| Magic Mountain Productions from Cape Town ran their seventh annual BEE training programme from 16-19 October 2010. They had a small but outstanding group of 20 young men who attended the four day training. The course was aimed at giving them the starter skills needed to work in the film/photo industry. On the first day they did a lot of theory, like explaining what the industry is about and what a production company does, what is expected of a driver and production assistant, cultural differences and basic industry terms. Over the next three days, German photographer Juergen Hinterleithne showed them the differences between shooting with objects and models and the use of indoor and outdoor locations. The highlight of the training for all trainees was the experience of modeling in front of the camera. Juergen had the idea to ask young fashion design students to make clothing out of recycling material. The Stellenbosch-based design school Elizabeth Galloway managed to get several students interested in the project and came up with eight different outfits. The trainees had lots of fun putting on the designer clothing and acting in front of the camera. On completion of the training, the trainees received a reference letter and certificate from Magic Mountain Productions detailing their training and the skills acquired, as well as a contact list of other production companies and suppliers. Magic Mountain Productions are very proud that many trainees from previous training have found permanent jobs and freelance work over the last few years. Although the training was a huge success, the company struggled to get support from certain organisations. They tried to get permission to shoot in a parking lot on top of Silvermine but South African National Parks board was not willing to grant the permit for free. They explained that it was a BEE training course and that they were not doing a “real shoot” but they were not interested in accommodating them. They experienced similar resistance with public schools, like Good Hope Seminary School. They asked for permission to shoot in front of a wall in the school yard (obviously once school was finished) but the school demanded a R5 000 location fee. The Magic Mountain Team did not give up and found alternative locations at the end. The training was supported by a lot of suppliers. The President Hotel sponsored all food during training; The Fire & Ice Hotel allowed them to use the conference room for the theoretical training; The Victoria & Junction Hotel accommodated the photographer during the training; Tempest and Imperial Car Rental sponsored vehicles; Sunshine and Digital Brothers sponsored the equipment that was needed for the practical training; and Setscapes was very helpful with the use of a location and props. For more information, click here.
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