eMedia Film Studio: Behind the Scenes of Netflix’s Hit TV Show, One Piece

eMedia’s Cape Town Film Studios (CTFS) played a pivotal role in producing Netflix’s hit TV show, One Piece, showcasing the studio’s world-class facilities and the collaboration between international teams. The live-action adaptation of the Japanese manga became a global sensation, highlighting South Africa’s burgeoning film industry.

eMedia, the parent company of South Africa’s leading television brands like E-tv and Openview, also owns Cape Town Film Studios (CTFS), a premier film production facility located in Faure, Cape Town. CTFS has garnered international acclaim for its role in major film productions, including the live-action adaptation of Netflix’s hit TV show, One Piece.

Over the past decade, CTFS has been the go-to destination for major long-form film productions, boasting an impressive portfolio of credits that includes Black Sails, Brothers Grimsby, Long Walk to Freedom, Mad Max: Fury Road, Tomb Raider, and Outlander, among others. The studio’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, spread across a two-square-kilometre piece of land, has positioned it as a leading facility in the global film industry.

CTFS offers 8,745m² of soundproof stages housed in five buildings and three workshops, providing filmmakers with versatile spaces for creativity. The studio’s unique sets, including three ships and additional backlot sets, offer a diverse range of filming options, from multi-themed worlds to historical settings.

In addition to its physical infrastructure, CTFS boasts a dedicated data centre housing its ICT infrastructure, ensuring seamless operations throughout the production process. The studio’s gigabit-per-second fibre network facilitates efficient communication and collaboration among teams.

One Piece, the live-action remake of the iconic Japanese manga created by Eiichiro Oda, stands out as one of CTFS’s most notable productions. The show’s success can be attributed to Oda’s deep involvement in the production process, as well as the collaborative efforts of international teams from the US and Japan.

Netflix executives highlighted the close collaboration between the US and Japanese teams, with Oda overseeing the cast and characters to ensure fidelity to the original source material. The decision to produce the show in English underscored its global appeal and accessibility to a broader audience.

The first season of One Piece, released in September 2023, quickly became a sensation on Netflix, topping charts and captivating audiences worldwide. The show’s success was not only a testament to its compelling storytelling but also to the contributions of South African talent throughout the production process.

Netflix’s investment in One Piece extended beyond creative endeavors, with over $48.7 million allocated to local suppliers in South Africa. The production generated significant employment opportunities, creating 1,000 full-time equivalent jobs, with 27% being women. South African actors, stunt performers, crew members, and post-production services played integral roles in bringing the show to life.

Through its collaboration with eMedia’s CTFS, Netflix’s One Piece exemplifies the growing influence of South Africa’s film industry on the global stage. As the studio continues to attract major productions and foster local talent, it cements its position as a cornerstone of the country’s cultural and economic landscape.