INTRODUCTION
Also on board is the internationally acclaimed composer and songwriter Machiel Roets who has composed almost 30 brand new Afrikaans songs for the film. Roets has worked as musical director on pantomimes and musicals in London for more than 12 years.
“With ‘Pretville’ we hope to capture the 50s that we largely missed out on,” says director Linda Korsten. “This film is colourful and full of fun, music and dance. You’ll recognise the characters even if you don’t know them. Once you have visited the town of Pretville, you cannot help but feel happy.”
Featuring 50s music from rock ‘n roll to doo-wop, the film harks back to an era characterised by charm and romance. In the tradition of ‘Grease’ and ‘Hairspray’, it’s madly colourful and stylish. It’s also big on costumes, with a wardrobe and sumptuous set design never before seen in a local movie. The entire set was built from scratch at Hartbeespoort and encompasses a town hall, diner, hair salon, garage, funeral parlour and other distinctive small town features. Because it’s set in the 50s, audiences will also be able to feast their eyes on a gorgeous collection of classic vintage cars.
“We have assembled the best cast, the best music and the best vintage vehicles for this film,” says producer Paul Krüger. “There is no doubt in my mind that we are producing something truly unique and fun with ‘Pretville’. The town we have built is amazing and we are really proud of our art department. As with ‘Liefling, Die Movie’ the production values of the film are world class.”
In the lead are Marlee van der Merwe (Liefling, Die Movie), newcomer Eugene Jensen and Marno van der Merwe (Longshot). Also starring in the film are Terence Bridgett as a flamboyant hairdresser and mayor of Pretville Pierre Lukuveer. Other well known stars appearing in the film include Annette Engelbrecht, Lizz Meiring, Steve Hofmeyr, Rina Nienaber, Emo Adams, Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck, Willem Botha, Sanet Ackermann, Kevin Leo and Jakkie Louw, as well as a line-up of fresh, young talent.
‘Pretville’ will be distributed by Indigenous Film Distribution. “This is another in a growing line of top quality Afrikaans films that are being produced,” says Helen Kuun, CEO of Indigenous Film Distribution. “The focus is on fun and this exciting film will have audiences singing along. It’s great to see the progress being made in driving quality and production values while also creating great South African entertainment.
SYNOPSIS
Pierre Lukuveer (Terence Bridgett) is both the hairdresser and mayor of Pretville, and the gossip flows thick and fast at his salon, where Ouma Sarie visits almost every day to catch up on the local news.
Frank (Marno van der Merwe) has an eye for the girls and he believed that Serah is his. But when Serah meets Dawid de Wit (Eugene Jensen), the son of a local farmer, they are immediately attracted to one-another. Frank is not happy about this at all, and the battle for her heart begins.
Major pop star Eddie Elektriek (Steve Hofmeyr), who returns to Pretville for the first time in 25 years, meets up with his old flame Emily and it’s clear that they still have feelings for one-another. But will it last this time?
Grieta Geeverniet (Lizelle de Klerk) is pregnant, and everyone in the town wants to know who the baby’s father is.
Roeda Regyt (Rina Nienaber) is a perfectionist who always insists on things being done properly, which means she’s not very popular with the other townsfolk. She’s also a bit of a hypochondriac and is always suffering from some new ailment.
Candy storeowner Lollie le Roux (Lizz Meiring) is mad about all the young men in the town and she flirts all the time. But will she ever find true love.
There’s always something going on in Pretville. If the townsfolk aren’t rocking and rolling on a Saturday night, then they’re celebrating and partying in style.
Pretville opens in cinemas countrywide on 23 November 2012.
DIRECTOR’S STATEMENT
The name says it all – this town is about enjoyment. I knew from the start that the film had to be full of fun and happiness. How we were going to make it work on screen was another story. Pretville is a true musical film, a tale that is told through the medium of music, dance and acting.
Luckily, Machiel Roets has written the most beautiful music to carry the story. It’s an Afrikaans fifties fantasy told like no other you have seen or imagined on the big screen before.
Because of the subject matter, the film had to be colourful, playful and full of humour, but it also had to be true to the era. In addition, the characters had to be recognisable – the type of people you come across all the time in everyday life. I really believe we go that right. Everyone who participated in the making of the film did their bit in the best way possible, and the result is a spectacular film that enables everyone to shine.
From the gorgeous set, which was custom built for the film, to the music, choreography, costumes, vehicles and the technical team and of course the cast, everyone came together to make sure it would be a success.
There were times when I was exhausted and I was tempted to run away, but there was always someone standing by, ready to take my hand and walk a few steps forward with me.
This film is a team effort. It has been the most wonderful, uplifting experience.
– Linda Korsten
Q&A: PAUL KRUGER, PRODUCER, DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY
One day I got a call from London, from someone called Machiel, who said he wanted to send me a few songs to listen to. The CDs arrived and lay in my office for about a month. The one night I was having trouble sleeping and I thought I’d listen to the guy’s music, so I could at least send him an email to thank him and say “no thank you”.
I listened to the first song and thought it was great. The second one was phenomenal, and by the time I got to the third one I knew this was something special we had here. Machiel did not even know where in South Africa I live, but one of the songs is called Daar Anderkant Rietfontein, and Rietfontein is the name of the farm where we live, and on which Hartiwood is built. That kind of sealed the deal.
His idea was to work on a music programme for television and to get a whole bunch of artists to perform the 50s style songs. I told him I thought it would be a far better idea to make a movie. He agreed. I gave him some characters and the next day he sent a new song.
Machiel came to South Africa in 2011 for Bobby van Jaarsveld’s wedding, we met and started working together and he never went back.
How did you turn a few songs into a film?
We had all the characters and Machiel wrote songs for each one of them. I then brought in Linda Korsten, Anel Stolp and Erik Holm and together with Machiel, we took about a month to write the concept for the film, which we decided would be a 1950s musical.
At first we struggled with the name and we were originally going to call it “Jive 50”. Then one day Linda told me she was on her way to Pretville, which is what she called Pretoria. That’s when my wife piped up and said, “That’s the name of the film.”
Why did you build a set for the town?
We scouted everywhere for a suitable location which still had lots of buildings from the 50s, but we could not find anything that worked. I chatted to my sister, who is an architect, and she suggested we just build the town. She showed me the plans and we went ahead. We began the project in April 2011, and it took me, seven builders and five assistants about a year to construct it.
It’s not easy to make a film that is set in the 50s. How did you choose your team?
I knew that few people in the industry had experience in doing this type of work, but that it would also be a great opportunity for people. There is something really charming about the period, and everyone I spoke to was really keen on the concept.
I approached a large number of the “Liefling” team and I brought Bathoni Robinson on board as the production designer. She loved the 50s and has a great eye for detail, which is very important in this type of film. Nike Holm en Merishen Wessels also made an excellent contribution in this area.
We asked Nerine Pienaar to do the wardrobe design. She was so excited – which designer wouldn’t be? She made and bought some truly exceptional costumes.
It was important for me to choose the team carefully because we all had to be prepared to work together, handle criticism and dish it out too. We were all team players, just like we were on “Liefling”.
How did you cast actors for the various roles?
Machiel, Linda and I all had a few people in mind, but the process was very organic. As the story developed, so we thought of people who could play the part – for example, Emo Adams and Margit Meyer-Rodenbeck as the Pretville police officers and Kevin Leo and Jakkie Louw as the jail wardens. And who better to play the prisoners that Kobus Wiese and Jimmy Abbott? Terence Bridgett as the hairdresser and mayor was also a shoe-in. The casting was spot on.
Every artist, actor, and dancer who we approached immediately agreed and played their part with gusto. No-one quibbled about fees and we were able to pay industry rates. Everyone agreed that it was a unique opportunity.
At first, Machiel, Linda and I agreed we would choose the lead characters on merit alone. That’s a big risk, because people want to see well known stars on screen. We held auditions and 180 of the best actors in the country, as well as complete unknowns, arrived. We chose Eugene Jensen, Marno van der Merwe en Marlee van der Merwe to play the leads because of the quality of their performances, and also because they were able to convey the look and feel of the times.
Why did you choose Linda Korsten as the director of Pretville?
It’s always been a dream of Linda’s to direct a movie and when I asked her about the project in early 2011, she agreed. She has been excellent at both producing and directing the film, and took on the role of parent to us all as well.
Q&A: LINDA KORSTEN, DIRECTOR, PRODUCER
We looked to films, musicals and stage productions like “Mamma Mia”, “Grease”, “West Side Story”, “Fish”, and “Pleasantville”. We did that to ensure that we were on the right track with Pretville. It was not really about finding inspiration because we wanted to create something truly unique.
How important was it to have the music, songs and dance ready before you started filming?
When you’re making a musical film, it’s critical to have the music ready and recorded before you commence filming. The sound recordings were all completed by October 2011. During this time, we determined and outlined every role in the film. Before each recoding we agreed on exactly how the characters would be represented as this had to come across in each song.
This process took about a month because there were 28 songs in total, many of them sung by different characters. It was a fairly lengthy exercise, which was led by Machiel Roets. As the director, I made sure that every person was in character during the recordings.
We discussed all the songs with the choreographer Ferdinand Gernandt. We agreed on how we saw the songs being played out, where they would be located, and who would be involved in the scenes. We also got together on set to place each of the characters. Ferdinand then went away and planned the choreography in line with our discussions.
Two weeks before filming began we held dance rehearsals with the dancers and the actors. I was also involved at this stage, as I had to ensure once again that everyone was in character.
Although the cast was so large, getting the actors ready to play their roles was not a terribly complex task. We met with each one of them, discussed their role and how they would bring their character to life, and they got on with it. It was wonderful to watch really experienced performers like Rina Nienaber, Annette Engelbrecht, Lizz Meiring, Steve Hofmeyr en Terence Bridgett take what we told them and deliver the goods with so much expertise. It was also a wonderful experience to work with young actors who have had quite a lot of experience on stage. They were all a talented bunch and it was a great pleasure to work with them.
When did Nerine Pienaar come on board and what were your instructions to her?
Nerine Pienaar joined us in September 2011 as the costume designer. We worked through the script and discussed the personalities and looks of each character in the film. We also agreed on the 50s look and feel, and on using lots of colour. A few weeks later, Nerine came back with a wardrobe style guide, which included illustrations and ideas for each character, as well as colour palettes for all of them. She had done a lot of research into the style of the era, which shows on screen. Because it’s a period film, we had to get the costumes, makeup and hairstyles exactly right.
Nerine did a fantastic job. She knew all about 50s fashion and style. The costumes were perfect and the cast loved them. Her passion for her work shines through.
Why did you choose Bathoni Robinson as the production designer?
Bathoni joined the team just before the set was completed. She has the most amazing ability to turn things to gold. I sometimes wondered whether the colours she had chosen would work together and then I would see that she had an eye for colour and detail that no-one else did. What she did with every little store and exterior was remarkable. She studied the script very carefully and made sure she incorporated everything that was necessary. She also did a lot of research into the period and turned the set into a perfect 50s town. Everything was colourful and well defined.
What were some of the most important considerations in making the film?
Although Pretville is a fictitious place filled with eccentric characters, it had to be realistic. The most important consideration was to introduce the audience to a town that is full of fun and populated by people we all know to some extent. That requires the right camera angles, lighting, settings, actors and music. You have to remember that what appears on screen must captivate the audience. That means every component of the filmmaking process is critical. The editing is also key. Bad editing can ruin a film. Thankfully, we had Anel Stolp on the team and she was excellent.
What style did you choose for the filming?
We watched a lot of films. These days shooting and editing is fairly quick. I prefer the more old-fashioned and slower way they did it in the 50s, with lots of wide shots so that you can see the dance moves. The music obviously had to be taken into account too. One of the songs is a sad, ‘lonely’ number sung by Serah Somers. We had to get across the sadness of the situation and you can’t do that by using rapid camera shots. Wide shots with her as the central point of focus brought the scene to life.
What were the biggest challenges?
Because we had a set budget and a certain number of days in which to shoot, it was sometimes tough to spend enough time on certain scenes.
As there were so many actors and dancers involved, the scenes that involved everyone were very taxing and took a lot out of me. You can only concentrate for so long and no more.
We also worked with a small production and technical team. Because I had the task of line producer on top of everything else, it was sometimes tough to do everything right.
On a personal level, my mother was very ill throughout the filming and she died three days before we were finished. It was a difficult time for me.
How difficult was it to co-ordinate the singing and dancing with so many people on set?
In this type of film, miming is critical and must be perfect. Machiel Roets helped enormously with this task. He kept an eye on everyone during the filming and we did it over and over until it was perfect.
Ferdinand Gernandt also helped enormously with the dance scenes and the placement of characters in some of the scenes.
The dance sequences were challenging because sometimes there were just one or two people out of synch with the other 30. But we had to practice until it was perfect.
The cast and dancers were fantastic. They were all enthusiastic and always tried to do their best, even when they were exhausted.
Tell us about the casting process. Were there any surprises?
Every actor cast suited their role perfectly. We spent a lot of time on finding the right people. All the youngsters auditioned, but the more established actors like Lizz Meiring, Steve Hofmeyr and Terence Bridgett were cast directly. Steve, for example, plays a role that is much like he is in real life gallant, charming and a singer.
Rina Nienaber, in the role of Roeda Regyt, was perfect from the start. So was Annette Engelbrecht as Ouma Sarie. Everyone would love to have such a sweet, caring granny.
I was really surprised by Willem Botha in the role of Hennie Hakkel. He worked hard to get that stutter perfect, which is not easy.
We searched for a long time to find the right person to play Emily, Serah Somers’ mother. Sanet Ackerman stunned me with her interpretation of this role.
Terence Bridgett shone as both the hairdresser and mayor of the town, not an easy one for any actor to play.
Then of course there was Lizz Meiring as Lollie le Roux, the coquettish wallflower who tries to lead every young man astray. She was excellent.
Newbie Eugene Jensen played the part of farm boy Dawid superbly and he is going to be very popular with the ladies in the audience. So too will Marno van der Merwe, who plays the cocky young Frank. He’s going to make lots of hearts beat a little faster.
The role of Serah Somers is played by the beautiful and talented Marlee van der Merwe, who is perfect for this part and sings like a dream.
What did Ferdinand Gernandt bring to the film?
He not only created the most extraordinary choreography, but he also helped enormously with the placing of characters in many of the scenes. More than half of the songs in the film are highly choreographed and there is no doubt that Ferdinand’s talents have added a whole extra dimension to the film. He often challenged the dancers and actors to perform complex moves. It was worth all the effort and you can see it on the screen. He’s a talented young man and will go far in the film industry.
Q&A: MACHIEL ROETS, COMPOSER
I’ve always loved the 50s and the 60s. I don’t think Afrikaans performers have had the opportunity to really interpret the music of that time. I wanted to hear that sound in Afrikaans.
Describe the writing process
Most of the musicals of that time were tales of love, like Gershwin’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. In the South African context, where many Afrikaners are in the farming community, it made sense to write a story about a farm boy who falls in love with a town girl. Once that decision was made the rest was easy as all the characters fell into place. What I tried to do was to bring out the comic side of Afrikaners and their great sense of humour.
We knew there had to be a hair salon in the story, a place where people can come together and gossip. We also had to have a diner, because that is so much a part of the 50s.
Tell us a bit about the characters
Serah Somers was the first character I worked on. Paul was mad about Marlee van der Merwe, who he had worked with on Liefling, Die Movie. We knew that she would play the lead and the role was written with her in mind.
We also knew she had to have a grandmother because that’s the person who gives you advice about love. Her mother had to have a suitor too, and that was how we created Steve’s role. He is perfect as Eddie Elektriek, someone who has had a long career and is ready to come home.
We could not think of a name for our hairdresser until Anel Stolp mentioned the French term “le coiffeur”, which we turned into the Afrikaans-sounding Lukuveer, and that was how Pierre Lukuveer was created. He is a colourful, funny character and is also the mayor of the town to boot.
Because Pretville is a fantasy town, we were able to create a whole rainbow-coloured world where everything is pretty and everyone gets along.
How did you approach the song writing?
The big thing about 50s music is that it’s generally upbeat, even when the songs are sad, like the one Serah Somers sings when her heart is broken. The rock ‘n roll numbers are great and the sax is definitely the cherry on top. I’ve never written for the sax before, but the orchestra I worked with was fantastic and the sound we got was excellent.
What was the inspiration for the song Lie and Deny/Lieg en Bedrieg?
To understand this song, you have to have been in a relationship. It’s based on my own mum and dad. My dad would go out with his friends and then come home and get into trouble. My mother claimed all she wanted was for him to tell the truth about where they’d been, but I’m not sure if she would ever really have forgiven him. I think in many relationships people fib in order to keep the peace.
Which songs are your favourite?
I love all of them in some way or another. Rietfontein is very special because it’s the song that convinced Paul to work with me. I really like the pretty little Hennie Hakkel song, which is actually based on Summer Loving. Marlee van der Merwe steals my heart every time with Is Jy Verlief?.
What were the most difficult songs to write?
Roeda is Dood. It was very hard to write a funny song about someone who has died. It was a challenge, but I think I got it right.
How did you see the choreography?
Pretville is all about song and dance. In my head I just saw the hop and bop of the 50s, but when Ferdinand came along, he brought his unique style to it all. He worked on original Pretville dance moves and did not just copy what we’ve seen in American films. He would bring bits of choreography in and as the songs grew and evolved, so he would develop the choreography to follow suit. He was very sharp and would take just a few minutes to work out a new dance if we needed it. He has a great talent.
WHO’S WHO IN PRETVILLE
Serah is a popular girl who lives in Pretville with her mother Emily. The young men of the town are very taken with her and compete for her affections. She does not pay much notice to them, but she still enjoys the attention. She often helps her mother at the diner and she visits the hair salon to see her gran Sarie, so that the two of them can catch up on the gossip.
Dawid de Wit (Eugene Jensen)
Dawid works on the farm Rietfontein along with three of his friends. He often goes to Pretville to deliver fresh produce from the farm. When he’s in town, he can’t help noticing all the pretty girls. He’s a good looking boy and likes to attract attention too. He has known Grieta Geeverniet since he was a child and always pops in to see how she is doing.
Frank Fouche (Marno van der Merwe)
Frank is Pretville’s heartbreaker. He paints the town red with his friends and the girls are nuts about them. Frank and his buddies work at the Pretville garage where he is the manager, but they always seem to be out on the street.
Pierre Lukuveer ( Terence Bridgett)
Pierre Lukuveer is Pretville’s flamboyant hairdresser and because he is so popular with everyone, he is also the mayor of the town. If you want to know anything about anyone, you can stop in at the salon and Pierre will tell you everything. He and Ouma Sarie spend their lives gossiping.
Dyna and Dot (Christel Mutombo and D’Anne Mahlangu)
Dyna and Dot are The Supremes of Pretville. They are Pierre’s assistants at the salon, but they are also backing singers with Kallie Klawers’ orchestra. They help Pierre with his mayoral duties too. They have a great time in Pretville.
Eddie Elektriek (Steve Hofmeyr)
Eddie Erasmus (now Elektriek) used to live in Pretville in his 20s, and left to seek his fortune. He has a relationship with Emily Somers before he left. He has since become a famous pop star, and has always remained a bit of a skirt chaser. When he returns to Pretville, everyone wonders what plans he has up his sleeve.
Emily Somers (Sanet Ackermann)
Emily is Serah’s mother. She left Pretville for Kimberley when she fell pregnant, and then later returned to buy the diner, which she runs with a firm hand. In her younger days she had a relationship with Eddie Elektriek and many people wonder is he is Serah’s father.
Minnie and Bets (Nadia Beukes and Fredia Roux)
These two girls work at the diner and are Serah’s best friends and the three of them never miss a dance at the Pretville town hall.
The local boys: Frik and Faan (Chris van Rensburg and Kenneth Meyer)
Frik and Faan are Frank’s best friends and they also work at the car dealer’s. The three young men can always be seen around town chasing the girls or looking for trouble.
The Farm Boys: Wiks, Faan en Jan (Jaco van Rensburg, Sifiso Mazibuko, Reynard Hugo)
Wiks, Faan and Jan follow Dawid everywhere. They work with him on the farm and they too have an eye for the girls. They encourage Dawid to play the field a little.
Lollie, Bettie and Lettie (Lizz Meiring, Estelle Kriek and Annika Steenkamp)
Lollie is the owner of the candy store. She likes the young men in the town, but they don’t take much notice of her, even though she is very forward and outgoing. She’s hired Bettie and Lettie to help her in the store, and they all go dancing together on the weekend. However, no-one really wants to dance with them so they are known as the town’s wallflowers.
Ouma Sarie (Annette Engelbrecht)
Ouma Sarie is Serah Somers’ grandmother, but the townsfolk think of her as their own “ouma”. She’s a great cook and her plum tarts win the annual prize every year at the plum festival. She visits the salon almost every day and loves to talk to Pierre.
Roeda Regyt (Rina Nienaber)
Roeda is the mayor’s assistant. She’s always at the salon and thinks she knows better than everyone else. She sees herself as a perfectionist and is always busy setting things right. She sticks her nose in everyone’s business and people get quite annoyed with her. She like to eat and to wear hats.
Gerda and Grieta Geeverniet (Carike Keuzenkamp and Lizelle de Klerk)
Grieta works at the hardware store with Tommie. Gerda is Grieta’s mother and supports her daughter in everything. Grieta is heavily pregnant, but no-one knows who the father of the baby is. She and Dawid grew up together and they are good friends.
Hennie Hakkel (Willem Botha)
Poor Hennie. He stutters terribly. He’s also the local postman and delivers post on his bicycle. He’s keen to have a girlfriend, but no-one’s really interested in him.
Dr. Sylvester and Santjie (Pieter Koen and Liesl du Toit)
They are the local doctor and nurse, but they’re always around town because no-one ever really gets sick. Dr. Sylvester is used to Roeda’s hypochondria and is able to give as good as he gets.
Police Officers: Jakkie and Jakomien (Emo Adams and Margit Meyer-Rodenbeck)
These are the peacekeepers of Pretville and they are terrible bored as nothing ever happens in the town. Jakkie is a great dancer and Jakomien is blonde. What more can we say?
Jail Wardens: Bennie en Buks (Jakkie Louw and Kevin Leo)
Not many people in Pretville go to jail, but Bennie and Buks are very serious about their work. When they are not at the local prison, they help out as undertakers.
BIOGRAPHIES – CAST
After studying entertainment technology at Tshwane University of technology for a year, Marlee van der Merwe completed her three-year diploma in musical theatre at the same institution. During this period she excelled in various areas. Having a natural flair for choreography got her a spot on the FNB Dance Umbrella festival programme in 2003, where her piece Violence on violins was performed.
After Marlee graduated, she appeared in musical productions such as Showboat, The Full Monty, Afrikaans 2038, High School Musical, Mamma Mia!, Jesus Christ Superstar, Ester and various Barnyard productions and corporate events. Her career as a theatrical actress, singer and dancer has taken her all over the world where she has performed for many foreign audiences. More recently she played the part of Melani Von Staden in Liefling, Die Movie.
Marlee is also no stranger to the recording studio and has been involved in many commercial projects as a vocalist and creatively as a songwriter. She is currently working on her debut Solo album. She is thrilled and very proud to be part of Hartiwood’s latest masterpiece and hope that the audience will experience the love and passion that went into creating this very special piece.
EUGENE JENSEN – Dawid
Eugene is a vibrant, energetic person with a love for the finer things in life. He has been making music for about 13 years, grew up in a musically talented family and played in a few bands since high school. Due to his parents’ support and belief in his ability to make music, he started out with drums and ended up playing guitar. He studied jazz at Tshwane University of Technology and then performed in the theatre and television industry. He appeared in the tele-novella Hart van Staal that was on Kyk-Net a few years back.
MARNO VAN DER MERWE – Frank
In April 2009 Marno was cast in Houtkruis the musical as his first professional theatre role. After that he was cast in Dance Some More as lead vocalist and dancer at the Performer Theater and during that show started rehearsal on the Tyrone Watkins production Spotlight as singer, actor, and dancer at Emperors Palace. In February 2010 Marno did a run of Kidz Rock at the Barnyard. After that he did a two-month run of Party Police at Ushaka Marine World in Durban. Next he played a supporting lead in the musical Haweloos and then appeared in Janice Honeyman’s pantomime Robinson Crusoe. In 2011 Marno acted in the hit TV series Hartland on kykNET and simultaneously performed in two stage productions: One Hit Wonders at the Boma theatre and The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Barnyard.
TERENCE BRIDGETT – Pierre Lukuveer
Terence Bridgett graduated from UCT Drama School with a BA, Performers Diploma in Speech and Drama and a Fleur du Cap nomination for Most Promising Student. Two years on the boards in Cape Town saw him in various dramas, comedies and musicals, as well as his favourite: Shakespearian productions. ‘Twas, in fact, The Bard who sent him North.’ Clare Stopford’s Twelfth Night brought him to Jozi in 1998, where his subsequent stage production, Babes In The Wood, earned him a VITA nomination for Best Actor in a Comedy Role.
After his television debut in Hotnotsgode, Terence appeared in various dramas and sitcoms before landing the role of Chico Booysens in SABC 3’s Isidingo, a role which garnered him an AVANTI Award for Best Supporting Actor in 2001. Dubbed by the media as South Africa’s ‘Soap Slut’ after his subsequent appearances in 7de Laan and Backstage, he is proud of his association with such local productions as Zero Tolerance, Snitch, The Lab and the Canadian co-production, Jozi H.
In 2004, together with actor and entrepreneur Rowan Cloete, Terence launched 8Ball Productions, a theatre company which since then has mounted Crimes of the Heart, Plofstof, The Unvarnished Truth, the 25th anniversary production of Poppie Nongena, the critically acclaimed Love! Valour! Compassion! and three seasons of the box office success, My Night With Reg, which landed him a Fleur du Cap nomination along the way.
On the musical stage, Terence recently shaved his head as Pharoah in Paul Warwick Griffin’s Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, shed 15kg (and most of his clothes) for Saturday Night Fever – The Musical and donned a four-foot purple wig opposite Tobie Cronje in the Baroque comedy, Sing, which returned to the State Theatre in June 2009.
Having recently wrapped on the British-Canadian miniseries, Rough, Terence has recently screened on the 2nd and 3rd seasons of Erfsondes and The Lab respectively, as well as Paul Slabolepszy’s sitcom Konsternasie Oppie Stasie. His recent return to Isidingo has been interrupted by yet another soap as he continues to live up to his media nickname of SA’s ‘soap slut’ with M-Net’s Binneland Sub Judice.
DORIANNE N. MAHLANGU – Dot
The talented D’Anne Nokuhlula Mahlangu hails from Pretoria. She discovered her love for and talents in the arts at Pro Arte Alphen Park School of the Performing Arts as a Drama Major and later obtained a BTech in Musical Theatre at the Tshwane University of Technology. She has been in theatrical productions such as Have you seen Zandile as Lindiwe directed by E. Crauze (2005), Ragtime as Ensemble/Harlen Woman directed by Tim Walton (2007), Urinetown (2008) as Josephine Strong directed by Elizma van Renzburg and her debut professional performance as lead vocalist and set designer in African Dream (2010) directed by Johnny Loate. Current projects Trapped (2011/2012), directed by Princess Z. Mhlongo. Arepp: Theatre for Life (2011). Her love and respect for the arts continues to grow with passion and consistency.
LIZZ MEIRING- Lollie
Lizz is one of South Africa’s most versatile entertainment industry professionals. She is a celebrated actress, TV presenter, theatre director, dramatist, novelist, scriptwriter, lecturer, theatre producer, journalist, MC, voice artist and screenwriter. Since graduating with a BA (Drama) Honours degree from the University of Pretoria in 1983, Lizz has starred in more than 312 stage productions, 268 television productions and 14 feature films. These productions range from the classics to contemporary dramas and farce, comedies, sitcoms, musicals, pantomime and cabaret. She has written and directed 193 productions and is extensively involved in the producing of mainstream theatre. She has translated 5 plays from French and English into Afrikaans, co-written and solo written television scripts and feature films, and has starred in eight one-woman shows.
Lizz is the recipient of 10 awards, including the joint Vita Award and the Critic’s Award, The Dalro, for best actress, and best supporting actress. She also won the prestigious Ster Kinekor/Nu Metro film award 2001 as the Golden Entertainer of the SA film industry. In 2004 she was the recipient of the Mr Video/Ster Kinekor/Numetro Spotlight Award For Best Screen Actress Of The Last Decade 1994 –2004, as well as the Randburgse Kultuurtoekenning 2004, and the Naledi Award for best supporting actress in 2005.
ANNICA STEENKAMP – Bettie
Annica studied musical theatre at Tshwane University of Technology where she took part in musicals such as Spring Awakening (Frau Bergman), Assassins (Sara Jane Moore) and I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. In high school she did several one woman shows at the Centurion Theatre. Despite her theatre training, she has a love for film and television. Annica keeps busy by writing monologues, pop ballads and the occasional cabaret. She aspires to be a driven and successful performer.
CREDITS
Cast
Marlee van der Merwe
Eugene Jensen
Marno van der Merwe
Lizelle de Klerk
Steve Hofmeyr
Sanet Ackermann
Terence Bridgett
Annette Engelbrecht
Rina Nienaber
Lizz Meiring
Willem Botha
Emo Adams
Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck
Machiel Roets
Carike Keuzenkamp
Nadia Beukes
Fredia Roux
Jaco van Rensburg
Sifiso Mazibuko
Reynardt Hugo
Chris van Rensburg
Kenneth Meyer
Annica Steenkamp
Estelle Kriek
Christel Mutombo
D’Anne Mahlangu
Jakkie Louw
Kevin Leo
Tristen Gernandt
Rouel Beukes
Pieter Koen
Liesl du Toit
Hykie Berg
Martin Bester
Kobus Wiese
Baby Boom Sales Woman
Carley Bailey
Kobus Wiese
Jimmy Abbot
Dozi
Ghapi
Dancers
Diani Gernandt
Wiaan Laing
Vikki Bischoff
Stephan van der Walt
Malan le Roux
Jarred B Jordaan
Thabiso Lekuba
Ilva Lawrence
Trudy-Ann Fredericks
Marise Dusheiko
Michelle Leibrandt
Executive Producers
Emma Krüger
Paul Krüger
Producers
Linda Korsten
Paul Krüger
Director
Linda Korsten
Music & Lyrics/Musical Director Machiel Roets
Director of Photography Paul Krüger
Assistant Director Renske de Klerk
Assistant to the Director Erik Holm
Editor and Grader Anel Stolp
Assistant Editor Daniel Shelley
Choreographer Ferdinand Gernandt
Assistant Choreographer Diani Gernandt
Production Manager Renske de Klerk
Original Concept Paul Krüger
Script Machiel Roets en die Hartiwood span
Production Designer Bathoni Robinson
Assistant Art Director Merishen Wessels
Scenics Nike Holm
Elsabe Holm
Art Department Assistant Charline Gordon
Architect Ellen Wilken
Pretville Post Office Dressed by Amelia van der Walt
Refreshments in Town Hall Corelize Krüger
Art Students from TUT
Rozani du Plessis
Nadia Ferreira
Frances van Zyl
Helouise Fielix
Charline Gordon
Costume Designer Nerine Pienaar
Wardrobe Mistress Corlia Pienaar
Wardrobe Buyer Christina Elgie
Wardrobe Controler Ina Crocker
Wardrobe Assistants Doreen Coetzee
Jolandi Pienaar
Beverly Mogorosi
Miniel Britz
Millinery Tracy Jonker
Key Hair & Make -Up Charlie Runge
Make-Up Assistants Samantha Carter
Liezl Callaghan
Raine Tauber
Gerlia Groenewald
Charline Gordon
Madelaine van Antwerp
Key Hair Stylist Lee-Anne Nourse
Assistant Hair Ina Nourse
Cameraman #1 Gustav Germishuizen
Cameraman #2 Paul Krüger
Cameraman #3 Dieter Uys
Camera Assistant Daniel Shelley
Gaffer Lourens du Toit
Jib Operator Johan Strydom
Jib Assistant Heavyman Moshwetsi
Sound Chris Rothman
Animation/Special Effects JHH van der Merwe
Music Recording Engineers Bruce Wallace
Machiel Roets
Music Sound Mix Bruce Wallace
Machiel Roets
Foleys and Dubbing Machiel Roets
Linda Korsten
Final Sound Mix Janno Muller
Tim Pringle
Bruce Wallace
Musicians
Guitar Ruan Theron
Acoustic Guitar Mauritz Lotz
Drums and Percussion Bruce Wallace
Bruce plays Zildjian Cymbals
Contra Bass Werner Spies
Bass Guitar Denny Lalouette
Piano and keyboard Machiel Roets
Brass Brendon Ross
Yusuf Justin Holcroft
Dave Holland
Post Production Facility Eschol Video Produksies
Music Recording Studios Hartiwood Studios
Beat in Time Studios
Finale Sound Mix On-Key Sound Studios
Unit Publicity David Alex Wilson
Legal Charl Groenewald
MacRobert Inc.
Translation Linda Korsten
Machiel Roets
Nicolene Lourens
Graphic Artist Annemarie Burger
Unit Manager Joepie Hamman
Head Caterer Ina Human
Catering Assistants Sune van der Colff
Sanet Schoeman
Persina Monyai
Rosie Lekoane
Coordinator Leana Pool
Behind the scenes Daniel Shelley
Gustav Germishuizen
Dieter Uys
Paul Krüger
Data Manager Daniel Shelley
Web Site Indigenous Film Distribution
Still Photography Albert Bredenhann Pixel Pro Photography
Annemarie Burger
Land Surveyor Anthony Calogero
Building Consultant Vivian Willemse
Thuli Badenhorst
Set Builders Hennie Bruwer
Andries Phatshwane
Innocent Majoni
Brian Masango
Wilson Makobela
Dixon Mtetwa
Fillip Langa
Apostol Makamo
Shadrak Nkozi
Godknows Muhlapusi
Charles Sithole
Billion Masimba
John
Donald
Carpenters André van der Walt
Yochanan Karl Lewis
Lourens du Toit
Noek Theron
Electrician Ernest Crocker
Plumber Jan Joubert
Mr. Holm’s Personal Assistant Gabriel Mvinji
Extras:
Abraham Viljoen Adelia Laubsher Adelle Wentzel
Alicia Champman Alicia Enslin Alida Siebert
Amelia van der Walt Anita Rautenbach Annette du Preez
Annika van der Merwe Anri Korb Anton van Zyl
Anton Marius van Zyl BJ Robbertse Bismarck van der Walt
Braam Viljoen Brenton Alexander Cara Bosman
Carien Bosman Carla Strydom Centaine Knuppe
Chantal van Zyl Chantelle Charlene Vermeulen
Charmaine Douglas Christene van der Merwe Christina Schoeman
Christo Valentyn Christo Wentzel Constant Viljoen
Dawie Barnard Dawie Schutte De Villiers Esterhuyse
Dewalt van der Merwe Doreen Coetzee Doret Potgieter
Driekie Vorster Eckard Boshoff Elizabeth Marais
Elizma Brink Elli Krüger Elmonique Bester
Elsa J. Siebert Elsje Schoeman Emmerentia Jacobs
Erik Enslin Esme Wessels Fanie Crous
Frans Jonker Fleur Schipper Francois Jonker
Francois B. Siebert Francois Vorster Fifi Roets
Friederke Elfeldt Gaylene Crous Gerhard Oosthuizen
Gerhard van der Merwe Gusta Koekemoer Hanlie van Sittert
Hannes Pieterse Hein Bezuidenhout Helen Stander
Helenè Reyneke Hendrik Johannes Oosthuizen Henriette Schnetler
Henriette Terblanche Ian du Plessis Ilse Koekemoer
Ilse Smit Ina Human Inè Human
Inike Human Isabel Krüger Jaco Human
Jaques Diedericks Janine Jacobs Janke van Deventer
Jaques Barnard Japie Schoonraad Jean-Marie Diedericks
Jean-Marie van der Colff Jean Pierre Millard Jeanetta Claassens
Jessica Claassen Johan Fourie Johan Otto
Johan van der Walt Joost Conradie Joshua Erasmus
Juandre van Metzinger Keanu Karien Louw
Kelly Ann Bekker Kobus Richards Kosie Robbertse
Leandri Potgieter Lena Faber Lezanne
Lichelle van der Merwe Lida-Ne Barnard Lielie Viljoen
Lisa Terreblanche Lizel Richards Lizel Willemse
Lize-Marie Diedericks BarnardLukas Schoeman Lyndell Alexander
Magda Maria
Elizabeth van der Colff Mariaan van der Merwe
Marian Enslin Mariska Douglas Mariska van der Walt
Marius Wessels Mariza Schoeman Marizelle Oosthuizen
Markus Steinman Marna Strauss Marnus van Brakel
Martinus Wessel Pretorius Maryke Robbertse Matsobane Marokalala
Mia van der Walt Michael Moll Michelle van Zyl
Mineh Malatola Monique Moll Mouritz du Preez
Nadia van der Merwe Neline Enslin Nico van Rensburg
Nicolaas Schoeman Nicoleen Lourens Nina Schoeman
Noeline van der Walt Noeline Viljoen Patricia Jonker
Paul Jacobus Siebert Paulus Krüger Phillip Roets
Pierre Diedericks (Junior) Pierre Diedericks (Senior) Pierre
Eckard Boshoff
Pieto Heslinga PR Human Quinton Pretorius
Renè van Zyl Renier Struwig Riana Ooshuizen
Ricolette von Wielligh Riekert Barnardo Rikus Engelbrecht
Robyn Schipper Ronel de Beer Ronel Robbertse
S Vermeulen Sanet Schoeman Sjibbolet van der Walt
Stefan Schoeman Stefan van der Colff Stephan Nthumane
Stephen Mafanikane Sune van der Colff Sybrand van Zyl
Sunè le Roux Tanja Smith Tanya Vorster
Theresa Wolfswindel Tihan van der Colff Tracy Jonker
Vickey Vicky Enslin Vivien Willemse
Wilhelmina Schuerger Yzane Zelmine van Zyl
Zurika Earle Frans Marokalala
CD and Cookery Book now available in music stores country wide
DTI se logo
Veteran cars supplied by:
Pierre & Elli Diedericks
Jack Bouwer
Fanie Booysens
Nico van Rensburg
Jan Botha
Markus Steinmann
Dot van Heerden
Spesial Thanks To:
Anton Heunis
Anton van Zyl
Barend and Amelia van der Walt
Charl Marais
Charmaine Douglas
Cobus van der Linde
Deon Maree
Deon Pagel
Eric en Annelise Skippert
Gavin Holtshausen
Hardus van Aswegen
Hendrik van der Westhuizen
Henry Gerber
Jaco van der Colff
Johan Fourie van Landrover
Kosie Robertse
Linda Hobbs
Lindi Strydom
Lucky Vigarelli
Marcus Steinmann
Marius van der Colff
Martin Carelse
Renier Vermeulen
Rex van Deventer
Sean Pretorius
Stefan le Roux
Vivienne Willemse
Waldo Prins
Werner Koekemoer
Wessel Smit
PRETVILLE is made possible by:
Acrylic Art
Afrimat
AIDA
Akasia Road Surfacing
Alpha Pharm
Artery Designs
Baby Boom
Broadway Sweets
BUCO
Concrete People
CGM Insurance
The Department of Trade and Industry
Dromme verksaf deur ‘Music Instruments Atterbury’
en ‘Zildjian Cymbal company’
Eagle Towing
Echo 4×4 Centre
Etana Insurance Company Limited
Francois Juwellers
Frankies
ghd South Africa
Helpende Hand
Heunis Steel
Indigenous Film Distribution
Intercape Luxury Coach Services
Jacaranda FM
Jannie en Issie Parsons
Jonway
Kilokor Motors
Laerskool Generaal Hendrik Schoeman
Le Creuset
MacRobert Attorneys
Martin’s Funerals
Menlyn Park Shopping Centre
MNI
Mosaiek
MSC Starlight Cruises
Musiekwêreld
MVA Stene
Nimue Skin Technology South Africa
Optimum Financial Services Group
Outdoor Division of Foodcorp Pty Ltd. Weber
PEP
PG Glass
PHD Underwear
Phoenix Rising Media
Pixel Pro Photography
PSC Contracting
Quantum Steel
Rooi Rose
Sabrix
Shayamanzi (Leopard.tv)
Silverton Radiators
Spectrum
Tshwane University of Tegnologie
Uitkyk Vleismark
Van Gaalen kaasmakerij
Yanmar Construction
Zipz Shoes
SONGS
IS JY MYNE
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marlee vd Merwe
Pubisher – SAMRO
KOERANTE TE KOOP
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Peformed by – Tristen Gernandt
Publisher – SAMRO
DINAMIET
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marno vd Merwe, Kenneth Meyer, Chris v Rensburg
Publisher – SAMRO
BOEPIE KLUB
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Carike Keuzenkamp, Lizelle de Klerk, Carly Bailey
Publisher – SAMRO
KAN JY DIT OOK ONTHOU
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Steve Hofmeyr & Sanet Ackermann
Publisher – SAMRO
PIERRE LUKUVEER
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Terence Bridgett
Publisher – SAMRO
SKILLIE SKILPAD
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Jaco v Rensburg
Publisher – SAMRO
HENNIE HAKKEL
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Willem Botha
Publisher – SAMRO
RIETFONTEIN
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Eugene Jensen, Sifiso Mazibuko, Jaco v
Rensburg, Reynardt Hugo
Publisher – SAMRO
SKUD, SKOP EN HOP
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Groep
Publisher – SAMRO
EMILY
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Steve Hofmeyr
Publisher – SAMRO
KRAAMSONG
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Lizelle de Klerk en groep
Publisher – SAMRO
IS JY VERLIEF
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marlee van der Merwe
Publisher – SAMRO
SERAH
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Eugene Jensen en groep
Publisher – SAMRO
SWIETIE SONG
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Lizz Meiring
Publisher – SAMRO
FLUISTER IN SY ORE
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Annette Engelbrecht en Marlee vd Merwe
Publisher – SAMRO
LIE AND DENY/LIEG EN BEDRIEG
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Machiel Roets, Rina Nienaber en groep
Publisher – SAMRO
SIT EN WAG
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Lizz Meiring
Publisher – SAMRO
IN DIE MAANLIG
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marlee vd Merwe, Eugene Jensen
Publisher – SAMRO
DIE VUISTE SLAAN
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marno vd Merwe, Eugene Jensen en groep
Publisher – SAMRO
PRETVILLE POLISIE
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Emo Adams
Publisher – SAMRO
TRONKVOËL BLUES
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Kevin Leo, Jakkie Louw, Kobus Wiese
Publisher – SAMRO
JY BREEK MY HART
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marlee vd Merwe
Publisher – SAMRO
DOKTER, DOKTER
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Rina Nienaber, Pieter Koen
Publisher – SAMRO
ROEDA IS DOOD
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Groep
Publisher – SAMRO
PRUIMFEES
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Instrumenteel
Publisher – SAMRO
PRETVILLE
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Groep
Publisher – SAMRO
EK EN JY
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marlee vd Merwe, Eugene Jensen, Marno vd Merwe
Publisher – SAMRO
ZAZA’S
Music & Lyrics – Machiel Roets
Performed by – Marlee van der Merwe
Publisher – SAMRO