shine Africa and Trace Studios CEO Sivan Pillay. Known Associates will collaborate with Primedia, a South African media giant, to relaunch multiple high-end unscripted formats.
A Natural Progression
Joel Phiri, the Chairperson of Known Associates, expressed excitement about the expansion, calling it a natural progression for the company. Known Associates aims to leverage its production expertise, particularly after acquiring Moonlighting in 2022, to strengthen its position in the industry. The company plans to capitalize on its servicing facilities and grow its unscripted division.
Exciting New Projects
Known Associates recently announced “Bafana the Boys,” a six-episode documentary series about South Africa’s 1996 African championship-winning soccer team. The series, helmed by filmmaker John Barker, will follow a “Last Dance”-style format. Additionally, Known Associates has other unscripted titles in the pipeline, such as “Gospel Superstar,” a talent competition similar to “Idols,” and “Lebo M Is Home,” a reality series that delves into the life of South African producer and composer Lebo M.
A Partnership for Success
Sivan Pillay, the founder of Zero Gravity, emphasized the synergy between Known Associates, Zero Gravity, and Primedia. The three entities aim to establish an ecosystem that fosters the development of high-quality content, both scripted and unscripted. Their ultimate goal is to produce African content that not only resonates with local audiences but also captivates international viewers.
A Trail of Success
Known Associates has been making strategic moves in recent years. In 2022, the company acquired Moonlighting Films, known for its exceptional production services, and closed a multi-picture licensing agreement with Amazon Prime Video. The agreement grants the streaming service exclusive access to over 20 South African feature films. The expansion of Known Associates reflects its commitment to showcasing the talent and potential of African content on a global scale.
Stay tuned for more exciting developments from Known Associates Entertainment!