NovieGuide Podcast

The multi-talented creative Dean Balie is our guest this week, hosted by one of our Tribe-leaders Devonecia Swartz. Dean has done most everything from stage to television, radio to writing and is best known for his 2012 Fleur du Cap award winning role as the Young Kat Diamond in David Kramer and the late Taliep Petersen's musical, Kat and the Kings. Originally from Steinkopf in the Northern Cape, Dean graduated in 2010 with a BA degree in Drama and Theatre Studies from the University of Stellenbosch and has been making waves ever since his first professional production in 2009 as part of the cast of William Shakespeare's Anthony & Cleopatra, directed by Martinus Basson. Dean recently received one of the first ever kykNET Fiëstas Sinjatuur awards for his contribution to the arts industry and was part of the creative team responsible for Die poet, wies hy?- an amalgamation of works by Adam Small and music, which won five kykNET Fiëstas earlier this year. Dean was also part of the cast of Ekstra Medium in his portrayal of the character Slappies, which can be streamed on Showmax.

Nina Smit and Devonecia Swartz conduct a roundtable discussion with three of South Africa’s rising actors: Melissa Myburgh, Caleb Felix and Conradie van Heerden. The topic of this discussion is what you as a newbie on set can expect to experience and how to better prepare to make the most of your debut performance for film- or TV. Melissa Myburgh is know for her debut as the lead in KykNET’s television series Kompleks, Caleb is known for his recent performance as the lead in a groundbreaking KykNET storiefilm ANDER – the first Afrikaans film portrayal of a transgender woman and Conradie van Heerden, who is known for starring as the lead in Wesens- the first found-footage style film production in South Africa. We dive deep into: - What you should know before making your debut performance for film- or tv. - How to navigate yourself as a newbie on set. - The question of whether you should study acting or jump straight into the industry. - The impact of the current pandemic on the film industry, and - How to sustain yourself as an actor. These young actors have a fresh outlook that will enlighten your views and beliefs on the industry. Let’s break down those walls of fear and inhibition and prepare you for your film acting debut!

Veronique is known for her incredible spoken word poetry and rose to social media acclaim with the release of her poem “Dear Mr President'' which went viral. She wrote the play Hoe Change Hulle which debuted at the Toyota US Woordfees in 2020, directed by Lee-Ann van Rooi and starred Marlo Minnaar. This play was published in Staande Ovasie in 2020, alongside plays of Herschelle Benjamin, Igna Bota and Marcel Spaumer. She also showcased an extract of her script My Kroon se Krank at Teksmark in 2019, directed by Quanita Adams and starring Jephtas herself. Veronique received her BA (Hons) degree in Drama and Theatre studies, specialising in creative writing at Stellenbosch University in 2019. She was one of six writers chosen in July 2020 to attend the Jakes Gerwel house writer’s residency. Writing in Kaaps, she creates work that is authentic and claims space for those whose voice has not been listened to. Veronique holds the fight against gender-based violence near to her heart and uses her platform to speak out against it. She is an ambassador for Women for Change and speaks at events pertaining to these issues. Veronique was part of the Fiësta-winning family production Jakkals & Wolf Onbeperk (directed by Amelda Brand and written by Malan Steyn) and is currently on kykNET & kie’s telenova Arendsvlei, portraying the role of journalist Jo-Ann Opperman. In this podcast, Veronique dives into: 👉The power of not prescribing to labels. 👉Choosing yourself. 👉Maintaining your peace and safeguarding your mental health. 👉The practicality of writing: the process of writing for different forms. 👉Creating depth in characters and allowing them to speak authentically. 👉Learning from nature.

Emma van Heyn is a young South African singer- songwriter, composer, actress and creative music director. Emma is known for her incredible talent as a musician who writes, sings and produces her own music. She has released a 16 track self-produced album, Asylum as well as new singles as part of her new album to be released in the near future. Her cabaret show, Met Slenterslag na Shanghai, based on her experience as a pianist/singer at a hotel in Shanghai, ran for two years at the Woordfees and was nominated for a Fiesta. In our conversation we dive deep into: - Composing from the age of six - Being a rebel to your own self - Vulnerability as your strength - Working until the muse hits - Utilising your support network Emma also get’s practical and tells us what her home studio setup consists of and many more useful tips- tools and tricks for aspiring musicians. Incredible insight, tools and advice. This will equip you to become a better musician and music producer. If you, as an actor are uncertain or feel overwhelmed on how to prepare for auditions, how to create dynamic characters, how to get an agent, create your own films or know what tools & techniques will help you create unforgettable performances - visit www.novieguide.com and we'll guide you to become the best version of yourself. Join the tribe, we've got your back!

Loki Rothman is a South African guitarist, singer-songwriter & film composer. Loki is know for being South Africas' most loved guitar virtuoso and has carved out a stellar career through composing for film, touring with Jack Parow as his guitarist, releasing two albums of his own including The Way Back (2015) and his new Afrikaans album Op My Pad (2020). Inspiring, practical and honest. In this episode, Loki gets real about the South African music business and how he has managed to build his own career. We dive deep into: - Loki as a virtuous child - Managing your own career when being a multifaceted musician - The myth of a recipe for success in the South African music business - Building a song library - Sustaining yourself financially as a musician Loki is as talented as he is hard working and will inspire you to action. Buckle up and enjoy! How to build your brand as a multifaceted musician and attract audiences & labels.

Marguerite Van Eeden is a South African actress & photographer. Marguerite is known for her roles in Sara se Geheim, Vaselinetjie, Moffie & Vergeet My Nie. Raw, real and honest. This episode will make you smile, burst out in laughter and feel equipped with acting tips, tools and techniques. We deep dive into: - Deciding whether a role is right for you - Preparing for an audition - The dreaded crying scenes - Marguerite’s photography side-hustle This episode was recorded at our very first Rehearsal Room event. It's a live event where I pick the brain of the best actors and actresses in South Africa. We also open the floor for a live Q&A at the end where anyone can ask our guest anything on acting, career and life. The tribe-members asked incredibly important questions at the end of this episode so keep an ear out for that. Are you interested in being part of this creative space? Rubbing shoulders with the best in their field, connecting with like-minded actors and creatives and grow your acting/filmmaking skills? Anyone can register for a spot, for free, to come and take part in the transparent conversations we have with the best actors and actresses. They share everything they know about acting, tips, tools and techniques as well as how to make acting a living. Make sure to keep an eye out for the next Rehearsal Room taking place. Book your spot and bring all your questions - let’s all get in a room, share ideas, connect and discuss and maybe even meet your next creative partner to colab with. It’s time we smash uncertainty and equip each other with practical tips, tools and techniques to keep on growing & becoming the best versions of ourselves. Marguerite is a joy and insanely talented. Buckle up and enjoy! If you are uncertain or feel overwhelmed on how to prepare for auditions, how to create dynamic characters, how to get an agent, create your own films or know what tools & techniques will help you create unforgettable performances - visit www.novieguide.com and we'll guide you to become the best version of yourself. Join the tribe, we've got your back!

Devonecia Swartz and Nina Smit are award winning South African actresses. Transparent, raw & honest. This is by far one of my favorite podcast episodes. We deep dive into: An artists life post studies Dealing with rejection Magic in the rehearsal process Working with your audition sides Women in the film industry If you know anyone looking for practical acting tips, tools and techniques, share this episode with them so that they can grow their acting skill and become the best version of themselves. If you are uncertain or feel overwhelmed on how to prepare for auditions, how to create dynamic characters, how to get an agent, create your own films or know what tools & techniques will help you create unforgettable performances - visit www.novieguide.com and we'll guide you to become the best version of yourself. Join the tribe, we've got your back!

Leoni Volschenk is the Head of NAD-clinic SA. She says her mission in life is to leave a person or a business better than what she found them. A few years ago she started combining medicine and vape pens. Who thought smokers could inspire health innovation?! The vape pen allowed the administration of supplements via the lungs. Today she is the head of NAD-clinic SA. These NAD+ infusions, is a form of the NAD molecule which helps with energy production in your cells, which in turn is crucial to the aging process, as it helps repair DNA, chemical stress and inflammation. Leonie deep dives into: - What is NAD - How does NAD work - Health & Longevity - Living an optimised life Check out NADclinic SA: www.nadclinic.com Deep dive into practical tools to Become The Best Version of Yourself at www.novieguide.com. Join the tribe, we've got your back!

Andre Velts is a South African film director & actor. Andre is known for being an "actor’s director". Actors love working with him as you’ll soon understand his perspective on film acting and directing. He is a natural leader. Andre has directed films like, Vergeet My Nie, Raaiselkind, Knysna and Die Pro. I’ve never had such a creative collaboration since working with Andre on a film set. Any actor and director will walk away with something new in their toolbox after listening to Andre share his knowledge & advice in this episode. Andre deep dives into: - Using life experiences in scenes - Doing justice with your performance choices - How to prep for a script - Observing life as a training ground - Challenges as a director and actor on set - Using your voice to layer your performance Incredible insight, tools and advice. This will equip you to become a better actor and director. If you are uncertain or feel overwhelmed on how to prepare for auditions, how to create dynamic characters, how to get an agent, create your own films or know what tools & techniques will help you create unforgettable performances - visit www.novieguide.com and we'll guide you to become the best version of yourself. Join the tribe, we've got your back!

Bauke Hanekom is the Co Owner of Oxygen Functional Fitness. he is a professional trainer and athlete. Bauke is a muscle building and shredding machine. We got super practical on tips, tools and techniques on how to optimizeyour body as well as deep dived into our bromance moments of what impact Buake has had on my life. I share a true personal story at the end where Bauke stepped up showed his insane leadership skills in a locker room a few years ago. Bauke shares: How to lose weight in a healthy way How to build muscle like a champ The importance of doing what you love and self-development App’s and techniques to optimise your body and the insane challenge he did: burning 15 000 calories in 24 hours. There is a way to help you be better prepared for when these physical challenges come your way… make sure your body is already in an optimal state. Join the Tribe www.novieguide.com Become The Best Version Of Yourself

Bake Hanekom is the Co Owner of Oxygen Functional Fitness. he is a professional trainer and athlete. Bauke is a muscle building and shredding machine. We got super practical on tips, tools and techniques on how to optimizeyour body as well as deep dived into our bromance moments of what impact Buake has had on my life. I share a true personal story at the end where Bauke stepped up showed his insane leadership skills in a locker room a few years ago. Bauke shares: How to lose weight in a healthy way How to build muscle like a champ The importance of doing what you love and self-development App’s and techniques to optimise your body and the insane challenge he did: burning 15 000 calories in 24 hours. There is a way to help you be better prepared for when these physical challenges come your way… make sure your body is already in an optimal state. Join the Tribe www.novieguide.com Become The Best Version Of Yourself

Edwin van der Walt is an award-winning actor and the Co-Founder of NovieGuide. In this episode he shares his personal technique to develop a character, how listening with ALL our senses is the most important acting tool and personal stories. - Listening - First Instincts - Character Diary Edwin would love to connect with you - What’s your biggest challenge as an actor/actress during this season? Where, or about what, do you feel uncertain in your acting craft? The more we know about what your current challenges are the more we can equip you with tools to overcome them. Please comment below or email Edwin at novieguide@noivieguide.com. Join the Tribe www.novieguide.com Become The Best Version Of Yourself

Sam Beckbessinger is the bestselling author of Manage Your Money Like a Fu*king Grownup, sold in six countries. She writes weird horror stories and kids' tv shows, and helps people learn to adult better (she's still trying to figure it out herself). We deep dive into: - Budgeting for freelancers - Finances during COVID - Where to save money - Tools to help with financial planning - Investing Check out Sam's weekly Blog on: https://www.likeafuckinggrownup.com She was one of the writers on Serial Box’s and Marvel’s Jessica Jones: Playing With Fire serialized novel. She's also written several episodes for animated kids’ TV show, Team Jay, commissioned by the Juventus Soccer Club and produced and animated by Sunrise Productions, and the family-friendly comedy series Jungle Beat, which has been broadcast in over 180 countries on channels including Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Sam was a Mandela Washington Fellow for Young African Leaders at Yale University in 2014, and is a partner and co-founder of two financial technology businesses: Lettuce and Inves. She is co-writing Magpies, a mystery-suspense novel about missing girls who come back, changed, together with Dale Halvorsen. Let's turn this financial battle into party - join the Tribe and become the best version of yourself www.novieguide.com

Edwin van der Walt is an award-winning actor and the Co-Founder of NovieGuide. How To Become Better At Auditioning Do you self-doubt your audition skills? Your acting abilities? Even to the degree where it might compromise your performance and chances of getting the role? Edwin get practical and share his personal stories and tips and tools for auditions in this short-form podcast episode. Unlock unforgettable performances by trying these practical tools for your next audition. From personal experience, Edwin knows that self-doubt voice that creeps in right before auditions, but he believes that when we keep on trying new ways to become better, it helps us to optimise our chances of getting that role and giving exceptional performances on film. Edwin would love to connect with you - What’s your biggest challenge as an actor/actress during this season? Where, or about what, do you feel uncertain in your acting craft? The more we know about what your current challenges are the more we can equip you with tools to overcome them. Please comment below or email Edwin at novieguide@noivieguide.com. Join the Tribe www.novieguide.com Become The Best Version Of Yourself

Edwin van der Walt is an award-winning actor and the Co-Founder of NovieGuide. How To Become Better At Auditioning Are you finding auditions to be extremely stressful? Even to the degree where it might compromise your performance and chances of getting the role? Edwin get practical and share his personal tips and tools for auditions in this short-form podcast episode. Unlock unforgettable performances by trying these practical tools for your next audition. From personal experience, Edwin knows how stressful and draining auditions can become, but he believes that when we keep on trying new ways to become better, it helps us to optimise our chances of getting that role and giving exceptional performances on film. Edwin would love to connect with you - What’s your biggest challenge as an actor/actress during this season? Where, or about what, do you feel uncertain in your acting craft? The more we know about what your current challenges are the more we can equip you with tools to overcome them. Please comment below or email Edwin at novieguide@noivieguide.com. Join the Tribe www.novieguide.com Become The Best Version Of Yourself

Tristan van Moerkerken is the Founder and CEO at Prime Health Holdings, Biohacker and Human Optimization Expert. Looking to unlock your potential? Unlock peak performance? This episode will be a guideline. Tristan doesn't try and sell you airy-fairy ideas, he actually self-experiments with these products and hacks. He talks out of a place of self-experimentation and knowledge. He's open minded, kind and passionate. You'll walk away with tips to optimize your day. Jump into our conversation and become the best version of yourself. We deep dive into: - Nootropics - Entrepreneurship - Brain health - Morning routines - Biohacks Join the TRIBE at www.novieguide.com Share this episode with a friend who is always seeking a new morning routine or product to improve their performance. What was your favorite topic in this episode? Comment below.

Dr. Lieschen Venter is a lecturer of mathematical modelling and simulation. She holds a PhD in Operations Research from Stellenbosch University. She is the head of her research group, Systems Thinking for Education Policy, a collaboration of modellers seeking the best interventions for improving basic education systems. Are you tired of listening to political chatter around a "braai" which is uninformed and subjective? Everyone seems to have a solution but nobody is really taking action. Well, except this powerful woman. I haven’t stopped talking about the topics Lieschen covers in this episode since. If you know anyone who would love this conversation, share this episode and leave your comments and opinions in the comment section below and please drop a review if you enjoyed this conversation. "It's very redemptive. I can't think of another word to explain the power of education other than the power of redemption." Dr. Lieschen Venter Let’s optimise our education knowledge and let Lieschen Venter inspire you to take part in this movement. Become the Best Version Of Yourself

Greg Kriek is an International actor and producer. With over 70 international screen-acting credits to his name Greg Kriek is an award - winning actor (originally from Cape Town) who is officially South Africa’s most internationally credited actor in his category. I had a conversation with Greg about acting - how to battle self-doubt and practical tools for any actor. He gets super transparent and real in this episode, as well as openly share techniques on how he memorises his lines, how he prepares for an audition and how he uses “life” to be a better actor. We deep dive into: - Life in LA - An actor's life pursuit - Finding the Why - Preparing for auditions - Memorising lines If you are uncertain or feel overwhelmed on how to prepare for auditions, how to get an agent, how to create your own work or have confidence to create unforgettable performances - visit www.novieguide.com and we'll guide you to become the best version of yourself. Join the tribe, we've got your back!

Dr. Helen Driver is Somnologist & Adj. Assistant Professor at Kingston General Hospital and Queen's University, Canada. Her focus is on Polysomnography: which is a sleep study where you test and diagnose sleep disorders. How much sleep is enough? What really happens in our bodies and brain when we sleep? Is there a difference between male and female sleep cycles and can we use sleep as a performance enhancement technique? After listening to my conversation with Dr. Helen Driver, you will have all the reason in the world to sleep more, sleep better and use it to optimize your life. Dr. Driver has a way to effortlessly move between deep science, simplified explanations, making jokes, and getting to the deeper questions of life. In this episode we deep dive into: - The different sleep stages - Sleep & memory - Sleep tips - Nostril breathing - Effects of blue light You’ll experience my excitement and energy as I deep dive into sleep with Dr. Helen Driver in this episode. It might sound as if you’re listening to me on double speed. But hey, I love this stuff! Remember to subscribe to The NovieGuide Podcast to catch the latest episodes as they release. We will also be sharing our new feature on the website soon, visit www.novieguide.com to see what you can expect. Become the best version of yourself and join the TRIBE!

Louw Venter is a South African actor, writer, director and comedian. He has been nominated and won multiple awards. His latest creation, The Most Amazing Show, with partner Rob van Vuuren , is one not to be missed. In this episode we deep dive into: - In times of crisis - Curiosity and creativity - Auditioning & directing Tips - Claiming your art as an actor Make sure to follow Louw Venter and The Most Amazing Show: https://www.instagram.com/louw_venter/?hl=en https://www.magrietgroenewald.com/corneandtwakkie/?r_done=1 https://www.instagram.com/themostamazingshow/?hl=en "How do I unlock unforgettable acting performances & thrive in auditions?" We get it! Learn the tips, tools and techniques an award-winning actor uses on a professional film set. This e-class is for those facing high stress levels before auditions, performance self-doubt in front of a camera and financial uncertainty in the film industry. Sign Up at www.novieguide.com and join the Tribe! Become the best version of yourself