Mbusi brings fictional world to life
Before the cue for 'lights, camera, action', there is copious amounts of careful planning that goes into the sets used in a TV series. Local talent, Mbusi, is currently working on one of SA's biggest shows.
AN aspiring Durban film-maker, Mbusi Msane, has been given the opportunity to work behind the scenes on one of South Africa’s most watched soapies, Uzalo.
The show boasts a viewership of almost three-million per day and the eThekwini Municipality helped acquire a year-long placement on the set of the popular SABC 1 drama series for six talented students.
The six Durban youth, who were selected from more than 70 applications, includes Pinky Sozombile (make-up and hair), Slindokuhle Msomi (continuity), Thokozani Mahaye (sound), Mbusi Harrison Msane (art department), Philile Masondo (camera) and Ntombifuthi Zakwe (wardrobe).
Mbusi Harrison Msane, 25, from Wyebank, is in the art department and also has a film and TV diploma.
The focus for him at the moment is in the construction of the sets for Uzalo.
“Working on this soapie is really helping me to groom myself for a career in film and I am learning so much,” said the local student.
This is the second year that the trainee programme, which covers a number of areas of film-making including sound, camera, make-up and hair, art, continuity and wardrobe, is being run by Stained Glass Productions.
The programme aims to empower young people and create more technically savvy people for the local film industry.
eThekwini Mayor, Zandile Gumede, said this training was in line with the city’s vision to stimulate and develop the Durban film industry.
“We need to grow a base of technically skilled people to support the production companies that choose to film here or are based in the city. The film industry provides great economic stimulation not only for film-related technical support but also other small, medium and micro enterprises such as freight and logistics, catering and security.”
