Pretville Film #FlashbackFriday

Two years ago we were involved in the most colourful and vibrant Afrikaans musical feature film project called Pretville produced by Hartiwood Films. Hubby Ferdinand Gernandt was choreographer for the project, I acted as Assistant Choreographer and featured as a dancer in the film as well. Producers Paul Kruger (also DOP) and Emma Kruger, as well as Co-Producer and Director Linda Korsten, were so supportive and encouraging throughout the creative process, it was only a pleasure to create 'cinemagic' together.

We had so much fun shooting this project and creating the choreographic content for the lively musical numbers. The delightful lyrics and soundtrack was created by the talented arranger/composer Machiel Roets (@machielroets on Twitter), some of my favourite tracks being 'Skillie Skillie Skilpad', 'In die Maanlig', 'Is jy Verlief?', Skud, Skop en Hop' and 'Ek en Jy'. 

We had a week's worth of rehearsals with the amazing dance team, as well as the various characters prior to principal filming. And then we worked the final touches whilst preparing on set during the shoot days. Here are some beautiful and fun 'behind-the-scenes' shots of the rehearsals and other on set moments.

 

The challenging task of editing fell to the lovely Anel Stolp, the beautiful costume design was the work of Nerine Pienaar from The Wardrobe Studio and the magnificent art direction by Bathoni Robinson. It was a wonderful team of crew and cast; we really had such a fun time during production.

 I even have a wonderful cookbook at home called 'Proe Pretville' that was released along with the film which contains some of the most beautiful stills from behind-the-scenes of filming Pretville.

Fans can actually visit the little Pretville 'town' in Hartbeespoort Dam which functioned as the set for the film. It has now expanded to include memorabilia from other Hartiwood Productions, there's a functional 50's 'diner' where you can order yummy milkshakes, a quaint 'silver screen' bio-scope where you can watch the film Pretville (and several other Afrikaans or South African produced features) and you can also visit the Zaza Photographic Studio, take fun photographs in the little town and dress up in 50's wardrobe and accessories. It's a really fun family outing, so contact Emma on 083 283 1323 for movie tickets, times and info on the the Pretville 'dorpie'.

Hartiwood recently produced another feature film called 'French Toast' which is due for release in 2015, (I play a tiny cameo role as a nurse and loved every minute of it, read about it here) for which they built and created another magical 'set' in Hartbeespoort Dam - the lovely French Toast 'Koffiekafee' (Cafe).


It is now also open to the public, serving their customers french-inspired cappucinos, macarons and all styles of french toast.

A few of our FADCreationS Mentorship Students will also feature in this film, read this post on their behind-the-scenes experience.


Here is a trailer of the film Pretville which released in Nov 2012.

Here's to making movies in SA!
Chat soon peeps!

Skouspel Sun City #BehindTheScenes

Flashback to several weeks ago when we worked at the annual epic Sun City Huisgenoot Skouspel event. It was such awesome fun this year!

This year was our second time working on the Skouspel event, so we knew exactly what to expect and we were well prepared for a smooth-running rehearsal process and gorgeous performances. Earlier in the year, we had already run a similar program at the Cape Town Skouspel event at Grand West Casino in July (read more about that here), so we could further improve on and finesse the Sun City version.

It was great to work with all of the different and industry top artists again. It's such great fun with all of them backstage and there is certainly never a dull moment.

All the usual faces were in attendance Kurt, Laurika, Karen, Andriette, Snotkop, Heinz, Ray, Ricus, Chris, Nadine, Emo, Joe, Rouchelle, Adam, Heuwels Fantasties and several more. It was so fabulous to witness friend and Adam group newbie Kyle Grant perform his first Skouspel, as well as presenter friend and Afrikaans personality Nadia Beukes debuting in the most beautiful Vesselina Pentcheva gowns.
But the gorgeous trio Blackbyrd was my personal favourite this year, check out there latest album release HOME and listen to the single, 'I love you, I just simply do'.

 Here are some pics of our crazy backstage and 'behind the scenes' moments:

Frontline Productions have the Huisgenoot Skouspel ship sailing on smooth waters and are always such wonderful hosts. This year we stayed in the Sun City Cabana's and enjoyed a hearty buffet breakfast every morning. We even had some time for the pool, cocktails and sunshine on our first weekend there. Yay summer! And the 'after party' is always a blast!

The Skouspel dvd has just been made available in stores, but I'm already curious what the program and set list will look like for 2015!! In the words of Heuwels Fantasties..... Skouspel!!!

Chat soon,

RNDS Rehearsals #BehindTheScenes

It is almost time for the Reik Na Die Sterre musical cast to move into their technical week and soon after open the doors of The State Theatre  to the public! Only 14 days to go until the first audience preview and two days later the official press Opening performance on 13 July 2014! Eeek!

I am itching to see a small something of what's happening in the rehearsal room and might just be lucky enough to see a glimpse of the process today. I have been avidly watching the RNDS Facebook Fanpage for updates and pictures and I am getting beyond excited for each individual involved in the creation of this exciting new venture, Reik Na Die Sterre - die Grootste Afrikaanse Musical nog ooit!!

Here is a sneak 'behind-the-scenes' preview clip!

During that first week the tweets were going crazy (#reiknadiesterre) with all the cast members claiming aching muscles and exhausted bodies from the first few days of intensive choreography with Director Choreographer Ferdinand Gernandt (and hubby of moi!). The team even faced a lengthy power failure, but dedicated and determined, they continued tapping and dancing in the dark!

Vocal sessions soon followed with Murray Lubbe and Marlee van der Merwe, they have recently completed the studio recordings for all the supporting bv's and the fresh newly arranged tracks are being finalized as we speak. And I believe the first 'stagger throughs' of the show are already under way.

The cast are being dressed and styled by The Warderobe Studio who are hard at work putting the 'look' of each character together.




The set and decor is developing day by day and inch by inch to become the largest set the theatre has held in over a decade!

And the cast and production team have been actively promoting the show on television and radio, with several cast members visiting the wonderfully supportive GrootFM. With lots more marketing and promotion on its way!


This promises to be one spectacular production and I honestly can't hold myself in until Opening!


Look out for their TV spot flighting on the kykNET channel from next week and check out the weekly upload of videos on the YouTube channel SmashHitTV.



AND while you're at it, why don't you enter the KykNET Reik Na Die Sterre competition!!
You can win 5 double tickets to the show, that's 10 tickets!!! Just follow this link to enter. :)

I believe The Smash Hit Company has a hit on their hands, you're not gonna want to miss it!


Tickets available at Computicket!
Kaartjies by Computicket beskikbaar!

See you all at the show!

French Toast #BehindTheScenes

What an awesome day on the set of the new Hartiwood feature film French Toast!

Being back at the Hartiwood 'headquarters' i.e. the little town of Pretville in Hartebeespoort was so magical and every time I visit they have made even more improvements and added exciting new things.

There are now mini-sets created as rooms or shops for scenes to be shot for French Toast, but much of this film will be shot on location in and around Hartebeespoort, in Stellenbosch and in Paris itself. (Man, I would give a pinky toe to have gone to Paris, France! (One day...)

I play a small cameo role of a french-speaking nurse named Marion. I just adored my warderobe... (by Corlia Pienaar) Marion looked reserved yet classy and stylish. And the little watch on my dress was set to the appropriate time according to the scene. My hair and make-up was done by Lee-anne Nourse and I loved the sleek up-do she gave me, it was perfect.

And so, in our scene I had a couple of lines in french opposite the beautiful Lika Berning, who plays the lead in the film, as well as the legend Lochner de Kock, what an honour. I won't give too much away, best you all watch the film when it releases in 2015!

Here I am with Lochner (top right), with Paul Kruger (Director) and Linda Korsten (Producer and PM) (bottom right) and with Linda and Merishen Wessels. (Props Mistress and Art Dpt)  (bottom left).

I enjoyed every single second of being on set and I could do that day in and day out for hours on end, it's magical and I love it! #actresslife!
C'est magnifique!

Go and 'like' the French Toast Facebook Page to keep up to date with production news and the release in 2015!

Au revoir et a bientot!

Reik Na Die Sterre #ComingAttractions

Reik Na Die Sterre - Die Grootste Afrikaanse Musical nog ooit!

Many performers begin their careers going from contract to contract and job to job, merely grateful to be working - not always considering where life or their careers are taking them. But then there are some among us who have a very clear idea of where they are headed, it is purely a case of how and when they'll get there.
My husband, Ferdinand Gernandt is one of those incredibly talented and driven individuals and this is a forthcoming project he's in the middle of preparing for - I can not tell you how excited I am for it!

The Smash Hit Company has been developing this original project for over a year now and it is mind-blowing to think that in such a short time it will become a reality. Ferdinand wrote the piece around the memorable and well-known music of the Afrikaans legend Bless Bridges. However it is a completely fresh original story (not relating to the life of Bless) and all the newly arranged songs by Murray Lubbe further enhances and carries this tale about young love, war and family.

Here is the newly released music video of the title song 'Reik Na Die Sterre' sung by Willem Botha and Kristen Raath. Produced by The Smash Hit Company.

This production has secured some of the most talented artists in our industry, a powder keg full of well-knowns and up-and-comings!

The magical Sarah Theron and Richard van der Westhuizen will portray the parents of young Stephan, played by the talented Willem Botha. Neels Clasen will be playing the militaristic father of beautiful young Jana, who will be portrayed by the bright Kristen Raath, making her theatrical debut. The full cast list further includes Kenneth Meyer, Lee Scott, Marcel Spaumer, Marco Spaumer, Zak Hendrikz, Weslee Swain Lauder, Reg Hart, Clint Lesch, Phillip Schnetler, Stephan van der Walt, Emil Haarhoff, Tristin Gernandt, Annica Steenkamp, Joanna Abatzoglou, Michelle Pieterse, Stefania duToit, Pulane Rampoana, Suzaan Helberg, Nastassja Jooste, Sarah-Ann Kroukamp and Marijke Bezuidenhout.

Here is a 'behind-the-scenes' chat with Willem Botha, on set of the music video shoot at the Groenkloof Nature Reserve in Pretoria.

Hubby will be directing and choreographing for Reik Na Die Sterre, which is about to go into rehearsals and preparations from the 8th of June. Doors at the The State Theatre will officially open on 10 July for this exciting project (running until 3 August) and tickets are already available at Computicket.

I personally cannot wait and will be front and centre at the Opening!
So opgewonde hiervoor!! Yay x

Chat soon,

Vettie Vettie #OutAndAbout

'Vettie Vettie', the first ever Afrikaans play to appear on the Pieter Toerien's Montecasino Theatre stage. A privilege to have attended the opening performance, and something of a historical moment.

Has their ever been a South African theatre legend quite like the Tobie Cronje... 

Fred Astaire meets Robin Williams meets Stanley Tucci. 

(think about that for a minute)...

His sheer brilliance, wonderful subtlety, genius timing, animated physicality and divine carrying of the character/scene between the lines...  I could watch Tobie perform the cygnets from Swan Lake whilst whistling 'Siembamba mamma se kindjie' and I'd think it's amazing. (it probably would be too) 

But it's his gentle giant nature, his 'Tai Chi' spirit and his kind, humble soul that just draws you in and makes you want to sit at his feet and absorb his goodness. I have had the honour of working with Toobs in two different productions and am so grateful for it. He is probably one of the most popular people after a show, but took the unhurried time to meet and shake hands with our mentorship students, Jaydee and Mongene joining me at the event. 

Love you Toobs x 

The other three cast members, namely Hanna Grobler, Luan Jacobs and Andre Lotter are faced with quite a feat to match up to the level of expertise and experience of the theatre veteran in their midst, but I truly enjoyed each of their performances. I adored Hanna especially for her lovable and miserable 'fat' Vicky, Luan for his quirky and excellent physicality (not spilling that coffee was sheer magic) and Andre for his suave manner and using his small amount of stage time so well. 

I laughed... hard and a lot. 

But even through the light comedy, this line spoke to me... 'meeste mense ploeter maar voort, 

omdat hulle nie die moed het om te verander nie.' 

I do have things I want to change (don't we all), and they ain't gonna change all on their own. It's going to take some guts, determination and lots of perseverance. 

Now I just need a 'Henry' (played by Tobie) to follow me around and make sure I don't eat any chocolates, or deviate in other ways from my goals! 

Any takers? 

(Vettie Vettie is showing until the 1st of June and then travels to the Theatre on the Bay in Cape Town, tickets available at this link. )

Chat soon,