500+ film, television, digital and video gaming content producers from all over Africa will gather in Johannesburg for a three-day market and co-production forum expected to welcome 1 500+ delegates from 70 countries.

A programme combining personalised attention with online technology will aim to help entrepreneurial, Africa-trotting producers access funding and distribution opportunities for their finished content, for works in progress and for projects in development.

"DISCOP is increasingly driven by a marked preference for homegrown stories that resonate better with local audiences. Most of these shows are produced by independents, for whom it is still very difficult to access business opportunities outside of their home countries," says Patrick Zuchowicki Jucaud, DISCOP Markets founder and general manager.

He adds, "After careful consideration, we have decided to reconfigure our markets to better welcome these up-and-coming producers and creators and make their market experience more knowledgeable, more comfortable, more economical – and more rewarding."

For the first time, DISCOP Johannesburg will host an online platform for buyers to screen before, during and after the market, over 1 000+ hours of original content produced in Africa and available for immediate delivery.

An area will be set up on the exhibiting floor, with ‘on-demand’ viewing stations open to qualified buyers only. Detailed reporting will then aim to help independent producers in their follow-up efforts.

Screening fees will be built into the cost of each producers’ market badge priced at $250 per delegate.

The cost of the badge also includes personalised matchmaking assistance, full use of the ‘Meetings on Demand’ lounge, access to the ‘Next Gen’ knowledge transfer, a development and pitching programme and invitations to all social events.

150+ exhibitors representing leading international and regional television and online brands are also expected to take part in DISCOP Johannesburg 2018, alongside Africa’s key broadcasters, pay-tv operators, streaming and mobile platforms.

Online registration for DISCOP Johannesburg will start on Monday, 29 May with an early bird offer to register before Friday, 14 September at a 50% discount.

For more information, visit www.discop.com