The National Film and Video Foundation (NFVF), an agency of the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, established in terms of the NFVF Act, 73 of 1997, invites nominations of suitably qualified and experienced individuals to serve on its Advisory Panel for Production & Development.
The NFVF is mandated to promote and ensure the equitable growth and development of the South African film, television, and audio-visual industry.
Advisory Panel members fulfil a statutory role in advising the NFVF Council and Management on the adjudication of grant funding applications and on matters relating to film, television, electronic media, animation, documentary, training, and related sectors.
Appointed members will serve for a maximum term of two (2) years. A cooling-off period of two (2) years will apply before an individual becomes eligible for reappointment.
ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Advisory Panel Members will:
- Evaluate and make recommendations on funding applications for Production and Development projects.
- Assess the creative merit, financial viability, and overall feasibility of proposed projects.
- Provide informed and independent advice to the NFVF Council and Management.
- Uphold principles of fairness, transparency, and accountability in funding deliberations.
- Declare and appropriately manage any actual or perceived conflicts of interest.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding applications and panel deliberations.
- Participate in scheduled meetings and complete evaluations within prescribed timeframes.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
Nominees must demonstrate substantial expertise and a proven track record in the film, television, audio-visual, and/or electronic media sectors.
Applicants must meet at least one of the following:
- A Film/Television qualification with a minimum of five (5) years’ professional experience in a producing, directing, commissioning, development, or equivalent leadership role; OR
- A minimum of ten (10) years’ demonstrable professional experience in film, television, documentary, animation, or series production in a senior or leadership capacity.
- Leadership roles may include, but are not limited to: Producer, Executive Producer, Line Producer, Showrunner, Head of Development, Commissioning Editor, Distributor, Sales Agent, or equivalent.
- Nominees must demonstrate an in-depth understanding of development and/or production processes, and the ability to evaluate project feasibility within a public funding context.
REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Nominees should demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of story development, narrative structure, and audience positioning.
- Ability to assess production budgets and financing plans for realism and sustainability.
- Familiarity with industry funding frameworks, broadcaster or streaming commissioning processes, and production workflows.
- High ethical standards and a commitment to sound governance practices.
- Sensitivity to transformation, diversity, and equitable industry development.
NOMINATION AND APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
Nominations must include:
- A letter of nomination clearly outlining the nominee’s expertise and suitability.
- A signed letter from the nominee indicating willingness to serve for the full two-year term.
- A current Curriculum Vitae, including relevant project experience and roles performed.
- A Structured Motivation Statement (maximum two (2) pages) responding to the questions below:
- Explain why you are the most suitable candidate to serve on the panel and indicate whether your skills are best suited to evaluate fiction, animation, or non-fiction content.
- Describe your approach to evaluating both the creative and financial viability of a project.
- What risks should a public fund consider before allocating production funding?
- Contact details of at least two (2) professional references.
- Certified copy of ID (certified within the last 6 months).
Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.
SUBMISSION DETAILS
Applications must be submitted via email to:
applications@nfvf.co.za
Opening Date: 6 February 2026
Closing Date: 4 March 2026 at 17h00
Late applications will not be considered and no exceptions will be made.