Lufuno Lefowa worked as a Commissioning Editor for MultiChoice for three years and has recently been appointed as a Senior Manager of Scripted Content across several local channels. Lefowa hit titles include DiepCity, Mzali Wam, The Station, Abomama, and Umkhokha: The Curse. In her new role, she will be responsible for all telenovelas on MultiChoice channels Mzansi Magic, 1Magic, Mzansi Wethu and the VOD service Showmax.
1. What is the best thing about being a scripted content CE?
You have the greatest influence in how people perceive the world in terms of their lives, social and economic standing because of the intention that your editorial narrative drives.
2. What kind of content does your audience love the most?
Content that is current, relevant, and authentic but most of all, entertaining content that’s not judgemental.
3. When you read a script, what excites you when you’re considering a commission?
If the idea is resonant, has a unique selling point, in that it has not been explored by either MultiChoice, SABC or even eTV.
4. Which script immediately caught your attention and why?
Umkhokha: The Curse, the ‘myth’ that if a person dies by suicide their body needs to be lashed as a sign to get rid of the evil spirit, which if not done, then the entire bloodline will be cursed and will die by suicide. It was fresh and I knew the audience will love it [because] it also plays in the church space inspired by the Shembe and audience have not seen that on TV before and I knew the music needs to be on point to capture the audience.
5. Hypothetically, if you could go back and change anything about a show you have worked on, what would it be?
The writing team and the timeline. To produce a good drama, ideally one needs at least six to eight months of script development and often … we do not have the luxury of time.
6. What is the most important thing about having a commissioning editor involved in a production?
A commissioning editor is responsible to ensure the company’s content strategy is realised as every project commissioned is to serve a certain strategic goal. For example, Komkhulu which is part of the scripted strategy to commission content in other SA official languages, and it’s in Isindebele and set and shot in Mpumalanga.
7. What would you say is the most important skill a commissioning editor should have? Good eye for great ideas, strong story editorial skills, risk and financial management and stakeholder relationship management.
8. What advice do you have for anyone thinking about going in your direction?
Study television and film and watch lots of television and films both international and local.
9. What would you say makes the South African content landscape unique and how does that influence what you do?
SA is a diverse country rich in culture and languages and there is always a story to tell that is uniquely South African.
10. What exciting projects can audiences be on the lookout for in the near future? Entangled, Accused #1, GenZ and other new ones still in research and development.
