Bonolo L Madisakwane
Cosmo City
Summary
Dynamic Media Executive with nearly 20 years of extensive experience in Film and TV. I excel in Content Sales & Acquisitions, Channel Distribution, and Multi-screen Licensing, successfully forging partnerships with studios and producers across diverse territories. My expertise spans Content Licensing, Curation, Strategy, Operations, and Marketing, including effective staff management throughout multiple African territories.
As a consultant, I have been instrumental in aggregating, transcoding, cataloguing, and distributing African-inspired films and TV content globally, significantly enhancing their visibility across various genres and languages.
Since 2021, I have been privileged to serve on the Venice Film & TV Awards Jury, deepening my insight into global talent and creativity while playing a key role in recognizing excellence within our industry. Additionally, my recent appointment to the National Film and Video Foundation's Marketing and Distribution Advisory Panel in February 2024 allows me to advise on grant applications and funding allocations, underscoring my dedication to the growth of our industry.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Content Distribution Manager
Paramount
Johannesburg
08.2020 - Current
- Achieve the yearly sales revenue target set by the business.
- Established sales goals by forecasting annual sales quotas and projecting expected sales volume for existing and new products.
- Drive the expansion of existing partnerships to maximize revenue streams globally.
- Identify and assess new business opportunities, and participate in deal negotiations.
- Proactively communicate and build collaborative relationships with cross-functional teams and external partners to ensure best-in-class customer service and business practices.
- Maintain a deep understanding of the content ecosystem and digital distribution within a perpetually changing landscape.
- Collaborate with the Programme Director in acquiring new content for broadcasting and distribution.
- Provide creative input throughout the development, pre-production, and post-production stages.
- Expansion of Paramount channels and content localization across the continent.
- Develop and execute a strategic plan for Digital and Linear Business.
Business Development Director
SaniFilms
Johannesburg
03.2018 - 08.2020
- Locate and evaluate valuable content for distribution.
- Build bespoke packages for broadcasters, inflight, telcos, and online platforms worldwide.
- Build strategic partnerships with African producers, broadcasters, and online streaming companies.
- Conducted research on potential markets and identified key players within them.
- Foster and manage relationships with local and international film festivals.
- Ensure effective communication, tracking, and revenue share payments with content suppliers and distributors.
- Developed strategies for market penetration, pricing and new business opportunities.
- Created sales presentations to demonstrate the value of products and services offered.
- Analyzed customer feedback to identify areas of improvement in product offerings.
Senior Content Acquisitions Manager
iFlix
02.2017 - 03.2018
- Acquiring Film/TV content for iflix Africa in line with set strategy and budget
- Commercial negotiations with content aggregators covering multi-territory SVOD licenses
- Develop and monitor the implementation VOD acquisition strategy to ensure alignment to company mandate and policies
- Monitor and ensure effective scheduling across platform to position the organization as the leading brand amongst target audiences
- Provide strategic direction to the Senior Management Team in the implementation of Divisional strategy and goals
- Budget and Inventory Management of local African content
- Manage a strong content acquisition team across Africa
- Content Marketing, curation & localization implementation across Africa
- Evaluating and commissioning of original local productions in East Africa
- Management of content Acquisitions Managers in regional African offices
Content Operations Manager
iFlix
09.2016 - 01.2017
Content Media Consultant
MLB Holdings
Johannesburg
09.2014 - 08.2016
Head of Content Acquisitions & Marketing
Pana Television
06.2013 - 08.2014
Senior Content Sales & Marketing
MNET
01.2011 - 05.2013
Contracts, Sales & Operations Manager
MNET
11.2005 - 12.2010
Customer Liaison Representative
Multichoice
07.2000 - 10.2005
Education
Business To Business Marketing Diploma - Marketing Analysis, Export Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Strategic Marketing Communications
University of South Africa
Gauteng09-2012
Skills
- In-Depth Product Knowledge
- Client Retention Strategies
- Strategic Goal Development
- Effective Communication
- Deal Negotiation
- Proactive Self-Starter
- Business Growth Initiatives
- Client Account Management
- Effective Time Management
Projects
Venice TV Awards
Jury Member: July 2021 to date
I have been honored to serve on the Venice Film & TV Awards Jury, where I've enriched my understanding of global talent and creativity while contributing to recognizing excellence in our industry.
National Film and Video Foundation
Marketing and Distribution Advisory Panel Member : Feb 2024 - Present
Advising the Council on the merits of applications for grants received
Assessing all project documents which accompany an application according to the criteria and agreed timelines
Attending committee meetings and participate in the discussions and/or recommendations for or against funding allocations
Completing and submitting all documentation that form part of the application assessment according to the category of funding that has been applied for.
References
- Craig Patterson: SVP,General Manager at Paramount Africa - Craig.Patterson@paramount.com
- Strini Naicker: SVP at Paramount Africa - Strini.Naicker@zee.com
- Mandy Pienaar: Managing Director at iFlix Africa - Mandypienaar.africa@gmail.com
- Mayenzeke Baza: Business Development Executive at AAA Entertainment -mayenzeke@aaa-entertain.com
Languages
Setswana
First Language
English
Proficient (C2)
C2
Afrikaans
Intermediate (B1)
B1
IsiZulu
Intermediate (B1)
B1
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Content Distribution Manager
Paramount
08.2020 - Current
Business Development Director
SaniFilms
03.2018 - 08.2020
Senior Content Acquisitions Manager
iFlix
02.2017 - 03.2018
Content Operations Manager
iFlix
09.2016 - 01.2017
Content Media Consultant
MLB Holdings
09.2014 - 08.2016
Head of Content Acquisitions & Marketing
Pana Television
06.2013 - 08.2014
Senior Content Sales & Marketing
MNET
01.2011 - 05.2013
Contracts, Sales & Operations Manager
MNET
11.2005 - 12.2010
Customer Liaison Representative
Multichoice
07.2000 - 10.2005
Business To Business Marketing Diploma - Marketing Analysis, Export Marketing, Marketing Strategies, Strategic Marketing Communications
University of South Africa
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