Tv Stars and Producers Atwar

New TV show idea sparks controversy

- Bongani Mdakane

RAMA has erupted over claims that a popular businesswoman, who is also a TV producer and actress, was knocked off her TV concept.Move! can reveal that seasoned TV star, Sonia Mbele, worked on the TV concept of a drama series which she believed would be great content for the South African audience.

According to sources, after she had completed her project titled Lefu La Hau through her production company Sonia Mbele Films, she had a number of meetings with various TV channels to discuss business and to have the series commissioned. Her concept was loved by TV executives and they wanted to commission her drama series. When she realised that she was winning with her idea, it's alleged that Sonia approached actress Nthati Moshesh and offered her a lead role in the 13-episode production.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY THEFT?

A source reveals that Sonia had several meetings with Nthati regarding the role, as the drama series was on the verge of being commissioned by one of the major TV channels. It's alleged that after Nthati got the brief about the story, she went to inform her friends who are TV producers, Portia Gumede and Natalie Prinsloo.

“Sonia developed the script last year and worked hard to make sure that her project worked. She later held a workshop for her concept and started having meetings with TV executives, and she got a nod that her story was great,” says our source. “She was about to audition potential actors and recruit the crew when things took a wrong turn. Her idea was pitched to e.tv by Portia, Nthati and Natalie under the title, The Widows, on behalf of Ochre Media.”

LEFU LAHAU VERSUS THE WIDOWS