Episode 4: SAVANNA NEWCOMER SHOWCASE

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE SAVANNA CCA In 2011, John Vlismas and Taffia Keight met at a quiet coffee shop and pored over a very bad sketch of a design concept on a paper serviette. The vision was to create an awards ceremony unlike any other, for the burgeoning stand-up comedy talent in South Africa. The awards should run on an honor system, and be made by professionals to their peers and self-governing in terms of integrity. Vlismas had been working on the idea for a decade, but needed the involvement of a meticulous Keight in terms of logistics in order to create a brand package around the concept. The result was a sponsored premium variety show, world-class Waldo statuettes and buy-in from a staggering 96% of the known local comedy industry. In 2015, The Annual South African Savanna Comics’ Choice Awards® (#SavannaCCA) celebrated it’s 5th birthday in style, having grown its footprint from one main event to three around Gauteng and an audited media value in excess of R50m. 2016 sees a further growth to nine branded events, with prime television real estate awarded throughout the calendar to partner Vuzu TV’s rapidly expanding channel. The Savanna CCA’s will also celebrate its largest number of winners in 2016 as there will be ten categories. 2017: In keeping with a celebration of the breaking down of comedy borders and amplifying the work of some comedians this year to redefine a law that could spell jail for local comics, the theme for this year’s Awards is “The Freedom of Funny”. This theme talks to the universal, borderless and inclusive nature of comedy. We are also thrilled to announce that in the spirit of re-invention, and never becoming comfortable, nor formulaic – the main show will be hosted by long-time supporter of quality SA comedy, The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City. The guest director of this year’s extravaganza will be announced in due course. [2011] The 1st Annual South African Comics’ Choice Awards® “Serious About Funny” To find out more about the event click here or watch the first episode here or to watch the second episode click here or even the third episode.