In Conversation with Screenwriter and Director Ferdinand Genandt:
Impulse Team recently caught up with South African based director, screenwriter and producer Ferdinand Genandt.
Ferdinand is fast becoming one of South Africa’s most versatile and celebrated directors and screenwriters.
His extensive film experience, both in front of and behind the camera, boasts a career that stretches over 20 years in the entertainment industry.
He has also premiered his own faith-based drama feature ‘THE LOFT HOUSE’ which landed a distribution deal with Christian Art South Africa and SHOWMAX Africa.
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- Briefly tell us about your journey started as a filmmaker and scriptwriter so far
Ten years ago I wrote my first very bad script. Today I have more than twenty full feature screenplays in my arsenal. Are they all brilliant? No. Will every single one of them get produced? Certainly not. Did I elevate my understanding of storytelling? Absolutely yes. I started off in theater and then made the transition into film…producing shorts, music videos at first and then moved into features and documentaries.
2. Where do you draw inspiration from when writing and creating
I keep an open mind. I constantly look at life, people and circumstances and dissect it for parts that could be put into a movie.
3. How have you adapted to the changes brought by the pandemic as a filmmaker
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I started marketing myself as a professional screenwriter to International producers and filmmakers. This allowed me to build a powerful network of filmmakers that I do writing assignments for.
It has been a tough time for all of us, and I think being willing to help others get to the top will inherently guide you there too.
4. Tell us about your recent project Point Shoes and a Pandemic
Our children lost out on so many opportunities this year. Education, concerts, sport events, school productions, choir, matric farewells and dances – All of it cancelled.
What kind of motivation do our youth have to keep putting in the hard work? We can help them by creating a safe and supportive environment to showcase their blood, sweat and tears.
This is a year which forced generations to their knees.
We have decided, to mark our calendar – we will not postpone… we will not cancel.
But we will adapt and reinvent ourselves.
At the end of each year, MLSD produces a theatre production with more than 130 students in front a cheering audience for three sold out performances.
But because of the global pandemic and strict health and safety regulations, our audience will be deprived of attending any theatre shows.
This is why we are planning to take our production out to our audience and loyal supporters. Where they may view it online in the comfort of their own homes.
This production will allow MLSD to inspire and make our students’ dreams come true.
We’ll also be able to provide work to our unsupported and vulnerable entertainment industry – the stars behind the scenes who make the magic happen.
POINTE SHOES, PRAYERS AND A PANDEMIC – is a documentary film which encapsulates our journey during 2020. A year that started with great expectations and preparations for an international tour to Portugal but COVID-19 came to erase all of it.
Challenges, prayers and beautiful moments of growth.
We have a beautiful testimony to share. A legacy these dancers are part of. A story to remind our young dancers and those from the rest of the world, how amazing and strong they really are and that no matter the circumstances, any dream is always within grasp, if we only believe and know that all things are possible through the One who gives us strength.
5. Three things people do not know about you
Love birdwatching. Sell low-content books on amazon. I have an online screenwriting course
6. Have you ever doubted yourself? And how did you take care of yourself at that time?
Yes. I think everyone experiences doubt. I don’t entertain those crippling thoughts. I notice them but immediately visualise myself standing in my circle of excellence. (All the times I had massive successes in my life.) It’s not always easy but I try…
7. What encouraging words do you have for anyone start out in the film industry
Surround yourself with kind people who want to see you succeed. Build a team of likeminded filmmakers who support each other… Collaborate, collaborate, collaborate…
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8. Who do you look up to and why
Me, ten years from now. Because that’s the person I want to become… but if I have to choose another human, it would be Matthew McConaughey and Dwayne Johnson.
9 . Any projects you are currently working on we can lookout for this year?
Currently in pre-production for a feature I wrote and now going to direct THE 7YEAR MILE. And then a couple of original screenplays seeking funding.
10. What are you most Grateful for right now?
For my perfect 8 week old baby boy, Darian. I am grateful for the opportunity and responsibility of fatherhood.
For more on Ferdinand and his work visit: www.ferdiwrites.com
