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Pursuing any career without experience can be quite tricky, even more so in the entertainment industry. With this in mind, the founders of a South African film production company have decided to use their skills to assist upcoming actors.
Touched by Style Community Arts Projects and Films is a non-profit, community-based programme focusing on bringing a positive, life-changing experience to talented members of the community to not only explore, but also mature their acting abilities, by participating in film productions.
Formed in 2020 as an online dance production by co-founders, Nic Matthee and Patrick Lategan, in Cape Town, the company later developed into action and thriller motion picture projects.
Now the company is making its way to the Gqeberha and Kariega areas, in search of talented actors who are looking to expose their talent to a more national and international audience, and possible talent acquisition bodies.
“The actors we often work with are from different communities and provinces. After seeing a particular actress from Gqeberha, Chante Sing, we immediately set our sights on filming a zombie-like scene in the area, and presenting a big opportunity for talented members to participate, giving them the experience of movie make-up and effects, film props, and things like stage blood, explosions, and imitation battle scenes.
“The 22-year-old actress from Gqeberha was easily recognised by her amazing talent and being an ambassador to her community,” he said.
The 12-time award-winning community-based film project said that it aims at bringing a positive, life-changing experience to the community and the youth. The production is set to film a motion picture, named Wrong House in PE.
“The community programme started to travel, creating a window of opportunity and resulting in our success, winning two awards for the local dance musical inspired by Michael Jackson’s Smooth Criminal video. This propelled the creative team to journey into action films such as Black Disciple (The Diamond Top Film Award), The Number Two (three Fire Torch Awards) and The Bitter Trilogy (four Kuzey Awards Turkey), which won us an international award, as well as the action martial arts film named Aapie which won us two international awards from the CINEVO Awards in Phoenix Arizona, United States of America,” said Lategan.
This project is a non-profit community programme for students, talented community members, and those who want to showcase their talent to build their portfolio and better their chances at breaking into the acting industry. So, although the production does not offer a paid job, Lategan said that participating in this project will still be beneficial.
“Being part of a successful project to amuse, inspire, and be mesmerised by the magic of filmmaking and media, working together as an effective team in unity with creative minds is all worth it. Education is key, and also establishing oneself to upskill and mature their craft in acting, prosthetic make-up and effects, editing, sound, and technicality of being on a film set; these are the skills needed to make it. Additionally, it is important for the local talent community to tell their own stories. Some of our success stories are Chavonne Matthys who recently received a role in Arendsvlei, Melissa Matthee from Kimberley who is a trained dance choreographer and has experience in stage productions all over South Africa, and Samantha Brink who stars in Suidooster.”
The production will be in Alexander Park in Kariega, and Botharus in Despatch, on March 2, 2024. However, all auditions will be done online.
Actors who are interested in auditioning for a role in the upcoming film should send an email to touchedbystyle21@gmail.com or contact Lategan on 065 666 1115.
