Attention all BANDS: Do you want 50k to make a music video?

In a first for South Africa, MK, DStv's leading rock and pop music channel, is commissioning 10 high quality music videos of South African artists valued at R50k each.

Dubbed the MK Music Video Project (MK MVP), MK is inviting production companies to approach any band they believe complements MK's progressive channel strategy and to pitch on their behalf. Similarly bands and record companies who would like to put their songs and ideas forward, should approach a South African production company to do so.

Says Victor Edward Eckard, Head of Content for MK: "The South African music and production industry offers a wealth of exceptional talent. Through MK MVP we hope to further stimulate this market and bring that talent to the fore, allowing our artists and production houses to show their true colours and in so doing offer our viewers compelling content."

The following should be taken into account when pitching for MK MVP 2010:

· MK MVP pitches are only open to South African production companies.

· The music videos need to meet the R50,000 budget and need to be of a high production value. In essence the videos need to raise the standard of music videos in South Africa.

· Bands who would like to pitch their tracks must do so through a recognized music video production company who, in turn, must follow the correct format.

· Only three music video pitches are allowed per production company.

The following information must be included in the pitch:

1. The MK MVP cover page. Go to http://mktv.co.za/mvp for more info.

2. Company background and experience.

3. Show reel of previous work completed.

4. Crew list with crew experience (include CVs).

5. Music video treatment and creative with graphical and video references.

6. Complete budget breakdown of proposed music video production.

7. Artist biography, photo and press pack.

8. An MP3 version of the selected song (complete with the composer and record company / rights holder details).

Pitches will be selected based on the following criteria:

· The production company and crew experience as well as examples of previous work.

· Treatment and creative of the music video.

· Budget and production value.

· Artist / band profile and song choice (the songs will be chosen by an MK panel).

· How the music video concept complements the MK brand; how it speaks to the MK target market; and how well it fits within the Channel's look and feel.

Additional info:

· The decision for the music video commissions will rest with MK only and the decision will be final.

· The deadline for all pitches is 31 May 2010 and communication regarding the chosen ten will be received by the end of June 2010.

· The production companies chosen to create the videos must deliver the final product by 30 July 2010.

All pitches must be sent via email to victor.edward@mnet.co.za.

Desmond winners and a HUGE show

So, last week I had two pairs of tickets to give away to Desmond's MONSTER show at Assembly. The two winners each got a pair.

My first winner sent me this pic:
His email subject line read, 'I'm using my sexuality to win tickets. i even photoshopped out my tat.' - Pity he didn't photoshop out his fat.

The second winner sent this pic through.
It's a mixture of the winners' names on something that looks like playdoe, I think (and of course a play on the name Desmond & The Tutus).

Anyway, Desmond & The Tutus played one of the best Cape Town shows ever. Better the second time around rings true in more ways that one for The Tutus. The last time they played at the Assembly it wasn't amazing - the sound was poor and the crowd were not feeling them. Monday's show was also their second show of the long weekend. They played on Friday night at a charity event at the Albert Hall. The sound was very poor which was a real pity, considering the quality of the rig they hired for the event.

But Monday night was crazy. Without the online portal to purchase tickets, people queued. It's been a while since I've seen queues outside the Assembly. Anyway, the bands started early! Desmond, the headliners for the night weren't expected on before about midnight, but took the stage at 22h45. They played an energy filled (and energy sapping for that matter) sets I've had the good pleasure of witnessing. Their was even something of a tame mosh-pit in motion and loads of crowd surfing. (The next trick will be to convince Shane to take the dive.) More than that, other than their new track, everyone sang along to every song.

On the cards for the Tutus going forward are two more trips overseas - France in June and Japan in September/October (TBC). Stay tuned for more.

Winners: Their actual Names

So now that everyone in Cape Town has enjoyed the awesomeness that is KIDOFDOOM, I can safely announce the winners.

Matthew Griffiths hadn't previously seen them but had heard great things about the band.

He said this:

"I don't know kidofdoom that well. I know of them as an up and coming band and I recognise a few of their songs but I don't own any and I've never seen them live... So that's why I want to go... I'm interested and keen and who knows... you might just turn me into a fan and I might just end up doing them a music video or something."

He has clearly had a sheltered childhood. I think he is a designer or director so something.

Grethe Bredenkamp is an avid KOD fan and entered a couple of times to ensure her place at the show.

She said:

"i have seen almost every show of theirs in CT...i even went to evol (that says alot).

im afikaans,they're afrikaans."

I trust the two of you are enjoying your new CD. Have a safe weekend.