In the ever-evolving landscape of African television, the abrupt halt in production of Paramount Africa’s Queendom has sent shockwaves through the industry. Produced by Clive Morris Productions, this telenovela has fallen victim to the financial difficulties that have plagued the production company in recent years, leaving cast and crew unpaid for months on end.
Earlier this year, the cast and crew of the new Empini telenovela for MultiChoice’s Showmax streamer and Paramount Africa’s Queendom telenovela for the BET channel, also experienced delayed payments from the production company. While Natalie Mdladla, Paramount senior director of communications, confirmed that the Queendom cast and crew were eventually paid, the payments were made late, and April 2023 marked the last time they received their due compensation.
According to insiders, the cast and crew continued working during May, expecting payment at the end of the month. When that didn’t happen, the collective decision was made not to report for work from June 3rd, leading to the abrupt cessation of production.
Clive Morris Productions attempted to appease the situation by sending letters to the cast and crew, promising payments that never materialized. The production company acknowledged the cast and crew’s anger, stating that they were “not sitting on the money and deciding not to pay people” but were instead “actively working non-stop to get the funding to pay everyone.”
The Queendom cast member’s response to Clive Morris Productions’ offer of “a little breathing room” highlights the gravity of the situation. As they stated, “Unfortunately, a little breathing room isn’t accepted as rent or as car payments.”
The collapse of Queendom serves as a cautionary tale for the African television industry. It underscores the importance of financial stability and responsible management within production companies, as well as the need for stronger safeguards to protect the livelihoods of the cast and crew.
As the industry continues to evolve, it is crucial that producers, broadcasters, and regulatory bodies work together to ensure that productions are financially viable and that the rights and well-being of the creative talent are prioritized. The Queendom saga is a stark reminder that the consequences of financial mismanagement can be far-reaching, affecting not only the show’s future but the lives of the individuals who pour their passion and dedication into bringing these stories to life.