Creative leadership and management in the KwaZulu-Natal film industry

Abstract

The KwaZulu-Natal film industry’s current growth and development is adding to the sustainable source of economic development and cultural identity in the province. The recent emergence of small production companies and independent producers has significantly contributed to these factors. This study explores the concept of creative leadership and management in the KwaZulu-Natal film industry in terms of a Creative Leadership mathematical equation and a Creative Leadership Competency Framework; the researcher postulated both approaches exclusively for this study. The Creative Leadership mathematical equation identifies seven key characteristics that distinguish a creative leader in the film industry from other forms of leadership. The Creative Leadership Competency Framework, in addition to this identification, explores the relationship between the four core dimensions (soft skills, innovation, film project management and iterative content generation) and the four key competencies (high-quality content, influential, entertainment and education) and their ultimate effect on creative leadership within the KwaZulu-Natal film industry. By conducting both qualitative and quantitative research, the study is approached according to the methodology of triangulation. The qualitative research approach explores the Creative Leadership mathematical equation, and the quantitative research approach explores the Creative Leadership Competency Framework. Both the equation and the framework set a theoretical and philosophical foundation for future investigation and further contribution to the body of knowledge of filmmaking in KwaZulu-Natal. The findings and recommendations summarise the equation and the Creative Leadership Competency framework postulated in the study with a further discussion on Spiritual Intelligence, aesthetics, ethics, cultural context and the KwaZulu Natal film industry.