This week the vision that Cell C CEO Jose Dos Santos voiced in February last year unfolded on the set of the original format reality show Hangman. Dos Santos wanted to create an engagement platform through the Cell C Reality App for viewers to get involved, share experiences and interact with innovators in the show.
This vision has been unfolding with each episode and this week it reached a crescendo. Dr Sean Armstrong – the inventor of the Uniclick syringe was contacted via the Cell C Reality app by a medical supply company – iMvula.
“I was very, very excited. It brought tears to my eyes. I’ve been pushing this product and then to get a call from someone who shares my focus and my vision to add value and save lives,” says an elated Dr Armstrong.
This contact resulted in a deal being struck between the company and the inventor – making him the first contestant to ace the weeks’ task “Make a Deal.”
“Our goal with Hangman was twofold: first, to provide an entertaining and interactive viewing experience where South Africans could immerse themselves into the action of the show; and second, as a proudly South African company, we wanted to build a platform for local inventors to showcase their world-class ideas and turn them into a flourishing business. This, I believe, we have achieved,” says Surie Ramasary, Cell C Chief Executive: Content (black)
Christo Rossouw who invented the energy saving lampellant mosquito repellant which fits over a light bulb scored big this week by striking a potentially lucrative distribution agreement with Fever Tree who supply retail giants Mass Mart, Pick ‘n Pay and Spar.
“To me it means no more worrying about bills, I can give my family everything that they deserve and be able to live my dream of being an innovator,” said a beaming Christo.
The other medical innovator in the show Dr Bonex Mwakikunga whose electronic breathylser for detecting sugar levels in diabetics, also managed to clinch some significant deals during the course of the week.
“I have had very good agreements, some cash promised and some support. Dischem have also promised to open up their distribution channels. For me it’s been an eye opener,” says a thrilled Dr Mwakikunga.
“The idea behind the show was always to create sustainable businesses,” says Executive Producer Odette Schwegler. “The dream was always when the cameras stop rolling that we would leave a legacy of viable businesses driven by landscape changing innovation. It’s been humbling to see it unfold as it has.”
In a dramatic turn of events this week contestant Chelsea Hornby was rushed to hospital in excruciating pain – doctors suspect ulcers. The news of her illness was met with messages of sympathy on the Hangman SA Facebook page.
This is testimony of the growing interactive community on social media platforms that the show has created. Another way to engage with the show and the contestants is via the virtual exchange on the App. Engagement with the show is growing daily – with 44 000 trades on the virtual exchange to date and 1000 trades taking place daily this week.
“Viewers want to simply watch series and specifically, reality shows on the go via their mobile device so that they don’t have to miss out. They want to be part of the experience and through interactive platforms, such as the Cell C Reality app, it allows them to do exactly that and influence the outcome of the show,” adds Ramasary.
In a nail biting backer deliberation on the gallows Reel Gardening innovator, Claire Reid was dropped this week. Although she entered to win and she’s disappointed with the outcome – she says being on the show has been life changing.
“The Claire that arrived on set was a self-conscious introverted Claire that micro managed. Being here has taught me to let go, to work on the business and not in the business,” said Claire in her exit interview.
“Now it’s back to business as usual, but with a different lens and a different Claire which is great.”
Hangman airs on e.tv (on DStv it can be found on channel 194) on Sundays at 11h50 with a repeat on Saturdays at 13h00. It also broadcasts on eExtra (http://eextra.etv.co.za) on Wednesdays at 19h30 with a repeat on Thursdays at 10h00.
The full Hangman series is also available on newly launched entertainment and content platform, black. South Africans can download the GETblack Android & iOS apps using a tablet or phone. It will also available on a web interface at www.black.co.za.
