Jozua Malherbe

With Props Master extraordinary Francois Coetzee

"As an AD I had the privilege to work with some of the industry top directors including Bobby Heaney, Gray Hofmeyr, Gerrit Schoonhoven to name a few. Working with these directors on features as well as TV drama gave me a great understanding for the craft of directing and what it entails to make entertainment in this country. Working as an AD for as long as I did, has given me wonderful insight into the 'do's' and 'don'ts' of working on set and working with professional crew and cast. It also gave me a deep appreciation for what we do as technicians and artists."

Jozua now has a blog www.readwrite.co.za that is aimed at indie film makers, talking about craft, industry news, ideas, etc. "There is also some stuff I've done and projects I have been involved with."

Last year August he got the break to direct his first feature film, entitled Wolwedans in die Skemer, which was written by the prolific Leon van Nierop and produced by Danie Bester. The film was shot late November to mid-December in Hazyview and surrounds, he has completed the edit of the film and it will now go onto sound design, vfx and scoring.

With Actor Gerard Rudolf who Plays Detective Nolte from Wolwedans in die Skemer

The film is based on Leon van Nierop's popular radio drama from the late 70's and 80's and ran for over 400 episodes. "I am very proud of the film we made and the team I worked with are all young and passionate film makers." AFDA alumnis Tom Marais was DOP, and Waldermar Coetsee, the art director. The film plays in the genre of psychological thriller and will release in October 2012. Visit facebook/wolwedans or the website www.wolwedans-movie.com for more info and some behind the scenes.

Jozua is now in pre-production for Getroud met Rugby Season 4 and where he plans to give the show a little facelift regarding the use of medium and story. "This in itself is challenging given the high quality product set by Trevor Calverley (DOP) and Cobus Russouw (Director) from the previous seasons. I am working with Adam Bentel (DOP) and Flo Ballack (Art Director) to achieve the look and feel for the series and I have no doubt that we will create something unique and beautiful for audiences to enjoy. I am very excited to be working with Deon Opperman as well and have my line producer from Wolwedans, Lucia Meyer, join me on this project." The team will start shooting 19 March for 13 weeks and the series airs on Kyk-Net from July 2012.

With DOP Tom Marais on the set of Wolwedans

Jozua Malherbe's take on the industry

"When I was at AFDA we all had a feeling that the 'industry' is going to need young blood and that with time we will have the opportunity to make our own work for our 'South African' audiences to enjoy. This is exactly what has happened."

He's thankful to the government support, especially the DTI rebate scheme, as a huge influx of SA entertainment can be seen and slowly we are raising the bar on quality.

"I have just seen Semi-Soet and the film is great! It hits the genre bang-on. Other films that I know of like Blitz Patrollie and Fanie Fourie's Lobola, as well as Sleepers Wake and Material have all worked very hard to raise production standards and excite audiences. These films all release this year."

His outlook is positive and as he feels with each new film coming out and stepping it up there will soon be a solid basis to work off; that no longer requires government support because audience will support films that are good, regardless.

The secret?

Work hard, hustle; don't be arrogant just because you went to film school. Filmmaking is a craft first, and like any craft it takes time and patience to become good at it. There are people in the industry that will be willing to show and teach you, but you must have the right attitude. To gain respect - you have to give it. Simple!

Image credits: Werner Grobbelaar - on a day of the set Wolwedans in die Skemer