Class Act is a new reality TV show on SABC1 that runs from 13 March-5 June 2010 that puts aspiring actors through their paces and tests their commitment for success.

Created by Spud director Donavan Marsh, the show aims to be the toughest film audition ever seen on television.

Every week ten would-be stars must perform in a series of mini-movies. Their performances are then assessed by a panel of judges including casting director Moonyeen Lee, actor Rapulana Seiphemo (White Wedding), and producer Tendeka Matatu (Jerusalema). In April, Hakeem Kae Kazim (The Fourth Kind) will join the show as a guest judge. The show is presented by Kenneth Nkosi (Tsotsi, White Wedding).  

In the end, it’s votes that count and viewers at home have the final say via SMS. One lucky contestant will receive representation from Moonyeenn Lee Associates, eight weeks at the New York Film Academy School of Film and Acting, and a leading role in an Amstel Lager television commercial. It’s a lot to compete for.

Mass auditions were held in Durban, Cape Town, Pretoria, and Johannesburg and thousands of hopefuls turned out to show their stuff. One hopeful even sang the theme song to Jerusalema at his audition.

Director Tim Greene (Hard Copy) believes that South Africans get a real thrill in seeing themselves represented onscreen. “Most people have been so marginalised by the media for so long that there’s an inherent interest in just seeing ordinary South Africans honestly portrayed as they are."   "In a country where opportunities are few and success hard to come by, shows like Class Act do offer a very real chance for ordinary people to get a foot in the door of the film industry.”

It’s Tim’s hope to uncover some real acting talent through the auditions. “I know of several industry insiders who are keeping a keen eye on what we turn up,” he says.

Class Act is a massive undertaking, with national auditions, live shows and movies. Tim says logistically the show is like a big puzzle where everything has to be ready on time, with no margin for error. He says, “If any one piece is missing the whole thing can collapse like a house of cards.  It’s quite thrilling to a logistics nut like me.”

Ten10 Film’s Tendeka Matatu believes that South African acting talent is among the best in the world. He explains that, “The talent comes from deep down. South African actors have vast amount of life experience that they draw upon when developing a character. I think it’s this life experience that makes the talent so unique.”

Coming from a producing background, Tendeka will be looking for someone that can lead a film and someone who the audiences will want to watch on screen. Generally someone who stays away from reality television, Tendeka says the concept of Class Act spoke to him on a personal level. “Filmmaking is my passion and looking for new talent is part of that. Over and above this, it’s good fun - I get to hang out with my friends, Rapulana, Kenneth and Moonyeenn every weekend.” For more information, click here.
Sally Fink