The first NC Starlet acting bootcamp was completed in January, and it is decribed as much more than just coaching, scene acting and masterclasses.
“We had so much fun and silly off-set moments but above all, one of the objectives was to connect mainstream stars with our very own talented artists in the Northern Cape,” states a post on the NC Starlet Facebook page.
NC Starlet, which was launched last year in March at the Flamingo Casino in Kimberley, is a reality web series competition searching for a female actress in the province to play the leading role in a short film alongside award-winning actor and presenter Fezile Mpela.
Founder Evelyn Maruping at the time said the project was huge, with the aim of local content development to unearth Northern Cape talent with skills transfer, and an introduction to the film industry as other objectives.
Actor Charmoné Blennies from Kimberley was announced as the official host of NC Starlet.
Northern Cape women aged 18 to 35 years, who dream of becoming an actress, could enter for this competition.
A steady stream of one-minute monologue video entries were received from hopeful young women all over the Northern Cape.
Eventually the 12 top finalists were chosen, and they were exposed to several challenges.
Their first social media challenge was to create a presence on social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook and Instagram.
In this challenge, Desmonia Goliath was the winner. She received over 19,1 thousand views on Facebook and TikTok.
In another challenge, they had to create their own character – the one they would love to play if they had an opportunity to act in any soapie.
The finalists also had to create their own storyline. In this challenge, Shady Andrews Sharon was the overall winner.
In the brand challenge, Starlets had to choose their favourite product or brand to promote.
Tlotlo Lekwene was announced as the winner in this challenge.
In December a bootcamp took place, which included coaching sessions by Blood and Water actor Arno Greeff.
Then, in early January, an acting workshop with amongst others Theodore Jantjies (Xander of 7de Laan) and Robyn Rossouw (seen in Arendsvlei) took place at various venues in and around Kimberley with the support of various sponsors.
During this workshop, the finalists were introduced to more aspects of the film and acting industry.
Topics such as networking and social media presence; basic media jargon; interview tips; featuring on talk shows; dealing with the press; red carpet appearances; public appearances and engagement with fans and dealing with social media bullying, were also discussed.
It was also confirmed that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture would support the NC Starlet project officially as a provincial flagship project, which will be hosted annually.
For more information on NC Starlet and to remain up to date on the progress of the first top finalists, visit the Facebook page NC Starlet.
