![Filming starts on first Showmax Original](https://cdn.stories.shwmx.co/media/2017/06/Tali-Wedding-Diary-Artwork-May2017-1240x698.jpg)
13 June 2017
Filming starts on first Showmax Original
Showmax Originals to debut with new series featuring Julia Anastasopoulos, aka SuzelleDIY
Filming of the first Showmax Original series, a mockumentary featuring Julia Anastasopoulos, commenced last week in Cape Town. Well-known for her SuzelleDIY alter ego, Anastasopoulos stars as Tali, a self-obsessed Sandton princess who’s moved to Cape Town and has hired a documentary crew to film the build-up to her wedding to her property-agent fiancé Darren.
13 June, 2017
Showmax has kicked off the first in a series of original productions with the filming of Tali’s Wedding Diary, a mockumentary featuring Julia Anastasopoulos.
Building on the phenomenal success of her SuzelleDIY character, Anastasopoulos stars as Tali, a self-obsessed Sandton princess who’s moved to Cape Town and has hired a documentary crew to film the build-up to her wedding to property-agent fiancé Darren.
Since introducing SuzelleDIY to YouTube, more than 70 Suzelle videos have been created, gaining almost 22 million views. One video alone, How To Make A Cinderblock Bench, has clocked up more than 2.5 million views.
Ari Kruger, co-creator and director of Tali’s Wedding Diary, has worked extensively as a director for commercials, music videos and online content. His short films have gained significant attention online and played in film festivals around the world.
In 2014, the creative duo combined their skills and passion for comedy and developed a project outside of their commercial work. The result of this, SuzelleDIY, has now grown into a full-scale brand and business. Julia and Ari have since started a production company called Sketchbook Studios, which produces SuzelleDIY alongside an array of new characters and online content.
Speaking about the decision to work with Showmax, Anastasopoulos said:
“When Ari and I first approached Showmax we knew we had a great concept but weren’t sure if they’d bite – getting backing for a production in South Africa can be tough. To their credit Showmax instantly bought into what we’re trying to do. This is exactly the kind of support the film industry in this country needs. We’ve got world-class acting and production talent so it’s a huge boost to see a local company fund local productions.”
In addition to Tali’s Wedding Diary, work is also underway on iNumber Number, an original co-production with Mzansi Magic. iNumber Number is a crime and corruption drama series based on the award-winning 2013 movie of the same name.
Speaking about plans for original productions, Showmax Africa Head Chris Savides said:
“Supporting African productions is absolutely part of our strategy. There’s incredible talent and expertise on this continent, so why look anywhere else, especially when you’re trying to tell authentic, locally relevant stories?”
Filming for Tali’s Wedding Diary is currently underway in Cape Town. The eight-part series will premiere on Showmax in December. Each episode will be approximately 20 minutes long.
About Sketchbook Studios
Sketchbook Studios is an award-winning production company with a philosophy of creating original and memorable work.
The success of the SuzelleDIY project has equipped the Sketchbook team with invaluable experience on how to create successful online content that people actually want to share.
https://www.sketchbookstudios.co.za/
For more information contact
Richard Boorman
Showmax Head of Communications
richard.boorman@showmax.com
+971 56 477 9627
+27 82 990 4080
Original African stories by local talent
![Die Ondernemers on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FDie-Ondernemers-2024-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Die Ondernemers
Die Ondernemers follows three entrepreneurs in the funeral business. Stream from 5 August, with new episodes every Monday on Showmax.
![Dark Side of Glory on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FDark_Side_Of_Glory_S1_2024-798x445.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Dark Side of Glory
Dark Side of Glory tells the stories behind shocking cases of murder and unexplained deaths in the world of sport. Stream from 31 July 2024.
![One Weeks S1 on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FOne_Weeks_S1_2024-1-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
One Weeks
One Weeks follows Fana, a charming high-school dropout from Soweto, who can’t believe his luck when he finds himself dating successful lawyer Lihle. Stream now, with new episodes every Monday.
![The Mommy Club Sugar & Spice on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2F1920x1080-CLEAN-798x449.png&w=3840&q=75)
The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice
The Mommy Club: Sugar & Spice is a brand-new Showmax Original reality series, following affluent moms in Durban’s Indian community. Watch from 8 August 2024.
![Beaulah Queens van die Kaap on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2F1920X1080-2-795x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap
Meet Cape Town’s most charismatic drag queens in this eye-opening reality series. Now streaming, with new episodes every Thursday.
![016FM S1 is on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F06%2F016FM-S1-2024-798x449.jpeg&w=3840&q=75)
016FM
016FM follows rival DJs at a beloved Vaal radio station threatened with closure, starring the late Mpho Sebeng, and Joseph Sedibo. Stream now, with new episodes every Wednesday.
![Jiji is on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F06%2FJiji_S01_2024-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Jiji
Jiji follows the lives of four girls in the streets of Jericho, forced into a life of crime to make ends meet. Stream now, with new episodes on Mondays and Tuesdays.
![Born Into Fame is on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F06%2FBorn-Into-Fame-Cast-798x449.png&w=3840&q=75)
Born Into Fame
Born Into Fame follows six South Africans with famous parents, as they try to live up to their family legacies while discovering their own unique paths to success. Stream now, with new episodes every Tuesday.
One Weeks on Showmax
The Mommy Club Sugar & Spice: Meet the moms
More Mzansi gold
![Shamiso in Born Into Fame S1](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FBorn-Into-Fame-S1_2024-798x449.png&w=3840&q=75)
Born into Fame S1: Shamiso confronts sincerity doubts and sets boundaries
In episode 6 of Born Into Fame S1, Shamiso confronts sincerity and sets her boundaries with Robbie. New episodes every Wednesday on Showmax.
![Die Ondernemers on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FDie-Ondernemers-2024-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Must-watch trailer: Showmax reality series Die Ondernemers
See the trailer for Die Ondernemers, a Showmax reality series featuring three South African undertakers, premiering 5 August 2024.
![Eksie Perfeksie on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FEksie_Perfeksie_2024-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Showmax’s raunchcom Eksie Perfeksie asks: ‘Can you stay friends with your exes?’
Watch the trailer for the Showmax Original raunchcom Eksie Perfeksie, landing on 9 August 2024.
![Manila von Teez in Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap on Showmax](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fcdn.stories.shwmx.co%2Fmedia%2F2024%2F07%2FBeaulah-Queens-van-die-Kaap_Manila-798x449.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Manila von Teez on Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap
Drag superstar Manila Von Teez talks about being on Beaulah: Queens van die Kaap. New episodes land every Thursdays on Showmax.