Ayanda KuneneStar Gist is celebrating its 50th episode today, and with this we give a big up to AfricaMagic’s hot property and look forward to even more of the glamour, fashion trends, Twitter talk, red carpet moments and celeb gossip that Star Gist does so well! For more behind the scenes scoop here’s a photo gallery!
AfricaMagic had a chat with the presenters Vimbai and Lawrence as well as the director of the show, Thulani Masuku, to get a better understanding of all the action that goes down behind the scenes as well as the sentiment around this milestone.
Vimbai had this to say about the show: “I think the show has grown immensely since the 1st episode. Star Gist has grown to become a daily fixture in so many homes across the continent, and we as the presenters have also grown into our skin. It has been a fun filled learning experience, and an amazing journey for personal growth while contributing to the entertainment industry of our beautiful continent. I have learnt a great deal! My eyes have been opened to the abundance of talent on the continent.”
Lawrence also shared his thoughts about the show’s journey: “It’s easier to work now because we are more familiar with the structure and the content. What is amazing about the show is that there is plenty of room for growth.”
Here's a video of all the action that goes on behind the scenes...
Director, Thulani Masuku took us through what happens day to day in studio...
Q: What is a typical day on the Star Gist set like?
A: A day for Star Gist will start as early as 06:00am with staff members walking down the corridor of BonNGoe HQ (the production house). The smell of coffee and keypads clicking away are the welcoming sounds and the rush is on!
Q: Who gives the green light to the content that goes on air?
A: The stories are compiled and made ready for the approval of our content producer who will edit and decide which stories make the episode of the day. These are our breaking African and international story headlines as well as the wacky news…
Q: Who helps ensure that everything runs smoothly?
A: A production of this nature runs continuously. The head production manager liaises with the executive producer and the content team. The head of production is in control of this intense traffic at all times. The head also ensures that all elements are ready to be compiled as per the segments of the show. This includes inserts shot and edited prior to putting together the day’s episode. As simple as it might sound, this is a daily occurrence and this is what makes the show special.
Q: When do the faces (presenters) of the show arrive?
A: The shoot crew and presenters join the morning rush at 09:00am. The stylist will then have a selection of clothes out for the presenters to try on. The director and the director of photography will be marking their shots and lighting up the studio for the day’s links. As the day progresses the masterpiece gradually comes alive.
Q: When do you shout “it’s a wrap folks”?
A: Fourteen hours of the day come to an end when the episode has been aired and the rest of Africa has seen and appreciated yet another day’s work for the Star Gist team.
