I've been advertising on Facebook and Filmmaker South Africa for the past couple of weeks for local producers. I've decided it's best and most time effective to hook up with local knowhow rather than re-inventing the wheel by trying to learn everything from scratch. I know. I should just get the Bafta delivered to my door now.

I did meet up with one girl a few weeks back, but Enflesh Films turned out to be too small for someone looking for the next step on a career ladder that she's worked hard on putting aright onto the wall. It didn't deter or disappoint me; we were both honest about what we wanted to do and achieve. I hope to work with her one day soon.

So, last week Wednesday I met up with Dino. I had a couple of conversations with him on the phone beforehand and we seemed to share similar interests. It turns out when I finally meet him, his parents are Greek-Egyptian! (I'm of Egyptian origin too). So, we talked shop, parents, Greek (stuff), life, girls, and we're going to work together. Pretty good meeting altogether and I'm excited to have made a connection.

Dino's big credit is working on the presskit for the Oscar-winning South African film Tsotsi and packs 10+ years' experience in the industry. He's worked on short films, features, and corporate videos. The 'oke' is connected and Enflesh Films is glad to be working with him now.

Dino, welcome!

I held a second round of screentests (a more appropriate word than auditions) on Wednesday evening at my place. Out of 8-9 people who were on the e-mail list, only 2 showed up, like the first time. They seem to be coming in pairs…

Both girls were very good, it was good to meet them and see them on camera. I also found a short chat after the screentest was really important as I got to get a peak inside the characters.

I really could relate as a person to the one girl who expressed frustration in a career she did not enjoy at all. And to the other, I empathized with the sense of struggling, trying to find a medium between the real world (read: financially viable world) and the true dreams.

I sensed a strong connection to both of them and I know this will help when I come to work with them soon.

Away from the personal side, the lesson from Wednesday night's auditions is that I need to be more proactive with people who want to do screentests. I'm just going to call them and find out if they're interested. This isn't Europe; people aren't attached to their inboxes as much.

I did my first round of auditions for presenters for my documentaries in pre-production. I held them at V Funk Records' studio in Benoni, east Johannesburg. Big props out to Zinhle, owner of V Funk, for letting me use the space for the evening and Ruffal (Thulani) for staying around for the evening.

I'm glad for those who showed up, two very talented young guys with loads of screen presence and natural talent. I'll be holding more auditions sessions over the next 2 weeks to allow for everyone else who couldn't make it last night.

I was organised, had all my papers ready, got people to sign the consent forms and take the right information. Reflecting back, I didn't have professional enough an attitude and approach. It was too "chummy" and down-to-earth. I would have wanted to keep it friendly, but more organized and together. For next time.

I was hoping on more people showing up as lots indicated interest and availability. Thing I've learned for next time is not to assume; gather good knowledge through RSVP.

Pics of studio to follow soon.