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Cell C's reality show on the hunt for SA's next big innovator

Johannesburg - Mobile network Cell C has launched a new social networking reality show to unearth SA’s next great innovator. The show, Hangman, will have R1m up for grabs in prize money. 

Hangman is the follow-up from Cell C’s first online Break the Net reality talent show, which streamed on the service provider’s Reality App last year.

The new 10-part Hangman will introduce a new genre in unscripted entertainment, following on the success of the previous series.  The Hangman app will play a significant role in this genre, to draw viewers right into the show.

“Cell C’s strategic focus is around bringing relevance to the South African market through service offerings,” Jose Dos Santos, Cell C Chief Executive Officer said.  “A key focus is providing value added services and segmented content that is being consumed daily online. Customers are hungry for new, unique, fresh and entertaining content.” 

READ: Cell C deal remains on track after Net1 speed wobble

App users will be able to interact with the show by “investing” in a virtual Stock Exchange, to help determine the outcome of the show.

The concept is similar to the Dragon’s Den reality show where budding entrepreneurs pitch their ideas to a panel who are willing to invest funds to kick-start the proposed start-ups.

Hangman will present competing aspiring entrepreneurs who have identified a gap in the market. The entrepreneurs will have to pitch an innovation that fills that space, as well as present a business plan of how the idea would be brought to the market. 

The show will simultaneously be streamed online, while broadcasted on prime-time TV.

Contestants will have to complete a number of challenges, with their fate determined by more than performance. Ultimately the entrepreneurs will have to win the approval of ‘Backers’.

READ: Cell C's big, cheap data bundles to shake up market

Backers in the line-up include businesswoman Phuti Mahanyele, celebrity economist Iraj Abedian, self-made billionaire Quinton van der Burgh and Bonang Mohale, chairman of Shell South Africa Energy Limited.

“It’s breakneck entertainment that sees contestants put their bodies on the line in the pressure cooker of innovation and turns viewers into real-time investors,” said Bl!nk Pictures director Odette Schwegler who was commissioned by Cell C to produce Hangman, a Cell C original.

 “We are not seeking out a great businessman looking for an investment for a daily run-of-the-mill business or the sharp up-and-coming exec looking for a six-figure salary. It’s all about the innovators,” she said.

The innovator who succeeds in gathering both the support of the Backers while convincing viewers to invest their idea, would have pole position to walk away with the R1 million cash prize. In addition the winner will receive critical tools needed to succeed in the 21st century market.

Hangman is open to anyone residing or working in South Africa who wants to participate in the competition or just view the series.  

Contestants can download the Cell C Reality App on Android or iOS to access the shows and to register for the competition.

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