Leading Lady’s Henk Pretorius talks about film

Henk Pretorius, local writer, producer and director, hopes to take the South African and international film industry by storm with his latest feature film Leading Lady – due for release this month.

Leading Lady is a story about an idealistic British drama school teacher, Jodi Rutherford (Katie McGrath), who persuades an initially reserved and rather dour South African farmer, Kobus Willemse (Bok van Blerk), to prepare her for the role of an Afrikaans war heroine in a major film. In return, Jodi undertakes to organise and direct the annual concert on the Willemse farm.

Jodi’s interaction with the quirky small-town citizens and stubborn Kobus teaches her there is more to life than “lights, camera, action!” Or is there?

Henk (32) a product of Afrikaans Hoër Seunskool and Hoërskool Waterkloof is well-known for many acclaimed local films including the Bakgat trilogy, Fanie Fourie’s Lobola, Hoofmeisie and Wolwedans in die Skemer. He is also the co-founder of Dark Matter Studios, a successful production company based in the United Kingdom and SA.

Days before the release of Leading Lady, Rekord spoke to Pretorius about the film, what it was like working with a stellar cast and to have his film recognised internationally.

1. Henk, you wrote and directed South Africa’s first film trilogy, the teen comedy box-office hit Bakgat. You also co-wrote and directed Fanie Fourie’s Lobola that has won three local and international awards. How does Leading Lady compare to these films?

Leading Lady is much gentler than Bakgat 1 and 2 and more audience-friendly than Fanie Fourie’s Lobola. Audiences have complimented Fanie Fourie’s Lobola for dealing with the complex cultural clashes when an Afrikaans man falls in love with a Zulu woman, in quite a light and accessible way. Leading Lady deals thematically with a coming of age story that ultimately tells the intimate story of Jodi Rutherford’s journey of self actualisation.

2. Why did you decide to produce Leading Lady?

My business partner, Llewelynn Greeff, and I wanted to produce a film with the built-in potential to cross international borders. Leading Lady’s cross continental aspect really allowed for that and we asked Tina Kruger to write the script with me. To produce a film in South Africa with some international talent that we could sell to territories around the globe seemed like a great idea to us.

3. Why, in your opinion, should anyone watch this film?

In my opinion, you should watch Leading Lady, because I have watched it at least a hundred times and I still enjoy it.

4. What is your favourite scene in Leading Lady?

Leading Lady’s very first scene draws you into the story. When that happens you stop thinking of the film as a collection of scenes and rather as a journey where you need every piece of the puzzle to make complete sense of the story. I therefore have no ultimate favourite scene, yet it’s definitely my favourite movie I have directed up to now.

5. What was it like working with local actors Bok van Blerk and Brümilda van Rensburg?

Bok van Blerk is a very honest performer and brings a lot of integrity to a role. He was super professional and was willing to really work with me and make this one of his most intimate performances up to date. I am really proud of his work in Leading Lady.

Brümilda van Rensburg was a massive unsuspected surprise. The Brümilda I thought I knew compared the Brümilda I got to know, was so much more fun. I briefly worked with her on Egoli when I was an actor on the show and I remember her being very serious. In Leading Lady she is a barrel of laughs with brilliant comedy timing and poignant emotional moments. I think Leading Lady’s ‘Tannie Magdaleen’ is going to be one of her most memorable performances.

6. How did you experience working with international actors Kate McGrath and Gil Bellows?

Katie McGrath is like a well oiled machine. She never misses a mark or an emotional beat. I really didn’t have to give her a lot of direction because she came to set super prepared. To see her indulge in Jodi Rutherford was a true privilege. Working with Gil Bellows was like working with a creative collaborator. He really put his heart into the role and added so many awesome lines to his performance. It was like opening a lucky packet every time he opened his mouth, because you were never sure what he was going to say or do next. I loved it!

7. Did you notice any differences between the local and international actors?

The international cast and South African cast gelled really well and we made a point of treating them (international cast) the same. Working with every person was different, but not really because they came from different parts of the world. I think what really helped was that we had a stellar crew on Leading Lady and they really helped with the management of everyone’s personalities.

8. How does it feel to have Leading Lady internationally recognised?

I have been dreaming of international success for quite some time now and it really is a massive compliment. I am overwhelmed by the international response to the film so far and really feel like audiences are “getting it” around the globe. We are super excited about the summer release in the USA.

9. How do you think the South African market will receive the film?

Our test screenings and premiers have been fantastic. It has been the best response to a film I have directed so far. I was blown away by all the sincere compliments.

10. Some may describe scenes in Fanie Fourie’s Lobola and Bakgat as somewhat controversial and audiences are often given an experience out of their comfort zone. Can we expect the same from Leading Lady?

Leading Lady is a much gentler film. I think viewers can expect a feeling of empathy and a lot of unexpected laughs, rather than controversy.

11. You have directed and produced a lot of comedies in your career. Do you prefer this genre?

Not really. I love all genres. I directed and/or produced quite a few comedies up to now because I enjoyed laughing out loud in my room a couple of times while creating the dialogue for the characters. I am busy with a science fiction film at the moment and maybe a horror as well. I am looking forward to the challenge of also entertaining in other genres.

12. What was your first movie watching experience as a child in a theatre, and how did it affect you?

The first movie I can remember watching was Dirty Dancing. It made me feel fearless and like living a life full of passion was the only option I had. Movies had a major influence in my life and I really see the connection between my emotional development and the amount of movies I have watched. Some people may reason I should watch a little more though, i.e. my Peter Pan syndrome.

13. What was your first movie making experience, and how did it change your life?

The first movie I ever attempted to direct was Bakgat 1. It opened the door for everything to follow. Ian Robberts called us “the film rebels”, because the odds were stacked against us, yet failure was not an option. It still isn’t.

14. Where does an idea for a movie usually begin for you?

I have to feel an idea in my gut and at the same time, I have to understand the audience I am making the film for. I really believe that the process of creating a film should be fuelled with the desire to entertain, move and inspire audiences. The idea that an audience might one day enjoy what I have created, gives me goose bumps.

15. What are your top three films (local and international)?

Local: Zulu on my Stoep, The Gods Must Be Crazy and Fiela se Kind. International: District 9, Dead Poet Society and Cinema Paradisso.

*Leading Lady will release in South Africa on 28 November and, in the USA during their summer holiday in 2015.

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