Scandal duo give tips on the SA film industry
Dumisani Ncube | Thursday April 20, 2017 16:55
Despite having a number of amazing television productions that range from drama, game shows, movies and music reality shows, the duo noted that the film industry in South Africa is no child’s play as it is difficult for one to get settled in.
“Despite having a lot of production houses the industry in South Africa is very competitive. There are a lot of people in the industry which means you have to work extra hard to make it for any role,” said Sandows.
Ndlovu (23), who has a leading role on Scandal noted that it him took five years to get the role as he kept failing to make it to the top and worked behind the scenes while mastering his act.
The duo believes the remedy to make it as an entertainer is to do ground work such as research on the various showbiz professions that one is interested in doing. “Through research you have to find out the roles you are supposed to do as an entertainer so that when you get an opportunity you know what to do. Train yourself through different mediums such as the internet, TV and books; grasp the different techniques,” said Ndlovu.
Still on the research aspect they noted that despite one being good at their craft they have to keep learning more so they advance their skills. When quizzed if there is an alternative route apart from research and working hard to make it as an entertainer in the film industry, Sandows said: “There is no isolated route or procedure to make it in the industry. For some it is going to drama school, its as simple as working your way up to being an established performer. Decide what you want to do and let your passion drive you and persevere”. With many young people claming that school is a waste of time they want to venture into the film industry or showbiz industry, the duo stated that completing school is a prerequisite for every entertainer.
“As a performer if you are not educated it will be highly difficult for you to penetrate in this industry; you just have to complete your studies,” said Ndlovu.
The duo also said parent should support their children who are involved in the arts industry and give them with all the support they need.
They also spoke of parents who think that being a performer is not a career, saying that it is also a career like any white-collar job. The duo noted that they can spend up to 12 hours on set shooting Scandal which is why acting is a career.
Ndlovu and Sandows were in the country facilitating a four-day performers empowerment workshop.