The local film and television industry has been hit hard by the pandemic, which is why we were pleased to hear about Netflix‘s new live-action One Piece project, which is currently filming in Cape Town.

The live-action series, currently named Project Panda for some reason, came to our attention following an official announcement from the office of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be visiting the production today (17th March).

“The visit by the President allows Netflix, as the world’s leading global streaming service, and its local partners Film Afrika to showcase the Project Panda production and its contribution to South Africa’s creative industry,” the Presidency’s statement explained.

“The visit follows the announcement by Netflix six months ago of funding that will go towards film & television scholarships and canceling student debts, and will support the Independent Black Filmmakers Collective,” it adds.

What is also of interest to us is what the live-action One Piece project will mean for the local film and television industry. To that end, it should see the gainful employment of local talent.

“One Piece is Netflix’s biggest production project in Africa to date – both in terms of scale and budget, covering South African labour, infrastructure and suppliers,” the statement highlights.

It adds that the production, “involves more than 50 South African cast members; more than 1 000 crew member jobs (consisting of 67% previously disadvantaged individuals and 46% youth employees), as well an Academy of Creative Excellence (ACE) mentorship programme for more than 30 young creatives and technicians in collaboration with the SA Film Academy during 2022.”

While it is always great to see highly anticipated projects feature some sort of South Africa connection or influence, the big news here is the boost it will mean for an ailing film industry.

Hopefully it means more Netflix projects are destined for our shores in coming years, provided this live-action One Piece does not falter in the same way that Cowboy Bebop did.

For now no release date has been mentioned, but we will definitely be keeping an eye on production given its local ties and the fact that One Piece is one of the most popular manga/anime properties out there.