Videovision begins shoot on Cape Flats feature film

Anant Singh, Chief Executive of Videovision Entertainment has announced the commencement of principle photography on the company's latest production, Dollars And White Pipes.

The film, which is based on the true life story of Bernard Baaitjies who grew up in Hanover Park, marks the first feature film of director, Donovan Marsh who is known for his television productions of Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?, MTN Gladiators and the award-winning short film, Dead End.

Marsh wrote the script in collaboration with Bernard Baaitjies. Dollars And White Pipes stars a host of Cape talent, among whom are Clint Brink (Generations), Joey Yusuf Rasdien, Shaun Arnolds, Genevieve Howard and Nikki Nelson.

Dollars And White Pipes is a rags to riches story which follows Bernard's journey from the drug and gang culture to emotional and moral independence as he overcomes issues of race, education, addiction and racketeering and finally becomes a well respected and law abiding business entrepreneur - which he still is today. Bernard Baaitjies will be involved in the production, as will the Hanover Park community. "Dollars And White Pipes is an original South African story. It deals with important social issues, while at the same time being very entertaining," commented Anant Singh. "Bernard's life story is inspirational, incredibly motivating and very uplifting. He is a positive role model for all South Africans.

We are also pleased to be continuing our relationship with M-Net's local production initiative which began with their association with Yesterday," added Singh. Carl Fischer, Head of M-Net's Local Productions, says the film forms part of an M-Net initiative to boost the local film industry. "We invest in films that are set in a South African context, featuring local actors and production teams, and carry themes which will resonate with South African audiences.

We are extremely proud of all the films we have been involved in and believe that Dollars and White Pipes with its strong message and storyline will be another winner." Videovision Entertainment is a significant stakeholder in the Western Cape Film Industry with its major shareholding in DreamWorld Film City, the R400 million state-of-the-art film studio complex which will be built at Faure which is situated on the R310 just off the N2 in Cape Town. The development includes eight sound stages, production facilities, digital facilities and outdoor back lot areas.

Dollars And White Pipes is a Videovision Entertainment production in association with M-Net. The film is produced by Anant Singh and Helena Spring, executive produced by Sanjeev Singh and Sudhir Pragjee, written by Donovan Marsh and Bernard Baaitjies and directed by Donovan Marsh. Dollars And White Pipes will be shooting in the Western Cape until November and will be released in South Africa in late 2005.