One of the biggest production companies in South Africa, Clive Morris Productions, will no longer produce Showmax’s action-packed drama series, Empini.
According to ZiMoja, the production house – which has produced the South African Music Awards, Isono and other shows – has had financial issues.
‘EMPINI’ TO SHOOT UNDER ANOTHER PRODUCTION COMPANY
A source told the publication that the company’s financial issues aterted earlier this year, with actors and crew members not getting their salaries on time.
The source also alleged that it was not only the Empini actors and crew who were affected, as other shows produced by Clive Morris Productions – The Estate and Queendom –
Although the Empini actors were eventually paid, the monetary issues persisted. The source alleged that the actors were again not paid last month.
“They have lost the production. It will be taken over by another production. This is after long meetings and actors complaining,” the source told the insider.
“Everyone did their part except for the production. They were hoping to get money but did not manage to do it on time,” the source added.
SHOWMAX CONFIRMS CHANGES
Showmax confirmed to IOL that a new production house is in the process of being appointed.
“Empini is one of Showmax’s most-watched series at the moment. We place a high value on the welfare of cast and crew in all our productions.
“To ensure the continuation of Empini, especially given its huge popularity with our subscribers, a new production house is in the process of being appointed. We can confirm that all cast and crew have been paid,” the giant streaming platform said.
ABOUT ‘EMPINI’ AND THE CAST
Empini is a 52-episode drama set in the dangerous world of private security.
The show stars multi-award winner Nambitha Ben-Mazwi and three-time SAFTA winner Siyabonga Thwala.
Ben-Mazwi plays the character of Ndoni Themba, a deeply troubled private security bodyguard in search of answers. While Thwala portrays her mentor, Khaya Bhodoza, who is a prominent businessman and political stalwart.
Empini’s all-star cast also includes industry legend Owen Sejake (Tsotsi, Beat the Drum) as General Moeti, SAFTA winner Charmaine Mtinta (Yizo Yizo, How To Ruin Christmas, Isono, and Makoti) as Dorah Themba, and SAFTA and Africa Movie Academy Award nominee Neo Ntlatleng (Zone 14, Soul City) as Ghathuso Moeti, not to mention the likes of Sparky Xulu, Simphiwe Nkabinde, Kabelo Thai, Amahle Khumalo, Joseph Sedibo, Terrence Ngwila and Ernest Ndlovu.
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