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Talent10 Holdings is setting its sights on a groundbreaking journey with the premiere of its latest film, Boy Kills World.
The company hosted a local premiere and screening for the movie in Sandton on Tuesday night, marking the beginning of what they hope will be a significant leap forward in the industry.
At a press conference preceding the screening, CEO and co-founder Wayne Fitzjohn, along with co-founder Humphrey Mathe and chairperson Sipho Nkosi, outlined their strategic vision.
They emphasised that their foray into content creation and rights acquisition aimed to unlock the nation's latent talent and contribute meaningfully to addressing unemployment in the creative sector.
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Fitzjohn expressed the company's motivation, stating:
The CEO highlighted their transition into intellectual property (IP) as a pivotal move.
"We understood that job creation hinges on innovation and the establishment of new sectors. Our entry into the IP realm reflects our confidence in South Africa's creative potential," Fitzjohn explained.
He noted that South Africans excel in ideation, evident from the success of many expatriates in various global industries.
Leveraging this strength, Talent10 Holdings pivoted towards content creation after divesting a majority stake in their IoT, IoT.nxt, venture to Vodacom.
"Content consumption is soaring, yet local content ownership remains limited," Fitzjohn said. He said:
Amidst the pandemic, Talent10 Holdings expanded into the gaming sector. Partnering with the Industrial Development Corporation (IDC), they made a $100m investment in entertainment and gaming, culminating in the release of Boy Kills World and the development of Super Dragon Punch Force 3.
Boy Kills World, funded and produced entirely in South Africa under Nthibah Pictures, a Talent10 Holdings subsidiary, debuted at the Toronto Film Festival and secured distribution deals with Lionsgate Films and Roadside Attractions in the US, signalling global recognition.
"We're not just creating a movie; we're building an expansive universe around it," Fitzjohn stated.
"Our investment extends beyond immediate returns, aiming for sustained growth and job creation within our industry."
Despite a modest box office start, Boy Kills World has laid the foundation for sequels and spin-offs, echoing successful franchise models like John Wick.
Plans for an animated series and further game developments are underway, illustrating Talent10 Holdings' long-term strategy.
Nkosi emphasised the project's viability, drawing on business principles. "This venture aligns with fundamental business tenets—identifying market opportunities, competing globally, and fostering growth," Nkosi affirmed.
