Represent Interview: Scottnes from CoalStove
“Film makers need to do what kwaito did: mess around and wait for what feels good to you. When people like Oscar and others started kwaito they didn’t care that people called it bubble-gum, they made the music because it sounded good to them. That’s what we need to do.” Scottnes Smith
Every now and then Editorista gets to meet people who simply radiate “raw talent”, drawing you to them and making you curious about the path they’re shooting along. Today we get under the skin of 23 year old Scottnes Smith, a sparkling bright flame that we met two years ago at a rather messy awards ceremony- let’s just say lots of gold tequila was quaffed to celebrate a win and Scottnes happened on the occasion and offered much support. We’re catching him on his way towards massive things, starting with his start up Coal Stove productions – make sure to check out their Off The Shelf movie nights. We give you – Scottnes!
Scott, give us the short version of your backstory if you don’t mind… from birth to now, how did you find yourself where you are at?…
I was born and bred in Jo’burg. I lived in Nigel for a while- way back, then moved to Eldo’s. From there my family moved to Observatory when I was about 13 where we’ve been ever since. I went to school at Sacred Heart College. Right now I’m finishing a degree in Dramatic Arts specializing in Television at Wits University. I guess that’s it.
How do you define and describe your brand Coal Stove? Whats it all about?
Coal Stove Pictures is based on a simple idea: South African stories need to be shared, with each other and with the world. The Coal Stove is the place where we share our stories. It gives fire, warmth and maybe cooks a little pap! We wanna help South Africans reach out to each other through all our stories.
Tell us about the Off the Shelf events .. what’s the inspiration, what can your clientele expect?
Off the Shelf is a place where people can come and enjoy SA films. We show short films from around the country and internationally. Most of the work is by students at film schools though not exclusively. Off the Shelf is an opportunity for filmmakers to get their work shown. There’s no point in having films gathering dust in our cupboards. People make films to be seen. We give them that chance.
For people who are not necessarily filmmakers though, Off the Shelf is a place to just enjoy being at the movies but with a distinctly SA flava. The night is free and you get the chance not only to see what local filmmakers are doing, but to also meet with them as well. It’s a great platform for anyone interested in films to get a finger on the pulse of SA film.
Who is your target market?
Anyone with even a passing interest in films is our target market. We try not to make it too exclusive since the event is all about celebrating movies. We have found though that quite a few young rising filmmakers come through. I guess for them it’s a bit of a networking opportunity. So that’s cool as well. We are actually doing research into what people want to see on their screens so the more varied the audience the better. We hold short discussions after the screenings so people get a chance to interact with the filmmakers and each other.
When is the next one and what can we expect?
The next Off the Shelf is on the 1st September. It’s usually on the last Sunday of the month but this time we thought we’d shake it up for the first day of spring. It’s always at Primi Studios in Rosebank.
You’re a film maker right, what would you say to the youth who would like to study film but perhaps don’t have the means to? Any suggestions…?
Yeah man. The best idea is to start writing scripts. At the last Off the Shelf we had Kgoli (who does all the hot music videos) come through and say that the audience doesn’t know what it wants. It only knows it likes something once it sees it. What we need is young writers coming through with their original ideas. Once you have the script then you can get the funding. Even if you don’t get the funding, with a hot idea/ concept you can do anything. Even if you have to shoot a short film on your cell- phone or with still pictures, if the concept is good someone will pick it up.
What do you think are the challenges of making films today in SA today?
The challenge is finding your voice. I think too many filmmakers get caught up in the sweat and pressure of making the “Perfect South African Movie”; the next big thing. I think personally that that is missing the point. The idea is just to make movies that you want to make. Do it for yourself. It’s true that we feel like we have to speak for those without voices, or as a response to our past, but I think all that’s needed is a little self-belief. Filmmakers need to do what kwaito did: mess around and wait for what feels good to you. When people like Oscar and others started kwaito they didn’t care that people called it bubble-gum, they made the music because it sounded good to them. That’s what we need to do.
What was the last exciting thing that happened to you?
Last exciting thing was going to Finland and doing an exchange programme. That was cool. What was even better though was coming back to Jozi and feeling the energy and the hustle of the city. We have our work cut out for us here, but once we get it right we are gonna be going far.
What ‘gadgets’ do you use in your life and why?
Gadgets: My computer: it helps me think. Other than that a good pen and paper are cool. No Ipod I’m afraid.
What’s your ideal city to live in in the world and why?
Look I love Jozi, but right now I’ve got a soft spot for Prague. I went there a couple of months ago and the damn place is just too good looking. There’s this thing that happens to the water when you look down at Charles Bridge from the mountain. Its just cool man.
You are based in Jozi – what’s your best thing about Jozi?
The Best thing about Jozi is its paradoxes. I think there are only a few places in the world where you can see such extreme wealth and poverty or beauty and ugliness side by side. That’s also what makes it so compelling for me as a rising filmmaker. We got such rich stories here, we just need to buckle down and tell them.
Tell us about you and our favourite man Wandi – how did you hook up and what are your secrets to such a powerful and long-lasting friendship …
Me and Wandi hooked up as boys in grade 1. We have been friends since 1991. Secrets to a lasting friendship? I don’t know that we have any. We are always telling each other that we need to make new friends because we are always getting each other into too much trouble! Like that time we bluffed our way into shooting our first ad at 22…
Who are your favourite South African film makers? My favourite filmmakers from SA both did the Short And Curlies series in 2000. The first is Teboho Mahlatsi with, “Portrait of a Young Man Drowing”. The Next is Brian Tilley with, “Lucky Day”. I remember watching that film so many times trying to count the number of shots I loved it so much.
What are you listening to at the moment?
The radio. Ha ha. I’m a bit of a sap. I’m loving John Legend’s new album.
Tell us about a secret place in Africa that everyone should go on holiday to.
Kosi Bay: its’ up near the SA border with Mozambique. There is this place up there where you can camp out in a sand forest on the beach. It’s hard to explain just how beautiful this place is. The estuary looks a bit like the rice fields in Asia. You can watch Hippo’s grazing. It’s so cool to be able to walk down and wash in the lake first thing in the morning.
What is your 5 year plan with Coal Stove?
We want to shoot our flagship film (a short) at the end of this year or the beginning of next year. In the interim we want to be doing a couple of music videos and a few more ads. By the end of 2008 we want to establish ourselves as one of the young gun hot production companies. The plan is to do our first feature around this time as well. In five years, we want to be producing at least one full length feature each year. Our overall plan is to make, duplicate and distribute films profitably. By 2012 we want to be getting this right.
Any other messages for the “youf” of South Africa?
Stay in school and don’t do drugs.
Sharpile !
