8 September 2022

Watch: Director Mandla N’s inspiring masterclass

Mandla N is one of the most accomplished filmmakers in South Africa. His directing, writing and producing credits include the multiple SAFTA winner Diep City, the acclaimed movie Loving Thokoza and hit series Lockdown.

As part of the Actor Spaces x Showmax masterclass series on YouTube, he shares his secrets.

“We are mining the truth – believability is everything”
Mandla N

The art of directing is about bringing real life to the screen. Telling stories about the world and our people through the eyes of a camera. To be a director, it is your job to create, instruct and guide the stories that will be told as accurately and as authentically as possible. Here are some tools and tips for the art of directing.

Know Your Audience
Working with Actors
Decode The Script
Remember The Goal
Don’t Limit Yourself
Keep Learning! Keep Believing!

Keep doing! Shoot every day. Whether it is your phone or a film camera, go out and shoot. It is important to keep your director’s muscles moving and working.

Also watch the masterclasses with The Wife’s Bonko Khoza on Character Development and actor and casting director Ayanda Sithebe on The Art of the Audition.

Youngins S2, now streaming

Soft Life, coming to Showmax

More Mzansi gold

Youngins S2 has the biggest launch yet on Showmax 2.0

Toka Mtabane shares insights about his role in Youngins S2, which has already become a hit, setting a record for the most first-day views on Showmax 2.0. New episodes land on Fridays!

South African

Kwa Njomane S1-2

A reality show that follows the controversial life of traditional healer Smangele Mhlongo and her three children as they face the challenges of life, relationships, and societal pressures.

Original

Made in South Africa

SA animation directors nominated for an International Emmy

Tabby McTat is up for Kids: Animation International Emmy, directed by Cape Town directors Jac Hamman and Sarah Scrimgeour. Stream it now on Showmax.