Low attendance for TV auditions

Kgomotso Molelekeng | Tuesday April 15, 2014 14:39

As other aspiring television stars nervously waited for their chance to blow the judges away, others left everything to the Grace of God as they could be seen taking short prayers.

Speaking to one of the organisers Elsie Tshonono, she said that although they had anticipated a huge turnout, the people that showed up somehow managed to wow and win their hearts.

Tshonono who has experience in acting said he was amazed and mesmerised at the amount of talent that Batswana show cased when auditioning. Tshonono is famously known as Beauty in the popular TV drama of the same name that used to air on Botswana television (Btv).

“I know I had many people eating out of my hand during my acting days, but the amount of talent that I witnessed today somehow made me think again.  We have so many Batswana that are very talented and all they need is an opportunity to be seen and this is what our company intends to do,” she said.

She added that they decided to start Kentsimo Holding Company so as to cater for short dramas, magazine episodes and short films that have never been done in Botswana.

“This is the first of its kind as the 26 episodes that we are planning to have will address issues that the public are afraid of tackling.  These are issues that are considered to be ‘sensitive’, but then again are burning topics that need to be addressed.  This is a show that will not be scared to call a spade a spade,” she said.

Her business partner, Kenneth Cutrite Moeng who is also not new to television production added that they would also be making a DVD of all the auditions so that those that did not make the cut can review their mistakes for future purposes.

“The reason why we had an audition fee is not only to cover other costs, but to also make the DVD.  We know many may think P200 is a lot, but it is nothing compared to the rewards of being on TV, so in this case people should focus on the bigger picture,” he said.

He said that they would also be searching for talent all over the country as after Gaborone they will be heading to Maun, Palapye and Francistown. 

“We have already been to Lobatse.  The idea is to cover all cities and towns in the country so as to include all Batswana in this exciting show we are about to do.  One can never know where the next star might be found, that is why we want to reach aspiring TV stars all over,” he said.

The producers of the show added that they are targeting the African market with this show.

“We are in talks wit Africa Magic because this is where we want the show to be aired.   Not only do the issues discussed affect Batswana, but they also affect every individual in Africa.   So we want every African to be able to see the show,” said Moeng.

The show is expected to hit the small screen towards end of the year and it promises to be an international standard product.