Objectives

The primary objectives of the tender are to appoint a qualified service provider to fully conceptualise, manage, and implement the annual Simon ‘Mabhunu’ Sabela KwaZulu-Natal Film and Television Awards. The awards aim to:

• Acknowledge and reward excellence in film and television, with a focus on KwaZulu-Natal’s industry and talent.
• Position KwaZulu-Natal as a premier film destination through promotion of local content, locations, and stories.

Scope

The scope of work includes:

• Developing the event theme and concept annually.
• Managing judges’ payments and organising the judging process across three panels.
• Organising the Nominee Announcement Ceremony at least a month prior to the main awards.
• Creating and executing marketing, PR, and communication plans.
• Producing content for digital and mainstream media platforms.
• Talent and guest management, including nominees, winners, VIPs, and protocol.
• Managing live event production, including staging, AV, lighting, and rigging.
• Overseeing live streaming and social media coverage.
• Engaging 31 bursary students as interns during the event setup and execution.
• Organising an industry development masterclass for bursary beneficiaries.
• Arranging a winners’ luncheon and supporting enterprise development of emerging event companies.
• Securing a broadcaster for the awards show broadcast.

Technical Requirements

The technical scope encompasses:

• Design and conceptualisation of the event theme.
• Judging process management with secure digital platforms and backup storage.
• Production of the awards show, including stage design, AV equipment, lighting, sound, and rigging.
• Live streaming capabilities across social media platforms.
• Provision of equipment such as cameras, projection screens, LED displays, and sound systems.
• Security and risk management plans, including venue safety, crowd control, and emergency procedures.
• Post-event deliverables including raw footage, edited broadcast material, and comprehensive reports.

Skills Requirements

The successful bidder must demonstrate:

• At least 10 years’ experience in event management and production of televised awards ceremonies.
• Proven ability to conceptualise and execute large-scale, high-profile events with live broadcast components.
• Experience in managing judging panels, adjudication processes, and digital entry systems.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to develop detailed work plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Expertise in marketing, PR, and digital content development.
• Capability to manage talent, VIPs, and guest relations professionally.
• Technical proficiency in AV production, live streaming, and event infrastructure.
• Experience in stakeholder engagement, including securing broadcasters and sponsors.
• Ability to develop and implement enterprise and supplier development initiatives.