he entertainment industry is known to be one of the most difficult industries to break into. With television producers and heads of channels masquerading as gatekeepers.
Therefore social media influencers have found a way to create traction for themselves on various social media platforms such as YouTube, Instagram, Twitter or Facebook, with the hope of catching the attention of a big shot producer. These producers would then rope in these internet stars with the hope of upping the numbers for their television shows.
In recent years, one has observed just how much some of these internet sensations have infiltrated the professional Arts space, thus creating some kind of discomfort within professional artists who, (some of them) have obtained a qualification or extensive training as they toiled at nurturing their respective skills hence it is regarded as a craft.
South African legendary actress, Moshidi Motshegwa recently spoke to DRUM Magazine about her strained relationship with her on screen daughter, Itumeleng Mokoena, brought to life by first time actress, Larona Moagi, on 1Magic’s The River.
Speaking on her relationship with Larona, the legendary actress said the following:
”It was very difficult to work with Larona. We can’t cast people from Instagram, give them a huge role and not give them support. Moshidi continued to add:”I even said at the meeting(with producers) that Larona is struggling because she is not an actress and has been given a huge role to play. This is a craft. It is a skill.”
According to the article, it was also reported that Moshidi also didn’t deem the writers’ skills as on par. Various sources told the writer of Drum Magazine that Moshidi would straight out call out writers for their bad writing skills and would blatantly shout at Larona that she can not act.
”I always challenged the directors, i phoned Gwydion( Executive Producer and Writer) and told him this does not make sense. She continued to add:” I completely and totally invested in this character. I didn’t short change her.”
Apparently the off screen drama got so bad to the point of Larona’s parents wanted to come to the Tshedza headquarters and confront Moshidi.
Creative differences are a regular sport within the Arts however it becomes unfortunate when it eventually creates an infinite drift.