Introduction
Welcome to the Industry Insights Podcast! This is our very first episode, and we are super excited to kick things off. My name is Lungile, and I have my co-hosts, Tuba and Zizi Peteni, with me. This podcast is all about the South African film and TV industry, covering topics such as acting, auditions, marketing, visual effects, passion projects, industry challenges, and much more.
So, let’s dive right in! How are you guys doing?
Meet the Hosts
Lungile: My name is Lungile, and I am an indie filmmaker. I work in the TV industry as a promo director and editor, and I also make movies with my friends.
Tuba: My name is Tuba, short for [full name]. Originally from Zimbabwe, I relocated to Johannesburg about 15 years ago. I have a deep passion for acting, which led me to meet these amazing guys, who I now consider close friends. I’ve been involved in various projects, including advertisements, movies, and music videos.
Zizi Peteni: I’m a television, film, and stage actor based in South Africa, originally from the Eastern Cape. I came to Johannesburg in 2001 and studied film, theatre, and music at the South African School of Film and Television Arts. I also trained in theatre at the Joburg Theatre’s Actor Centre. Over the years, I’ve worked in television, films, stage productions, and even ventured into coaching drama and producing short films.
The Good Side of the Industry
The film and TV industry is fascinating. It has its highs and lows, but one thing that stands out is how people break into the industry in different ways. Some actors go through formal training, while others land major roles without any formal education.
The industry is not as regulated as other fields like law or medicine. While this can be an advantage, it also means anyone can claim to be a director, producer, or actor without proper credentials. Some people believe you must attend film school, but in reality, many successful actors and filmmakers never went to school for it.
The truth is, filmmaking and acting are skills you can develop through hands-on experience, YouTube tutorials, and practice. Many of us wish we had used tuition money to buy cameras and shoot our own films instead of going to film school.
However, that doesn’t mean formal education is a waste—there are valuable lessons to learn in school, especially about the technical aspects of the industry. But if you’re passionate enough, you can also learn by working on sets, watching movies critically, and doing independent research.
Creating Opportunities for Yourself
One of the biggest challenges in the industry is the lack of opportunities. The number of film school graduates far outweighs the number of jobs available. That’s why it’s crucial to create your own opportunities. You don’t need to wait for funding—start small. Shoot short films with your phone, enter competitions, collaborate with other creatives, and keep learning.
Social media has changed the game. People have built careers by creating content on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Twitter. We’ve seen individuals go from making funny videos online to being featured on major talk shows and even in movies.
The Bad Side of the Industry
Like any industry, there are challenges. One of the major issues is on-set safety. A recent tragedy occurred where an actor passed away while filming in the Drakensberg mountains. While we don’t know the full details, this raises concerns about safety measures on set.
Producers often want to save money, but safety should never be compromised. Whether you’re working on an indie project or a big-budget film, proper precautions must be taken.
Another issue is the lack of funding and marketing support. South African films struggle to make an impact compared to Hollywood blockbusters like Black Panther. Many local films lack proper marketing, which affects their box office performance.
We need to explore innovative ways to promote our films, such as social media campaigns, mall tours, and community screenings. Nollywood (Nigeria’s film industry) has found a formula for success by producing movies at a low cost while maintaining high output. We need to find our own model that works for us.
The Ugly Side of the Industry
One of the darkest issues in the industry is exploitation. Many young actors are taken advantage of, from being asked to pay for auditions to facing inappropriate requests in exchange for roles.
It’s disturbing that some agencies charge aspiring actors just to audition. Many young actors don’t realize that legitimate auditions should be free. Additionally, there have been cases of sexual harassment, with some directors hinting at roles being given in exchange for favors.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Never pay for an audition. Legitimate casting agencies do not charge fees.
- Research the production company before attending an audition.
- Be cautious of auditions held in hotel rooms or private residences.
- Attend industry meetups and workshops to stay informed about ethical standards.
Relationships in the Industry
Another topic that comes up often is dating within the industry. Is it better to date someone who understands the demands of the industry, or is it easier to date someone outside of it?
Some actors prefer dating within the industry because their partner understands the long hours, unpredictable schedules, and intense roles. However, relationships can get complicated, especially when jealousy or competition comes into play.
From an acting perspective, on-screen intimacy can also create challenges in relationships. Some actors set boundaries on the types of roles they accept, while others are comfortable with any scene as long as it serves the story.
There’s no right or wrong answer—it ultimately depends on personal boundaries and how well both partners handle the pressures of the industry.
Final Thoughts
The film and TV industry is tough, but it’s also full of opportunities. Success requires passion, hard work, and persistence.
Key Takeaways:
- The industry is not as regulated as other professions, which has both advantages and disadvantages.
- You don’t need film school to succeed, but continuous learning and practice are essential.
- Social media has opened new doors for aspiring filmmakers and actors.
- Safety on set should never be compromised.
- Independent filmmakers can learn from models like Blumhouse Productions, which produce high-quality films on a budget.
- Marketing is crucial—local films need better promotion strategies.
- Be aware of exploitation and protect yourself from unethical practices.
- Dating in the industry comes with challenges, but communication and boundaries can help.
Join the Conversation
We want to hear from you! What are your thoughts on the South African film and TV industry? What topics should we cover in future episodes?
Follow us on social media and drop your comments below. If you’d like to be a guest on the podcast, reach out to us via email or DM.
Thank you for tuning in to Industry Insights Podcast. Until next time—keep creating, keep learning, and keep pushing forward! 🎬✨
