Jameson First Shot 2014 winner reflects on success

“Rolling … and action!” ‒ the words every filmmaker eagerly anticipates. These words signify the culmination of months of preparation and the commencement of all the various aspects of the film coming together.

As these words were uttered for the first time on the set of my latest short film, I experienced a surreal sense of excitement – a mixture of fear, longing, pleasure and excitement rooted in the knowledge that this is my passion coming to life. Seeing someone of Uma Thurman’s calibre portraying a character that I created in a film that I was directing was truly a dream come true.

The Mundane Goddess ‒ /s:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujqoQ6V_kl0

Yes, being the South African Jameson First Shot 2014 winner, which allowed me to write and direct my own short film in partnership with Kevin Spacey and his production company Trigger Street, was an amazing experience and a rollercoaster ride. From the moment I made the decision to act and write the script, going through the various rounds, receiving the winning Skype call from Kevin Spacey, flying to Los Angeles, working with an incredible cast and crew and of course the talented Uma Thurman, battling through post production, and finally seeing my premiere in Los Angeles were all part of a whirlwind that I could only dream of as a small boy staring up at the big silver screen. And it seems to have happened overnight.

Interviews with Kevin Spacey, Uma Thurman and Henco J – http://www.booooooom.com/2014/08/01/interview-kevin-spacey-jameson-first-shot-film-competition-winners/
/we-are-awesome.com/blog/jameson-first-shot-2014-interview-uma-thurman-and-henco-j/ http://www.pastemagazine.com/articles/2014/08/kevin-spacey-and-uma-thurman-talk-jameson-first-sh.html

Here is the stark reality. It took many years to get to this point in my life. I started studying drama back in 2000. I flung myself into this industry, a naïve actor, and thought like so many that roles would just come my way. The harsh industry quickly showed its fangs and l had to lick some wounds. Our industry is a wonderful industry when you find a foothold; until then it can be devastating to a young artistic career.

Yet, a career in the arts is not just possible, it is magical. All one has to do is be unwavering in one’s preparation and then take it to action. I had to learn that I could not just sit back and wait for things to materialise; I have to make them happen. I have to apply myself every day, every each day, grow every day and, more than anything else, take action every day.