31 May 2017
Brett Michael Innes’ #ShowmaxAddiction
Brett Michael Innes is the writer and director of the award-winning film South African film Sink, and here he tells us about the films and series that inspire and entertain him.
What are you working on at the moment that you’re excited about?
I’m in writing mode at the moment so I’m typing up a storm on the next project. My last film, Sink, just finished its cinema/TV run and walked away with the SAFTA for Best Film this year.
What made you decide to get into film/ television?
I was the kid who used to gather his siblings and friends to make “movies”. I’d film them on our old family camera and then edit them on our VHS machine, so I guess you could say it’s in my DNA.
What’s your favourite genre of series and why? Drama? Fantasy? Comedy?
I love all genres, from slapstick comedy to arthouse drama. I am, however, partial to an intellectual sci-fi or thriller.
What’s the last series you binge-watched and what did you love about it?
The Young Pope* was my last binge. Visually sumptuous with a very interesting lead character. I love the bold choices that the director made and while I think it may be a bit slow for the Fast and the Furious crowd, I think people who enjoy House of Cards or The Crown will enjoy this beautifully executed series. Veep** is my other binge. Can’t get enough of Selena Meyer’s dirty mouth!
What’s your #ShowmaxAddiction?
What classic series do you re-watch over and over and why?
Looking. I think I’m sitting on my fifth time watching the series and find that I identify with a different character each time I watch it. Heartfelt TV that doesn’t rely on explosions or spectacle to keep you watching.
What’s the one show you love watching but wouldn’t admit to anyone else?
The Real. And that’s all I’ll say about that…
What’s one classic film everyone should watch?
Jurassic Park. It is a perfect movie!
Which South African stars do you find inspiring and why?
Rolanda Marais*** is an absolutely fearless actress who I love watching. She doesn’t censor her performances and really captivates the camera in a rare way.
*The Young Pope is exclusive to Showmax. Stream or download all 10 episodes now »
Original African stories by local talent
Unfollowed S1-2
Unfollowed examines cancel culture in social media through real-life stories of South African celebs. Stream S2 now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in South Africa
The Hot Seat S1
The Hot Seat promises bold banter as some of Kenya’s biggest celebrities face the heat. Stream now, with new episodes weekly.
Made in Kenya
Nairobi Bachelor S1
Nairobi Bachelor follows the journey of young bachelors and singletons on a quest to find their perfect match. Stream now, with new episodes every Friday.
Made in Kenya
Spooksoeker S1
When Warno Alberts turns 15, he suddenly becomes aware of ghosts in his dorpie – and it’s now his job to banish them. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in South Africa
4Play
4Play follows four men who, despite their chaotic personal lives, find friendship, love and perseverance in Nairobi’s concrete jungle. Stream now, with new episodes every Thursday.
Made in Kenya
Die Tollie & Manila Show
A bold talk show where SA celebs join drag queens Tollie Parton and Manila von Teez for an evening of conversation and games… in drag. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
Made in South Africa
The Station Strangler
The Station Strangler is a true-crime documentary investigating the serial killer who is believed to have killed 21 young boys and one adult from the late 80s to the mid-90s on the Cape Flats. Now available to stream.
Made in South Africa
Black & Blue S1
Black & Blue, a Showmax Original police-based mockumentary series, now streaming, with new episode every Wednesday.
Made in KenyaPrincess on a Hill, now streaming
Wura Season 3 on Showmax
The best of West Africa
Showmax Original Cheta M returns for Season 2 in January 2025
Watch the trailer for Cheta M Season 2, set to premiere on 6 January on Showmax, with new episodes every week.
Made in Nigeria
Mimi Chaka on Princess on a Hill: “Tolani is crazy”
Mimi Chaka on her role as Tolani in corporate drama Princess on a Hill, now streaming on Showmax. Catch new episodes every Thursday.
Princess on a Hill episodes 3-4: Things heat up at Lawson Group
In episodes 3-4 of Princess on a Hill, Zara faces tension, betrayal and tough choices. Catch new episodes every Thursday on Showmax.
Made in Nigeria
Efa Iwara on Showmax’s Princess on a Hill
Efa Iwara talks about his character as Ozzy in the Showmax Original series, Princess on a Hill, now streaming on Showmax.
Made in Nigeria