Local boy in television commercial

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MOSSEL BAY NEWS - Mossel Bay actor Emmanuel Mpofu (9) made his television debut this week, featuring in a Rainbow Chicken Spices advert on the DStv channels.

Not short of ambition, Emmanuel's "dream is to become a pilot and be famous through acting and modelling as well", according to his mom, Tina.

Emmanuel is a learner at Milkwood Primary School.

He is signed with Gemini Model and Talent Agency in Mossel Bay. The agency secured him the part in the commercial.

Acting is all about brutally early mornings, complicated travel arrangements and personal inconveniences and Emmanuel certainly had his share of these in getting to the shooting for the commercial in Constantia, Cape Town.

Photo gallery: Mossel Bay actor in television commercial

Tina sighs as she describes the mission of herself and Emmanuel taking a bus to Cape Town at midnight, arriving in the morning and then taking buses and taxis to the television shoot.

The filming took place on 15 March. Although Emmanuel earned a small sum of money from his part, one must not despise small beginnings and hopefully this chicken spice commercial will have gained him a foot in the door of television. Low pay, a bit of hard work and inconvenience will not cause him to chicken out.

Gemini Agency owner Frieda van der Walt says: "Emmanuel is friendly, but a little shy. He loves his food. I asked him what he would do with the money from the commercial and he said, 'Buy a big pizza.'"

There are other children signed with Gemini who have appeared on television, but this is Emmanuel's first time.

Emmanuel Mpofu (third from right) with his mom Tina, younger brother Ebenezer and talent agent Frieda van der Walt.