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LIVING IT UP AT AFTERNOON EXPRESS (2015 WORK SHADOW)

DAY 1: Monday 22 June 2015 - Afternoon Express (13h00 – 18h00)

Today I arrived at the studio at 1 pm. I was directed to the company’s foyer and as I waited for Danilo Acquisto (Dan), I spoke to the receptionist and a few of the staff that moved in and out of the reception area. I was asked if I’d been helped by multiple people who were very friendly. Dan then arrived and after a brief introduction, I was led upstairs and shown around. I was told to take a seat in the foyer for the make-up and wardrobe pre-show preparation. Dan sat down and I started interviewing him straight away. In the background I could hear Bonang and Bonnie (two of the presenters) chattering and laughing from the make-up room. Dan was very down-to-earth and easy to talk to. Many people and members of staff came and went as well as the cute little puppies and dogs that the studio owns. I told Dan that I think they should have their own television show. Dan agreed with me saying, “Right?! They even got married yesterday!” I handed Dan the work shadow forms that he needed to complete and then started my personal interview with him. With all the commotion and daily hustle and bustle, I followed him into the make-up room. I continued interviewing him and then followed him while he had his hair done. In the make-up room I met Lucian Albertyn, the Studio Director and Production Manager and while Dan was sorting out a slight hair-crisis (his hair did not agree with the hair substances used), I followed Lucian downstairs to the studio. I walked down the stairs, through the production room which was filled with people and to my absolute amazement, through another little waiting room and BAM, we were in the studio. I looked around and got a feel for the place. I learnt that everything you see on television is as it seems in real life! I sat down on the couch and interviewed Lucian and shortly after that Danilo arrived in studio. I was directed to sit at the back and whilst meeting the different staff members, I also met a social media personality on the show, Brandon Van Reenan who spoke me through what his job entails and what he has discovered, learnt and experienced in his first 3 weeks of being part of the show. I looked outside and the weather looked rather miserable, but the show must go on! I observed as the many different roles were being played out in front of me: the setting up of cameras, audio equipment, reading over of lines and guidelines before the show and even practising some of the show’s segments. When the director says “… and we’re live in 3, 2, 1…” there is absolute silence, however, it doesn’t stay that silent for long. The camera is on Bonang and she moves with an elegance, confidence and with the technical know-how i.e. voice projection etc. The camera then shifts to another segment across the room. People shuffle and the time is precious. Every second, every minute counts. The production team then cuts to an ad break and when they come back online, I can see the monitor that displays how the viewer at home can see the television versus how I see it in the studio. There is talking and at certain times a display of stress as some bad language can be heard. This is understandable. While one presenter is presenting, the other, in this case, Danilo, is getting changed in the little room to my left all ready for his yoga segment. As the different cameras switch, there is very little time for anything. Time management and observation are crucial. While some emotions like laughter and humour are expressed on the show, not all of it is evident when the camera stops rolling, except for a few laughs here and there from the crew. There were a few technical challenges but on camera, none of this is evident. Off camera however, I learn that one of the cues was not working and that the social media link and information had not come through leading to confusion, disappointment and frustration. The presenters, however, improvised well and remained looking professional. After the show, I met an actress from Isidingo and 7 de Laan and an actor from the movie, “Four Corners”.


After posing for a photo with the presenters and the rest of the Afternoon Express team I was told that the meal that had been prepared on the show was being served to the team and there was supper for me! After many hugs, smiles and goodbyes, I left feeling satisfied and motivated. What an experience!

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