Ferguson Films claims that they attempted to negotiate with Vatiswa Ndara and her agent in good faith and within the scope of the applicable production agreement, however, the agent subsequently ‘recused’ himself from the negotiations.
“Thereafter we dealt with her manager. They made it very clear that Ms. Ndara would not accept anything less than R700 000.00 for the 5-week shoot. She absolutely had every right to decline our offer, which she did, and we on the other hand as we could not meet her financial demands, due to contractual restraints, had every right to move on amicably, which we tried to do,” reads a statement issued by Ferguson Films on Wednesday.
Ferguson Films says that contrary to Vatiswa Ndara’s allegations, they do not reap the financial benefits through repeat broadcasts, licensing deals and repackaging of the show.
“Just like actors the production company is not guaranteed work, whether the show is performing or not. We are pretty much the same boat as the artist. We do not own the shows that we produce under commission, and therefore have no right or say in what happens with shows post final delivery to the broadcaster,” explains the statement from Ferguson Films.
Ferguson Films states on the record that they were not the production company in question in relation to the sad passing of Vatiswa Ndara’s mother and her having to resume work shortly after.
“Conveniently, Ms. Ndara neglects to mention this fact, therefore, insinuating it was Ferguson Films,” says the statement.
Ferguson Films says that Shona and Connie Ferguson have other business interests apart from their production company and do not owe anyone an explanation as to how they manage their finances and lifestyle. The jab from Vatiswa Ndara is “petty”, unnecessary and uncalled for.
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“The allegations towards Ferguson Films are consequently misguided, misdirected and misleading and can be seen as a ploy to defame and tarnish our name and reputation. There have been other slanderous and false allegations made by Ms. Dieketseng Mphuthi and Mr. Katlego Malele, which are being addressed separately by our legal team,” reads the statement.
See attached full statement below:
