Newsletter

LATEST NEWS by Jennis Williamson

Hi all

We hope this newsletter finds you in great spirits as we dive into the final full month of the year. As the holiday season approaches, we have some exciting news to share with you. Talent-Etc™ is thrilled to introduce the newest addition to our family: a talented and enthusiastic individual who will be joining us as a booker for commercials. Please join us in extending a warm welcome to Tiaan Kelderman, who will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective, creativity, and a wealth of experience to our team.

Tiaan comes to us with an impressive background in the industry, having worked on numerous successful campaigns and contributed to the growth of many talents. We are confident that Tiaan] will help us continue to raise the bar in talent management and open up exciting opportunities for both our talents and clients. 

Pushing Through End of the Year Fatigue

As we enter November, it’s essential to acknowledge that end-of-year fatigue can be a very real factor for many of us. The holiday season, while filled with joy and celebration, can also be a time of increased demands and stress. It’s easy to become overwhelmed by the combination of professional responsibilities and personal commitments during this season.

We encourage all our talents, clients, and team members to take a moment for self-care. Recharge, reset, and stay resilient. The final push to the year’s end can be both challenging and rewarding, and by maintaining a healthy work-life balance, you’ll be better equipped to embrace the opportunities and challenges that await in the new year.

With so many engagements, lectures, and experiences in 2023, the question that always arises is, “How can I be unique and stand out in the entertainment industry?” It’s a question that many talents and industry professionals ponder, and rightfully so. Here are a few tips to consider:

1. Authenticity: Be yourself. Authenticity is a unique quality that can’t be replicated. Embrace your individuality and let it shine through in your work.

2. Continuous Learning: The entertainment industry is always evolving. Stay updated with industry trends, technology, and skills. Being adaptable and knowledgeable sets you apart.

3. Creativity: Push boundaries and think outside the box. Creative ideas and approaches often stand out and capture the attention of audiences and decision-makers.

4. Hard Work: Talent alone is not enough. Dedication, perseverance, and hard work are essential to achieving your goals.

Remember that Talent-Etc™ is here to support you every step of the way.

We look forward to sharing more exciting updates, industry insights, and success stories in the upcoming months. Stay tuned and stay inspired!

Love and light

Jennis

 

CREW-ETC by Frankie Opperman

We wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the outstanding work and unwavering dedication of our exceptional crew. It is with immense pride and appreciation that I extend my thanks to each member of our team for their loyalty and unwavering commitment to our company.

Our crew has consistently demonstrated their dedication to our mission and their exemplary performance has been a driving force behind our continued success. Their tireless efforts have propelled our company to new heights and have ensured that we remain at the forefront of our industry.

In addition to their exceptional professionalism, our crew has displayed remarkable teamwork, resilience, and adaptability, especially in the face of the unique challenges that the past year brought. Their ability to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and deliver exceptional results under varying circumstances is truly commendable.
We recognize the sacrifices made, the long hours put in, and the relentless pursuit of excellence that our crew embodies. It is your hard work and commitment that have established our company as a leader in the field, and I have no doubt that our future successes will continue to be built upon this solid foundation.

Once again, thank you for your loyalty, dedication, and unwavering support. Your contributions are deeply valued, and we look forward to many more years of working together, achieving our goals, and celebrating our shared successes.

CAPE TOWN-ETC by Thulani Ndzotyana

Exciting Updates from Cape Town Talent Agency!

We hope this newsletter finds you in high spirits and good health. We’re thrilled to share some exhilarating news from our Cape Town talent agency. We’ve recently welcomed some incredibly gifted artists and partnered with brands that are making waves in the industry.

One of the most exciting aspects of our recent signings is that they prove location is no longer a barrier in the entertainment industry. It’s inspiring to witness how talent transcends geographical boundaries.

But that’s not all! We’re still on the lookout for fresh talent to join our dynamic Cape Town division. If you have what it takes, we want to hear from you! Here’s what you need to do:

1. Prepare Two Monologues, Two Languages: Show us your versatility! Send us two monologues, each in a different language, showcasing your unique style and range.

2. 30-Second Accent Showcase: Create a brief 30-second introduction video where you demonstrate your ability to deliver lines in different accents. This is a fantastic opportunity to exhibit your adaptability and skill.

We believe in the power of Cape Town’s talent, and we’re eager to see what you bring to the table. Step up, embrace your abilities, and become a part of our vibrant and accomplished Cape Town Division.

Get in touch with us at info@talent-etc.co.za to submit your auditions or for any inquiries. We can’t wait to witness the incredible talent our community has to offer!

SOCIAL-ETC by Thulani Ndzotyana

Campaign season is upon us, and with many brands gearing up to entice shoppers for the upcoming festive season, I am reminded of the critical role of nurturing brand relationships and being an adaptable content creator who consistently meets deadlines.

A significant portion of the bookings this month, extending into December, involve personalities and brands with whom we’ve had successful collaborations in previous campaigns. This underscores the power of word-of-mouth recommendations, as agencies are reaching out based on their positive experiences with our content creators on past projects.

As we approach the year’s end, it’s vital to recognise that in the realm of content creation, relationship building is king

VOICE-ETC by Kristy Suttner

October has seen Voice Artists cooking with gas (and not just because of the loadshedding!)

Monde Msutwana has been running from booking to booking – from singing kids songs in Zulu to training manuals, our clients have been keeping him and many other very busy!

We are proud of Katie Groves and Alicia Badenhorst, two of our newer artists, who had their first bookings this month too. Well done Team Voice!

Shaka ILembe is ongoing, keeping many of our team busy with the drama and intrigue.

I am proud of all of you, and can’t wait to see what you do next!

Remember, we are looking to lock down the books for a while in the next few months so it is vital to get the right voices in. If you are one of those interested, please remember that Voice is a whole different beast to the rest of our industry. Do you research, check out our page and ask questions of what is entailed. Link is here: https://voice.talent-etc.co.za/

See ya in November!

KZN By Fundi Zwane & Justin Nanak

Our heads have been spinning, but it’s all in the best possible way! As we embrace the final quarter of the year, Talent Etc KZN is abuzz with exciting news and happenings that we’re thrilled to share with you.

1. New Faces, New Stories:
We’re delighted to announce the arrival of Mam’ Thembi Mtshali-Jones in the cast of the final season of “The River.” Her talent and presence bring a fresh perspective to this fan-favorite series.

Kajal Maharaj, Katishcka Kiara and Razeen Dada have been busy shooting in the picturesque landscapes of Cape Town, making us anticipate some captivating scenes in their upcoming feature film.

Additionally, Sihle Nzima has recently joined the cast of Sibongile and the Dlamini’s, and we can’t wait to see him shine in this exciting venture.

Lastly, we welcome Jana Louw to the Talent Etc family. Jana has an extensive resume on stage and screen. We can catch her in the new animation feature film Headspace as the voice of Sophie.

2. Glitz and Glamour at SA Fashion Week:
Talent Etc artists were in full force at the SA Fashion Week launch, representing our agency with style and grace on the black carpet. Justin, alongside other Talent Etc artists, made a stunning appearance that truly showcased the blend of talent and fashion excellence.

3. A Night to Remember at the Kandasamys Premiere:
We want to express our heartfelt gratitude to Netflix SA for inviting Talent Etc to the premiere of “Kandasamys: The Baby!” It was a night filled with glamour, fashion, and, of course, incredible talent. We were absolutely mesmerized by the fashion and the stars on the big screen. A big round of applause to the cast and crew for creating an unforgettable night of entertainment.

As we move through this dynamic season, we remain committed to supporting our artists and sharing their accomplishments with you. The last quarter of the year promises even more excitement and surprises, and we can’t wait to take this journey with you.

Thank you for being part of the Talent Etc family. Stay tuned for more thrilling updates in the coming months!

Love and Light

Justin & Fundi

LIFE-ETC by JC Snooke

Communication plays a pivotal role in the TV and film production world for several reasons:

1. **Collaboration**: TV and film production are highly collaborative endeavours involving a diverse range of professionals, from directors and actors to camera operators, sound technicians, and set designers. Effective communication is essential to coordinate their efforts, share ideas, and ensure everyone is on the same page.

2. **Vision Realisation**: Every TV show or film starts with a creative vision. Proper communication is necessary to convey this vision from the director or writer to the entire production team. This ensures that everyone understands the intended tone, style, and message of the project.

3. **Scheduling and Logistics**: Film and TV production involve complex scheduling and logistics, often with tight deadlines. Clear communication is vital to coordinate the timing of shoots, arrange for equipment and location access, and manage the movement of cast and crew effectively.

4. **Cost Control**: Effective communication helps in cost management. Accurate budgeting, cost estimates, and tracking expenses depend on clear communication between various departments. Overruns in any area can be mitigated with timely communication.

5. **Safety**: The production environment, especially in film and TV, can be hazardous. Good communication practices are essential for safety. Everyone on set must be informed about potential risks, safety protocols, and emergency procedures.

6. **Problem Solving**: In any production, challenges and unforeseen issues are common. Effective communication is key to identifying problems and developing solutions quickly. Whether its equipment malfunctions or scheduling conflicts, addressing issues promptly can prevent costly delays.

7. **Casting and Direction**: Communication between directors and actors is crucial to achieving the desired performances. This involves discussing character motivations, emotions, and the overall vision for the scene. Effective communication helps actors deliver their best performances.

8. **Audience Engagement**: The success of TV shows and films often depends on how well they engage their audience. Storytelling and character development, which are essential components of communication, play a significant role in drawing viewers into the narrative.

9. **Marketing and Promotion**: After production, effective communication is crucial for marketing and promoting the TV show or film. Publicity, advertising, and PR campaigns require clear communication to convey the essence of the project and attract viewers.

10. **Distribution and Exhibition**: Communicating with distributors, exhibitors, and streaming platforms is necessary to get the content to the audience. This involves negotiating contracts, arranging release dates, and ensuring the content is delivered in the appropriate format.

11. **Legal and Contractual Obligations**: The TV and film industry involves numerous contracts and legal agreements. Miscommunication in this area can lead to disputes and legal issues. Clear, well-documented communication is essential to protect the interests of all parties involved.

In summary, communication is the lifeblood of the TV and film production world. It’s essential for the creative process, collaboration, efficiency, safety, and the successful delivery of content to audiences. Without effective communication, the industry would struggle to function and produce the high-quality entertainment we enjoy.

THEATREby Katie Groves

Hello hello,
Our theatre division is keeping the spotlight on with four running shows and two more rehearsing in the wings. With a total of 10 upcoming productions in the next six months, things are definitely getting dramatic around here!

In the wise words of Shakespeare, “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.” So, let’s embrace the drama and comedy that life offers.

Exciting news: our theater portfolio is now rock-solid with “on-hand” tapes of all our pint-sized talents and musical maestros. It’s like a reel dream come true!

Stay tuned for more show-stopping updates and remember, in theater, even life’s mishaps can be your greatest hits.

As always, love and light,
Katie

LAST THOUGHT by sEAN MUNDAY

Welcome to November! As the year draws to a close, it’s a time to reflect on our journey and celebrate our accomplishments. It’s also a time to look ahead and set new goals for ourselves. Yet it is also still a busy month ripe with opportunities before the year comes to a close.

Do not let end of year fatigue get in the way of making the most of the opportunities that come your way. Here’s to a November filled with possibilities!

All the best,
Sean