The beloved Afrikaans soapie, 7de Laan, has hit a roadblock as Danie Odendaal Productions announced the suspension of filming on Monday, 4 September 2023.
Why did ‘7de Laan’ halt production?
This decision left viewers, cast, and crew with mixed emotions, especially after the earlier revelation that the long-running soapie would not be recommissioned for another season after its 24th season concludes in December 2023.
Here’s a comprehensive overview of the situation:
The End of an Era
7de Laan, which has been on the air for an impressive 23 years, shared the news of its impending conclusion back in July 2023.
Both SABC2 and Danie Odendaal Productions made it clear that the show would not continue beyond its current season, marking the end of an era for a program that has become a staple in South African television.
The recent suspension of filming serves as a double blow to the show’s dedicated viewers, cast, and crew.
Financial Struggles
The official statement from 7de Laan explained the decision to halt production, citing ongoing financial challenges resulting from delayed payments from SABC.
It underlined that despite these difficulties, every member of the cast and crew has been paid in full for their work on the show.
The statement also revealed that the production team had dipped into their own pockets to ensure the salaries of their talented cast and crew.
“We are pleased to confirm that the June invoice, which had been pending, was paid in full on September 1,” the production company confirmed.
A Bittersweet Farewell
7de Laan expressed hope for a resolution with the SABC that would allow them to resume production in the near future.
The news of 7de Laan‘s conclusion was met with mixed emotions among the cast and crew.
As with any long-running show, bidding farewell to beloved characters and the world they inhabit is inevitably accompanied by a sense of nostalgia and sadness.
7de Laan expressed gratitude for the understanding and support of its viewers, staff, and stakeholders during this temporary pause.
The show remains hopeful for a resolution that will allow it to continue its production journey, even as it approaches its final season’s conclusion in December 2023.
Here are some of the social media reactions to the soapie’s production halt we picked out:
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