Storytelling key to quality films
Spira Tlhankane | Friday February 8, 2019 12:46
Speaking to Arts & Culture during the just-ended master classes that were held this week, Triegaardt said the classes were geared towards character development in storytelling. “Amongst others, we looked at fictional relationships between characters. There are many reasons to attract audiences, but characters make sure that we tune in all the time,” she said.
Triegaardt also indicated that Batswana writers should explore various genres like horror, fantasy and thriller. “We tend to stick to realism, but our audience is hungry for something out of the ordinary,” she highlighted. Triegaardt said her classes included 20 film and TV experts who are advanced and active. “We opened a dialogue amongst us. They kept me on my toes and they were able to connect,” she said.
She also said that most writers spend their time in isolation, but with the classes she hopes to leave them richer. She said so far she has gathered a lot of ideas from the participants and realised that there is a lot of talent in Botswana. She said some of the people in the film and TV industry often grow frustrated and never know how to execute their ideas. “They should use every opportunity available to them because we live in a digital era,” she said. She said as much as industry experts complain about financial challenges globally, an individual has a responsibility to package their product professionally. Triegaardt was quick to say that she has already interacted with the two Batswana students who were chosen to join MTF Academy late last year.
“They are tired, happy and working hard. They are now at an advanced level,” she expressed. Triegaardt advised aspiring film and TV students to study formally or offer their services in a professional environment.
“They should surround themselves with people who are passionate and more skillful than them,” she said.
Triegaardt is an expert creative director with a wealth of knowledge in TV and film, and has experience in multiple African markets. As founder and creative director of the Johannesburg-based content development and production consultancy The Televisionaries, Triegaardt has been involved in some of Africa’s most celebrated TV shows as a story consultant since 2009.
This includes Mzansi Magic’s critically acclaimed TV drama Isibaya, as well as Nigerian TV soap opera Tinsel, where Triegaardt was instrumental in the story design and development since the 2008 inception of the Africa Magic smash-hit. She was also involved in the design and development of the Nigerian telenovela Hotel Majestic.
Triegaardt has also held various key roles beyond the film and TV camera, including commissioning editor for M-Net South Africa and thereafter, general manager for M-Net Nigeria. The MTF masterclasses presented the industry with ‘best in class’ workshops to increase MTF’s upskilling outreach to established film and TV industry professionals. The masterclasses are aimed at developing technical skills of established creatives in cinematography, audio and storytelling to improve the quality of local productions.