Newsletter
- May 2025
LATEST NEWS by Jennis Williamson
As we step into May, we’re filled with immense gratitude and excitement.
The agency is thriving, and we’re already gearing up for the bustling winter market ahead. But more than the business, it’s the people behind the scenes who make the real magic happen — and this month, we want to celebrate our own!
Our Johannesburg office is especially buzzing with inspiration, not just from client bookings, but from personal victories too:
- Thulani has just returned from the Dominican Republic, where she proudly represented South Africa as a cultural ambassador for the Stride Institute. We’re in awe of her passion and how she continues to make others shine on global stages.
- Sean’s band dropped their first EP, and it’s already getting attention! We love watching our creatives express themselves in every possible way.
- Pierre’s music management company is flying high — proving that great talent needs great guidance, and Pierre delivers both with excellence.
- Tiaan and Alicia are fast becoming the voices of some of the biggest international dubbing series, and we can’t switch on without hearing their iconic tones.
- Tania is not only heading up Crew & Accounts, this single mom of 2 is also a production manager and scheduler for Life-Etc.
Our Production division, Life-Etc™, continues to keep pace with the booming corporate world, working on large-scale projects for major brands. The demand is growing — and so are we.
To everyone who continues to align, create, and dream big — you inspire us daily. Here’s to another month of doing what we love, with people we believe in.
Love and light
Jennis
CREW-ETC by TANIA DE VILLIERS
Change Is in the Air, but So Are We
Dear Crew-ETC Family,
As the year gathers pace and the industry continues to shift, we want to touch base with you—our incredible crew and partners—to share a little Crew-ETC heartbeat.
We’re not going anywhere, but we are in a moment of reflection and recalibration. The landscape is changing, and we’re doing what good crew always do: adapting, adjusting, and staying ready.
Safe Sets, Strong Foundations
One thing that hasn’t changed is our commitment to Safe Sets. This isn’t just a protocol—it’s a mindset, and a standard we’ll always champion. In a fast-paced, high-pressure industry, kindness, safety, and professionalism aren’t negotiable. We’re proud to be known for that.
We’re Listening
These quieter seasons are also when we build. If you have ideas, needs, or input—now’s the time. Whether it’s upskilling, crew support, or something new you think the industry needs, we’re all ears.
Looking Forward
We’re still here, still connected, and still believing in what we built. Crew-ETC remains a place where crew matter, and where good people find good work.
Let’s keep building.
With gratitude and grit,
Tania
CAPETOWN-ETCby Thulani Ndzotyana
As we now leave the warm summer months, we have seen a decline in international work shooting in Cape Town. However there has been an influx of local films, series and TVCs starting their casting processes. There’s been a noticeable trend of productions seeking artists with specialised skills such as surfing, skating, being able to ride a motorcycle and various other sports. So in your downtime between work, look into taking on a new hobby and upskilling yourself as an artist! Be sure to keep your photos and CV’s updated as you grow into a multidisciplinary powerhouse, as this gives us the best possible tools to sell you to casting directors!
Love and light,
TETC CPT
VOICE-ETC by Kristy Suttner
Guess what robots can’t do? Hustle like the Voice-Etc artists!
Extremely proud of our team of artists who are constantly on the go with various projects, bookings and auditions.
Kai Oswald booked a fantastic TVC voice at the ripe old age of 10 years old – well done Kai!
FEATURED ARTIST
This month’s artist of the month has to be Monde Msutwana. Monde literally never says no – he is always willing, keen, punctual and EXCELLENT in the booth. Monde has been juggling a number of dubbing projects while also completing his usual VO bookings, in addition to all his other work. Thank you Monde for your great attitude – there is a reason the clients love you!
We will be introducing an audition process for artists keen to join Voice. Watch this space for details!
KZN By Fundi Zwane & Justin Nanak
Hi Talent Fam!
We’re officially at the halfway mark of the season, and what an exciting few months it’s been! With Durban FilmMart 2025 now open for submissions, this is an incredible time for you to get involved. The DFM Access Call for projects in development is especially exciting for our KZN talent — an opportunity to bring bold stories to life and get noticed on a global platform. Don’t miss it!
A huge shoutout to our phenomenal actors who took part in our recent auditions — the feedback from casting directors has been glowing. Your professionalism, preparation, and presence are what set you apart. Well done!
We’re especially proud of Lisa Colquhoun from our Voice Division, who will be representing us on the global stage at the International One Voice Conference in London! She’ll be hosting a workshop titled “Finding your Authentic American Accent as a Foreigner.” This is a major win for our voice artists!
Keep an eye on our socials — we’ve got exciting announcements coming soon about what our talented family has been working on. Just to drop a few names…
🎥 Emily Govender is captivating in Sabbatical
📸 Alude Mahali shines in a new campaign for Illovo
🎞️ Rizelle Januk and Zahra Dada star in Cotton Dreams, which just premiered at the Joburg Film Festival
👑 The legendary Dr Thembi Mtshali-Jones brought the house down in I Am King — also at the JFF — and stunned audiences at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival with a performance we won’t soon forget!
And if you haven’t watched our recent Facebook Live on “Budgeting for Actors” – trust us, it’s a must! Real talk, real tools, and real advice to help you build a sustainable career in this beautiful but unpredictable industry.
Let’s keep the energy going and continue showing the industry the power of prepared, passionate, and professional talent.
In your corner, always,
Justin & Fundi
LIFE-ETCby JC Snooke
Spotlight On: Lattitude Group Joins Forces with Life ETC for Pepkor Group Social Media Rollout
We’re proud to kick off 2025 with an exciting new collaboration between Life ETC and the talented team at Lattitude Group, as we lead the charge on a dynamic content rollout for the Pepkor Group’s flagship brands — including HiFi Corp, Rochester, and Sleepmasters.
This partnership brings fresh creative energy to the table, combining top-tier production with strategic digital storytelling designed for today’s fast-moving platforms. Our shared mission: to deliver standout content that drives engagement, brand love, and results.
Highlights of the campaign include:
- Tailored video content showcasing each brand’s unique identity
- AI-assisted visuals to maximize efficiency and impact
- Influencer-driven short-form series crafted for TikTok, Instagram, and beyond
- On-location shoots that bring retail stories to life
The first shoots are already in motion, and the energy on set has been electric. From concept to screen, this collaboration is all about levelling up how Pepkor brands show up online.
Stay tuned — the rollouts are just beginning.
#LifeETCProductions #LattitudeGroup #Pepkor #HiFiCorp #Rochester #Sleepmasters #ContentThatConnects
THEATREby Katie Groves
Hey everyone,
Just had a meeting about our theatre division’s future, and I’m feeling very positive about what’s ahead for us. More details will follow soon.
I’ve been thinking about the journey of development we’re all on. It’s good to see our experienced performers still attending singing lessons. Remember: you’re never done learning. The moment you think you’ve mastered your craft is when you stop growing as an artist.
Whether you’ve been performing for years or just started auditioning, continuing development is essential. Each lesson, workshop, and challenging role helps us improve.
Looking forward to what comes next.
Love and light, Katie ✨
SAGE WORDS by Sean Munday
The Quiet Momentum
May often slips in quietly, without the urgency of January or the fatigue of April. But don’t underestimate this month—it holds powerful potential. It’s the bridge between the first half of the year and what’s still to come, offering a moment to pause, recalibrate, and move with intention.
Now’s a good time to ask: What’s working? What needs adjusting? What have I achieved that I haven’t taken a moment to celebrate?
Use this month to build quiet momentum. You don’t need dramatic changes or huge breakthroughs—just steady progress and honest effort. Whether you’re hitting your stride or still finding your rhythm, May is here to remind you: slow and consistent often wins the race.
Keep going—with clarity, with purpose, and with heart.
TRAINING HUB by Tiaan Kelderman
Spotlight on Growth: A Heartfelt Thank You from the Talent-ETC Training Hub 🎭
Dear Artists,
At Talent-ETC, our training hub has always been about you—the dedicated creatives investing in their growth, honing their craft, and courageously submitting work to be seen, evaluated, and celebrated. We want to take a moment to shine the spotlight right back on you.
To every artist who has submitted their self-tapes—thank you. Your passion, vulnerability, and trust in our process inspire us daily. Your commitment to growth doesn’t go unnoticed, and we are beyond proud to walk this journey alongside you.
We also want to express our sincerest appreciation for your patience as we continue to review and respond to each submission. We know that feedback is a vital part of the learning process, and we’re working hard to give each piece the attention it deserves. Thoughtful guidance takes time, and your understanding during this process means the world to us.
Your talent, your drive, and your willingness to grow are what make this community so vibrant. We are excited to continue providing you with the tools, support, and encouragement you need to reach the next level.
Thank you for being part of the Talent-ETC family. Keep creating. Keep submitting. Keep shining.
Warm regards,
Tiaan Kelderman
LAST THOUGHT by Pierre Ball
The quiet times are not empty, they are fertile ground for growth. These moments, though challenging, are where resilience is forged and artistry deepens. Embrace the stillness as a space for preparation and self-discovery. Your dedication during these periods lays the foundation for future successes. Use this time to refine your craft, explore new perspectives, and reconnect with your passion.
Best Wishes
Pierre Ball
