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!

Jen's Birthday Flashmob Surprise #Fanclub

Last week I got to be part of the coolest birthday flash-mob ever! And for the coolest person too, my agent - Jennis Williamson!

And actually, it was the first flash-mob I've done that I honestly enjoyed, maybe because it wasn't for a corporate or a gig or a brand promo but for someone so special, who was totally surprised and overwhelmed. It meant so much to be involved in his special day of celebration.

At Talent-Etc Artist Management, Jen is a leader by example, a driven and passionate individual who's yes is his yes and he goes above and beyond for his artists, staff and clients.
HE is usually the one (together with his awesome team) arranging fun-runs and flash-mobs for charities and community building within the agency, so it was a real thrill to surprise him in this way!

We had one secret rehearsal on the Sunday before putting together all the steps and choreography with JC Snooke, Jen's friend and Life In A Bulb business partner. On the Tuesday morning we all convened at the office while JC had Jennis whisked away at a birthday breakfast so we could set up the secret surprise. Everyone dressed up in neon and outrageous outfits and hubby and I wore loud pink and black colours . The wait for him to arrive actually had me nervous with excitement, but his reaction and the look on his face was priceless.

The flash-mob was followed by cake, coffee and catch-ups. All his artists sent in electronic birthday messages which the Talent Etc girls, Boni and Julz compiled into a fabulous birthday 'book' for him and many of the artists who couldn't make the flash-mob came to join in after and wish him well.  It was super special and I'm so happy I could be there.
Jennis is such a big pillar to me in my career and always so incredibly encouraging, empowering and uplifting. To me he sets the bar of what it is to run a talent agency and also to be a creative and collaborative within the industry.
i.e I love my agent!

Here is an awesome video of the flash mob on the day:

So let me know, what flash-mobs you have witnessed or been part of?
Send me a message below!

Chat soon!

Gustav Gerdener Photoshoot #BehindTheScenes

Location shooting with the talented photographer Gustav Gerdener!

Talk about locations... a very cold and early morning shoot in Delta Park with graffiti walls, library steps, and a beautifully misty dam to an industrial office park with winding metal steps, an artistic textured wall, elevators and a parking garage... and each new location made for incredible new backdrops.

I can't wait to see what Gustav's creativity will bring about!


The goal for this shoot was to focus on actress head shots and portfolio material, but there's so much variety and so many wonderful moments captured, it is going to be extremely hard to choose!

This time around I had to do my own styling and soooo longed for my Follicle Hair Atelier team! (read Follice Friends and Iris.Grace Photoshoot) But I don't think I did too badly all by myself...







My looks ranged from casual, to grungy, to bohemian and glam. It was fun to play around with a few different style options but quite a feat to get changed (unseen) in the car in between 'looks'!



Gustav is great to work with, he puts you at ease, he's creative and aims to get the best shots or moments possible - it was such a pleasure.
Thanks Gus! x

Check out his FB Page Gustav Gerdener Captured, and follow him on Twitter at @gusg79.

Chat soon peeps,

Clowning Around with The Playroom #FlashbackFriday

It's a photographic flashback today, to a shoot with photographer Jacky Joubert (my wonderfully talented sister) from The Playroom, fabulous make-up artist Gerlia Groenewald and my friend and male model for the day Jarryd Nurden. We had so much fun on this shoot and I just love these shots, they are some of my favourites.

Happy Friday everyone! Have a wonderful weekend and hope to see you at our Broadway Performance Showcase Experience performances at the Atterbury Theatre tonight and tomorrow! Tickets here. 

Photos by The Playroom. 

Chat soon,