Candid film with large cast, many extras to be shot in Mossel Bay soon

MOSSEL BAY NEWS - A film which portrays Mossel Bay, past and present, is to be shot soon.

The Mossel Bay Advertiser interviewed Dexter Brinkhuis, the "man with the plan" about this exciting production.

What is the film about?
It will focus on the then and now of Mossel Bay and on all communities' experiences over the years. It will also focus on drug abuse, easy access to drugs and alcohol, teenage pregnancies, suicides, the influx of foreign nationals over the last few years and the effect these have had on the communities of Mossel Bay. We will look at racial and religious tolerance and acceptance. Characters will be played by local talent.

It seems you need many people for the film. How large will the cast be? How many extras are needed?
The demand will be huge, yes. Once the writers have finalised the entire story line, we will be able to determine the exact number of cast members and extras.

Ideally, we would love to involve as many people possible and let no community feel excluded. More details will be made available as we work towards actual filming readiness.

Who is funding the film? Who are the producer and director?
The funders are not keen to be made known at this stage but I am in constant contact with them to ensure they are aware of progress made on our side.

I had a video meeting with them as recently as Saturday, 16 May. At this stage, I am directing all pre-filming activities and the rest of the production, set and filming teams will be made of professionals who will be on set before actual filming commences.

How are you involved, Dexter? What is your background. Who else is involved so far?
My experience in the industry stretches back a good few years. Before leaving South Africa about 19 years ago, I operated a studio where I produced videos of events, weddings and other corporate functions. I have also recorded, filmed and produced live vocal groups and individual performers.

I had a stint with Eden FM as a presenter and English news presenter.

I have gained huge experience by being close to Johann Abrahams, who was an investigative cameraman and reporter for Special Assignment and various other productions on national television. Johann now successfully films and operates independently. He inspires me in a huge way. Since returning to South Africa, I have operated Dynasty Media - Photo and Video, doing what I did before I left.

Blessings Fasi, a well-known local film producer, is the quiet one who does what he does best behind the scenes at this stage.

He is a massive support and the richness of his experience is an awesome asset to this project. His productions are played on MTV and on major TV music channels as well as YouTube.

Why is the production about Mossel Bay specifically?
I was approached by one of the external roleplayers and was asked about the possibility of having something like this done here. This was decided after I had a discussion with a person involved in the industry. He was quite excited about the initiative and promised to get back to me. I was then contacted a few days later. Also, the idea of another film - a documentary - was raised with me. This is an additional filming project which will be focusing on the parallel farming initiative by the government. More details about this will be released at a later stage.

You have asked for writers to come forward. Is it to write the script for the Mossel Bay film?
The idea is to get Mossel Bay writers who have broad knowledge about the town together and see what creations will come from their thoughts and ideas.

Mossel Bay has a fortune of excellent talent in terms of writing and acting, whether its theatre or film and I am sure we will be pleasantly surprised by what we will see at the end of it all.

When will auditions take place and where?
They will be here in Mossel Bay. Dates and location of auditions will be announced as soon as the required permits are issued. We are in the process of obtaining these.

For more information, contact Brinkhuis (061 248 3885)

Blessings Fasi