Former Rockville actor Sello Motloung has taken to social media to humble himself and ask for a job from local productions.
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In a Facebook post he wrote,: "I'm just an Actor, seeking a director/producer to cast me in their production, to show me some love. I wouldn't even mind auditioning for that role. Is there such a director/producer out there who would like me to be part of their production?"
The veteran actor, who has also had roles on Backstage, Ring of Lies, and international movies Invictus and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, has been hit by the economical changes that the COVID-19 pandemic has brought about.
"Our industry is going through turmoil too due to the pandemic. A lot of actors had challenges getting jobs even before the pandemic. I just want a chance to audition. I'm not asking for handouts," the actor told Daily Sun.
The actor says that it was not easy asking for a job in the manner that he did, but he had to do it because his last acting gig was on SABC2's Lithapo last year.
He also added that this was not only about him, but about fellow actors who've been struggling to get jobs.
"Productions haven't stopped. They're up and running but we never see calls for auditions. They have their main cast, but I think it would be fair and interesting if these were open for everyone. Not everyone has access to those auditions. We have this self-tape culture because of the pandemic.
"Those of us who've been in the industry for a while are uncomfortable with self-tapes. We're used to going to auditions," he explained.
Lockdown was implemented in SA earlier last year and it has seen a number of industries suffer major losses.
In September last year, a group of Durban artists took to the highway to protest against the lockdown and how it negatively impacted their livelihoods. Actors were also affected when production of various telenovelas and soap operas had to halt shooting due to positive COVID-19 cased on set. This further negatively impacted revenue streams in some production houses, forcing producers to let go of some actors in order to cut their budget.
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Image credit: Facebook