Newsletter
- July 2024
LATEST NEWS by Jennis Williamson
Hi all!
July is here, and with it, the official kick-off of our season! I am thrilled to share that our team is already exceeding our target estimations and goals. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication, talent, and hard work that drives us. We’re excited to continue building on this momentum throughout the rest of the year.
As we step into the heart of the season, I want to take a moment to celebrate our collective success. Surpassing our initial goals so early in the season is incredibly encouraging. Our commitment to excellence and our unwavering passion for our projects are the driving forces behind this success. We will keep pushing the envelope and setting new benchmarks as we progress.
Looking ahead, several exciting trends are emerging in the industry that actors should be aware of:
Diversity and Inclusion: The push for greater representation continues to grow. This trend is not just about on-screen roles but also about the diversity of voices behind the scenes. Embrace this change and seek out roles and projects that reflect a broader spectrum of experiences.
Eco-Friendly Productions: Sustainability is becoming a priority in the entertainment industry. Productions are increasingly adopting green practices. Actors can contribute by supporting and advocating for eco-friendly projects.
Social Media Presence: A strong online presence remains crucial. Engage with your audience on platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok. Share your journey, projects, and behind-the-scenes glimpses to build a loyal fan base.
Mental Health Awareness: There’s a growing emphasis on mental well-being in the industry. More productions are recognizing the importance of supporting their cast and crew’s mental health. Look for roles in projects that prioritize a healthy work environment.
As we continue to thrive and embrace new opportunities, it’s essential to talk about the importance of setting boundaries within our industry. The entertainment world is fast-paced and demanding, and it can be easy to lose oneself.
Setting clear boundaries is crucial for maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Here are a few tips to help navigate this:
Know Your Limits: Understand your physical and emotional limits and communicate them clearly to your team and collaborators.
Take Breaks: Regular breaks are vital to avoid burnout. Make sure to schedule downtime, even in the busiest periods.
Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out for help or support when needed. Whether it’s a mentor, a therapist, or a trusted friend, having someone to talk to can make a significant difference.
Stay Grounded: Keep a part of your life separate from your work. Engage in hobbies, spend time with loved ones, and take care of your health.
By respecting and maintaining our boundaries, we ensure not only our personal well-being but also our long-term success and creativity in the industry.
As we dive deeper into the season, let’s continue to support each other and stay focused on our goals. Our collective efforts have already led us to surpass our targets, and with the trends and practices we’re adopting, there’s no limit to what we can achieve.
Love and light
Jen
CREW-ETC by Frankie Opperman
We’ve begun walking down our new pathway at a leaner and meaner Crew-Etc and it’s an exciting time that lies ahead of us. Less is more as we navigate the winter months that lie ahead.
Whether its narrative, reality, commercials or studio, our freelancers are ready to jump your productions. Stay tuned on social media for updates and highlights from our talented lineup of freelancers.
SOCIAL-ETC by Thulani Ndzotyana
We are incredibly proud of the strides our Social ETC division has made. We represent personalities who are trained thespians, understanding the power of their brands and authentically linking them with global brands.
Recently, our talents Anlia and Tamsyn walked for L’Oréal at South African Fashion Week, reflecting the organic work they have been doing with their hair campaigns. Our Mandisi continues to use his skits to highlight the importance of representation in society. Known as “the kitchen girly,” he has made incredible strides with his brand deal with MTN.
Additionally, we unlocked our very first international brand trip with Candice, who continues to be a friend of the Nivea Brand. She was one of a handful of personalities selected to visit the Nivea Headquarters in Germany.
We look forward to continuing this journey of growth and success.
VOICE-ETC by Kristy Suttner
Our Voice Artists are fired up this month working on multiple productions at three different dubbing studios .Amongst others, Sizwe Zuma, Megan Carelse, Philip Jacobs, Oliver-Che Naidu and one of our newest Voice-Etc members, Rian Terblanche, are all working very hard balancing multiple productions.
In between we have landed some great corporate campaigns featuring Mortimer Williams and Abongile Baleni – keep at it guys!
Our Accent Neutralisation Classes have been extremely successful so far with our first group halfway through their course and already making huge strides in the right direction. Look out for our next course happening soon. Accent Neutralisation is essential prior to embarking on learning new accents such as US or British.
Please note that the Voice-Etc books are currently closed unless we are already in conversation. However if you are keen to hone your skills, look out for the above mentioned classes, or contact Kristy for her to connect you with excellent voice coaches.
LIFE-ETC By JC Snooke
Finding Inspiration to Pitch TV and Film Ideas
Finding inspiration to pitch TV and film ideas can sometimes feel like an elusive quest, especially in a landscape brimming with content. However, inspiration is often lurking in the unlikeliest of places, waiting to be discovered. Here are some strategies to help unearth that next big idea.
1. Draw from Personal Experiences:
Your life is a treasure trove of unique stories waiting to be told. Whether it’s a quirky family tradition, an unforgettable travel adventure, or a personal triumph over adversity, your own experiences can provide a rich foundation for compelling narratives. Authenticity resonates with audiences, making personal stories a goldmine for inspiration.
2. Observe the World Around You:
Sometimes, the best ideas come from simply paying attention to the world. People-watching, eavesdropping on conversations (ethically, of course), and observing everyday interactions can spark ideas. The nuances of human behavior, the peculiarities of strangers, and the unexpected moments in daily life can all serve as fertile ground for storytelling.
3. Engage with Different Media:
Books, music, art, and even video games can be incredible sources of inspiration. Immersing yourself in diverse forms of media can broaden your perspective and help you see new possibilities for storytelling. A haunting melody might inspire a poignant drama, while a captivating painting could be the seed for a visual masterpiece.
4. Explore Different Cultures:
Stories are deeply embedded in culture. Exploring different cultural narratives, folklore, and traditions can open up a wealth of new ideas. Travel, even if just through documentaries and books, can expose you to a multitude of stories that are just waiting to be adapted for the screen.
5. Stay Informed:
Current events and societal issues often reflect the pulse of the times and can be a potent source of inspiration. Keeping abreast of news, social movements, and global trends can help you create stories that are relevant and thought-provoking. Think about how contemporary issues can be woven into engaging narratives that resonate with audiences.
6. Reimagine Existing Stories:
Many successful TV shows and films are reimaginings of classic tales, historical events, or even other media forms. Consider how you can put a fresh spin on an existing story. What new perspective can you bring to a well-known narrative? How can you modernize a classic tale or retell a historical event in a way that speaks to today’s audience?
7. Brainstorm with Others:
Collaboration can be a powerful tool in the creative process. Brainstorming with friends, colleagues, or fellow writers can generate ideas you might not come up with on your own. A casual conversation can lead to the birth of an exciting new concept. Don’t underestimate the value of bouncing ideas off others and seeing where the dialogue leads.
8. Keep a Journal:
Inspiration can strike at any moment. Keeping a journal to jot down ideas, interesting observations, or snippets of dialogue can help ensure that fleeting thoughts are captured and can be developed later. Review your journal regularly; you may find that combining two or more seemingly unrelated ideas can lead to a groundbreaking concept.
Inspiration for TV and film ideas is everywhere, if you know where to look. By staying curious, observant, and open to the world around you, you’ll be well-equipped to discover the stories that are worth telling. Whether drawing from personal experiences or finding new angles on familiar tales, the next great idea might be closer than you think.
KZN By Fundi Zwane & Justin Nanak
Hey fam…
As we dive into the heart of winter, we’re excited to bring you the latest news and updates from our vibrant community. There’s so much to celebrate and share this month!
A big well done to all our KZN-based artists who have been booked for work recently! Your dedication and talent continue to shine brightly. We’ll be sharing more about your incredible projects and achievements on our social media channels, so stay tuned!
We are thrilled to announce that our very own Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones has been nominated for a Simon Sabela award in the category of Best Supporting Actress in Film! This prestigious recognition is a testament to Dr. Mtshali-Jones’ outstanding talent and hard work. Congratulations, Mam’ Thembi – we are immensely proud of you!
We recently hosted a highly successful online voice workshop led by our head of Voice, Kristy. The workshop was a fantastic opportunity for artists to hone their vocal skills and learn from Kristy’s vast expertise. We want to highlight the incredible work and skills shared by both the participants and Kristy. Your commitment to improving your craft is truly inspiring!
In today’s digital age, mastering the art of self-tapes is crucial for any actor. Here’s a tip to help you stand out:
Lighting is Key: Ensure your self-tape is well-lit. Natural light is best, so if possible, position yourself facing a window. If you’re using artificial lighting, place lights in front of you at a 45-degree angle to avoid harsh shadows. Good lighting will make your tape look professional and help casting directors see your expressions clearly.
As we continue through July, let’s keep supporting and celebrating each other.
Thank you for being an integral part of the Talent-Etc family. Your passion, dedication, and talent make our community truly exceptional.
Love and light…
Justin & Fundi
SAGE WORDS by Sean Munday
As people, the most valuable resource we possess is time. When you work a job you are being paid for your time. When you go on holiday, do a hobby, or go to the gym you are taking time for yourself. And the most valuable gift you can give someone is your undivided attention, your time. So in every moment, reflect on how you are spending your time and how it is serving you. It’s ok to do nothing with your time if you feel you need to disconnect and recharge. It’s ok to spend your time working intensely towards a goal. But too much of anything will lead to imbalances and negative consequences. The key is balance.
Wishing you all the best this July, and spend your time wisely.
THEATREby Katie Groves
Hello hello,
Season’s greetings for the chilly autumn/winter days that we are experiencing.
Just a reminder, from the singing agent, to look after your health. Go for your vitamin B shots, lots of honey and lemon in warm water, steam, hydrate, and make sure that you are warm, cozy and looking after yourself.
The theatre division is full steam ahead, something I never get tired of saying! We are going, going, going. What this does mean, is that sometimes we get desensitised to briefs because of their frequency. Remember, auditioning for so many is never a bad thing! Go… just go, get the experience, get used to auditioning, get back into auditioning. Also, if the brief has been sent to you, specifically from theatre’s side, it is for a reason. If you feel it doesn’t apply, please reach out, and I am more than happy to chat about it.
Please keep up-skilling yourself, no one has ever “finished” vocal training, or dance class. You need to maintain it.
As always,
Love and light
Katie
LAST THOUGHT by Pierre Ball
Either run the day, or the day will run you.
Planning, preparation and execution is the ticket to success this month. I encourage you to start the day knowing that you have everything in your arsenal to make it your own. Planning provides direction, allows for analysis of alternative actions, reduces uncertainties, minimises impulsive decisions, and ensures efficient use of resources. Preparation allows you to relax, thrive and exercise confidence and execution ensures that strategic goals are translated into tangible results, keeping the organisation on track and responsive to changing market dynamics. Wishing you a productive July.
