Be part of Toy Story 2012 with @ecr9495

Be part of Toy Story 2012!

Lee-ann Tours, Naveen Singh, Gerald Sieberhagen, Peter G and Bernie Joshua at the media

launch for Toy Story 2012.  

(Picture courtesy - Fiona Jane Photography) 

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by just how much despair there is around you everyday? Well, East Coast Radio’s Toy Story with Game is an opportunity for you to do your small part in the bigger picture of spreading cheer to those who desperately need it. It is a chance to reach out to children in government hospitals, crèches, orphanages and child-headed households around the province by donating new toys or cash, which goes towards food parcels.

Last year 50 000 new toys were handed out to excited little ones in need. R1.6-million was also received in cash donations, which helped to feed more 23 000 people for a period of 4-6 weeks. This year with the generosity of the people of KwaZulu-Natal East Coast Radio and Game are hoping to reach out to just as many people. The station’s General Manager Trish Taylor says, “Toy Story continues to touch the lives of tens of thousands of children, many of whom would otherwise never know the joy of a brand new toy. The food parcels are also a life-line to thousands of child-headed households each December.” 

Game’s Marketing Director Richard Millson says, “With toys being such a key gift item over the festive season, this project is a perfect fit to remind Game customers to give something back to someone in need. Collection boxes are placed in all our KZN stores, where customers can conveniently donate toys for Toy Story.”

The initiative would not be possible without Rotary’s team of volunteers who help to sort and distribute the toys collected. Berco Express facilitates the collections from Game stores and companies that get involved, while UTi assists with school collections. Red Cross Air Mercy Services play an integral role in transporting toys to outer lying areas of the province.

Whether you decide to make an online cash donation towards a food parcel, donate a toy in store or get your company or child’s school involved ‘Be part of Toy Story’.

(Source - East Coast Radio)  

Lots happening around Durban this week.

Quite a lot happening in and around Durban.

“Talking Hands”: First Deaf Theatre Festival of South Africa
25th to 30th September 2012
 

Catalina UnLtd proudly presents its first Deaf Theatre Festival in South Africa to promote Deaf Awareness Month (National Month of the Deaf in South Africa: 1st-30th September 2012) and its theme “Accessibility, Freedom of Expression and Opinion, and Access to Information”.  It also promotes public awareness of the potentials of Deaf people.

This festival provides a direct window into the experiences, perceptions and world-view of Deaf people.  It builds a bridge between the Deaf and Hearing worlds, so that hearing people can, for the first time, access the hidden lives of Deaf South Africans.  The festival encourages Deaf artists to rise above their challenges, promote public awareness of the potentials of Deaf people and reveal the unique culture between sound and silence, by sharing their artistic talents with diverse new audiences.

The festival is the first ever Deaf Theatre Festival in South Africa and it is envisaged that it will become an annual event so that this important dialogue can continue.

The festival has several different productions and workshops for the audience to enjoy.  "Talking Hands - The Play", Catalina UnLtd’s own production, and Ultimate Deaf Side Story, produced by the Universe Deaf Theatre, Cape Town (the only surviving Deaf Theatre company in South Africa) will give a diverse audience insight into the past and present life experiences of Deaf South Africans, as well as a glimpse into a future where Deaf and Hearing people focus more on what makes us the same and less on the differences.

Workshops have been planned during the Festival to help facilitate communication with Deaf people.  “Ensuring access for Deaf employees and customers” and “Introduction to talking with your hands” SASL (South African Sign Language) workshops will be run by the Kwa-Zulu Natal Sign Language Academy (Pty) Ltd.

The Deaf Federation of Kwa-Zulu Natal will host the first Deaf SA’s Got Talent.  The show will feature amateur dancers, magicians, comedians and other performers of all ages competing for a prize.  Mr Darren Rajbal (SA’s Got Talent 2009 winner) will give a dance workshop which will be an opportunity for aspiring dancers, both Deaf and Hearing, to come and hone their skills.

On the last day of the festival there will be a Short Film Festival with film screenings from all over the world, produced by Deaf filmmakers.

Catalina UnLtd looks forward to welcoming you to this ground breaking festival as we learn and laugh together and celebrate the potential within everyone.  For more queries please email Alison Swannack, the festival director, at catalinaunltd@gmail.com.

Booking is through the Catalina Theatre Box Office: (031) 305-6889 or online at www.strictlytickets.co.za.

Source - Pansa

Thousands celebrate Flip-Flop Friday!

The people of KwaZulu-Natal embraced this year’s Flip-Flop Friday with passion as people from crèche’s to car dealerships donned their flip-flops. Hundreds others turned out to help East Coast Radio and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal break the world record for the most number of people jogging in flip-flips at one time on 21 September.

Flip-Flop Friday is a celebration of the province’s all year round enviable laid-back lifestyle and what better way to ‘fly our flag’ than to try and break a world record. According to the Guinness Book of Records the largest thong sandal or flip-flop race saw 352 people running for 1 km in Austria in 2006. On Friday 421 people joined in the attempt and were full of smiles and laughter as they dashed down Durban’s promenade in their flip-flops. East Coast Radio will now be submitting Flip-Flop Friday’s fun to the record book for approval.

Last year the station hosted the very first Flip-Flop Friday initiative. This year, thousands joined in the fun and celebrated life on the East Coast by freeing their toes. The station’s Marketing Manager Lucky Sithole says, “We’re so thrilled that people from all walks of life took part in Flip-Flop Friday, whether they wore their flip-flops, sent in their photos or helped us with the world record. It’s fantastic to see so many people get behind this truly Funsunzi initiative and we’d like to thank everyone who took part.”

There’s no doubt that Flip-Flop Friday helped get KwaZulu-Natal into the holiday spirit ahead of the heritage long weekend and there is no reason that every Friday can’t be just as ‘Funsunzi’!

Source - East Coast Radio 

Be part of a world record attempt with @ecr9495

Rainbow striped toe socks worn with thong sandals (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Food Network (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Be part of a world record attempt!

This Flip-Flop Friday, on 21 September, East Coast Radio together with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal will attempt to break a world record. The current record for most people jogging in flip flops was set with 352 people in Austria in 2006. East Coast Radio is sure that in the spirit of ‘Funsunzi’ the people of KZN can top that!

Get down to Suncoast Casino’s promenade before 4pm on Friday afternoon to join in the record attempt. You can pre-register at www.ecr.co.za or register on the day from 2pm onwards. Not only will you help make history, but you could win R10 000 in cash or other great prizes.

If you can’t make the record attempt, don’t forget to free your toes on Friday. We’re calling on school children, business people and everyone else in the province to embrace ‘Funsunzi’ living at its best and wear their flip-flops, no matter the rest of their outfit.  The station hosted the very first Flip-Flop Friday initiative last year and the response was overwhelming. Thousands of people joined in the fun and celebrated life on the East Coast. The station’s Marketing Manager Lucky Sithole says, “We’re hoping that this year’s Flip-Flop Friday will be even bigger and better!”

Source - ECR 

Have you visited @VidaKZN Durban North Yet?

This week I was invited to the opening of the @VidaKZN Durban North Branch.
What a lovely treat that was.

Paul Osborne - Fin. Dir. Vida Holdings SA - Grant Dutton - Managing Director Vida Holdings SA 

and Nick Shaw Owner of the New Vida e Caffe Durban North. (left to right) 

                                                                  The Barrista

Even The Sharks popped by to taste the coffee

Obrigado to Vida for the invite.

They make a great cup of cappuccino.

Do yourself a favour visit the Durban North Branch .

Location:  Kensington Village, Mackeurtan Avenue, Broadway.  

Visit the store, try some of the coffee and Tweet them

some pics of it on Twitter - @VidaKZN 

Article by Fred Felton

Photography by Fiona Jane Photography 

Feel the 'Funsunzi' in your feet!

Feel the ‘Funsunzi’ in your feet!

In celebration of summer and KwaZulu-Natal’s all year round enviable laid-back lifestyle, East Coast Radio is once again hosting Flip-Flop Friday together with Tourism KwaZulu-Natal. On Friday 21 September we’re calling on school children, business people and everyone else in the province to embrace ‘Funsunzi’ living at its best and wear their flip-flops, no matter the rest of their outfit.

Last year the station hosted the very first Flip-Flop Friday initiative and the response was overwhelming. Thousands of people joined in the fun and celebrated life on the East Coast by freeing their toes. The station’s Marketing Manager Lucky Sithole says, “We’re hoping that this year’s Flip-Flop Friday will be even bigger and better! In fact we’d even like to set a world record for the most number of people running in flip-flops at one time.” According to the Guinness Book of Records the largest thong sandal (flip-flop) race saw 352 people running for 1 km in Austria in 2006. It’s hoped that the people ofKwaZulu-Natal will help beat that record on Friday next week.

East Coast Radio’s on-air team together with other staffers decided to put together a video to get people in the province in the Flip-Flop Friday spirit of things. Check it out at: http://www.ecr.co.za/kagiso/content/en/east-coast-radio/east-coast-radio-blogs-the-breakfast-blog?oid=1728587&sn=Detail&pid=490476&Flip-Flop-Friday

Source - East Coast Radio 

Design the next #Tourism Logo #Durban

Would you like to design the next Tourism Logo?


The newly formed DCTO or Durban Community Tourism Organisation was set up to attract tourists to the city.  They are in need of a fresh, fun logo, which depicts the Umgeni, the ocean, the harbour and the ridge area.

The best design will win a Be a Tourist in Your Own City weekend for two, which includes two nights at the Southern Sun Elangeni, uShaka passes, a walking city tour and more.  If you'd like to submit a work, mail this address: media@durbancto.co.za for an entry form.  You've got 'til 14 September at 16:00.

Source - Pansa 

Conversations With A Film Director - Philip Roberts

Good day Dear Reader.

Today we have an interview with a film director - Philip Roberts

                                                        Philip Roberts

What does a Film Director do? 

There are different kinds of directors.  Depends on the style.  They have to be a
screenwriter also, a storyteller and love Actors.  Cast as well as you can.
Learn about Photography and lenses.  Know how to take a beautiful picture.


Tell us about One Last Look?

It's a Psychological Thriller.  It's also a Genre Movie.
It's a cult movie.  It is a twisted work.  Brutal.  It is like
Michael Powell's 'Peeping Tom.'  I love that movie.  He made you feel
for the serial killer.  We shot it on location in a old Victorian Farmhouse.
We wanted it to look like a graphic novel.
It certainly has influences from 'Heart of Darkness.'

It's a Slasher / Serial Killer Movie, there's been so many how did you take a fresh
look at this genre?

It's a Psychological Thriller - where the protagonist overcomes the antagonist using psychological
means.
It's a good genre to use.
We wrote the script and it was noticed by a Hollywood Agency.  They invested in it
and sold the rights to it in the Middle East before the movie was made.

How do you handle Actors?

Try invest in them confidence.  Rehearse the script on location.

What skills should a Director have?

Narrative skills, helps to be a writer.  Get specialists for each crew position.
A director must have a controlling idea.  What is this movie about?  Know that!

Tips for Aspiring Directors?

Go to a good Film School.  Join a film crew.  Write stories.

Talk about the difficult balance between the Director and the Producer?

Sometimes you have to make compromises.

How long did it take to make One Last Look? 

It took 23 Days to shoot.

How did you raise the financing for this movie?

We received a 30%  rebate from the DTI (Department of Trade and Investment)
The NFVF (National Film and Video Foundation) gave us R1.2 million.
The IDC gave us the rest.

How do you work at a film festival, how do you network to get distribution deals?

Take the film to certain genre festivals.  Meet lots of people.

Were you involved in the editing of the movie?

I sat with the editor.


After the interview Philip invited me to a screening of the movie One Last Look.
It is indeed a great movie.  Scary in many places, dark at times and he is quite
correct in saying this is a cult movie.  It is also proudly South African.
Was wonderful to see a quality South African crew make this.
Do yourself a favour and go see One Last Look.
It really is worth it.

                                              A scene from One Last Look

You can find out more about the movie on their Facebook page.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/One-Last-Look/377822855611865



Article by Fred Felton - you can follow him on Twitter @fredfelton
Photo's courtesy of @DIFF

Meet Speaker Cindy Pivacic at this Wonderful Event

Meet Speaker Cindy Pivacic at this Wonderful Event

Networking forum for Service Providers and Company Executives dealing with Health and Wellness.

Please feel free to share.

Join her for Breakfast on Friday, the 7th September 2012.

Cost: R50.00

Mission and Vision

The objective in founding Balance & Bounce – ‘Through the Circles of Life’

Is to play a major role in the implementation by providing valuable access to Companies with Service Providers in the Health & Wellness industry.

Create health & wellness awareness events throughout the year

Offer sustainable information for the wellbeing of your valued staff members and their families by putting their Balance & Bounce back on track.

http://cindypivacic.co.za/health-and-wellness/networking-forum-for-service-providers-and-company-executives-dealing-with-health-and-wellness/


Facebook Business Page

http://www.facebook.com/BalanceAndBounce

Follow her on Twitter

https://twitter.com/CINDYPIVACIC

Source - Cindy Pivacic 

Excitement mounting as ‘D-Day’ approaches.

Durban Tourism and East Coast Radio’s Durban Day in association with the Sunday Times takes place this weekend at Moses Mabhida’s Peoples Park and anticipation is growing. The event on Sunday, with a line-up that includes Idols finalists, Yoav, Toya Delazy, Johnny Clegg, LIRA, GoodLuck and the Parlotones, brings together some of the country’s best bands in a laid-back family friendly setting. The two Idols finalists that will be performing are both from KZN – the very popular Khaya Mthethwa and Shekhinah Donnell are sure wow crowds.

The artists themselves are eager to perform in front of a Durban crowd.  The ever popular Parlotones say, “We will be hanging out after the show to meet the crowds, take photos and sign anything people bring to us. We will be playing a mixture of our older songs, as well as several songs off our latest album Journey Through the Shadows.” Soulful songstress LIRA says, “Durban Day will be a great family outing and I look forward to some of my younger fans being able to attend a concert too. Fans will hear all their favourite songs as well as music from my latest album Return To Love.”

Durban Tourism and East Coast Radio’s Durban Day is synonymous with picnic baskets, good music and a chilled day out, so be sure to get your tickets in advance for just R100 from Computicket. Tickets will also be available at the gate on the day but this is subject to availability and these will cost R120. Children under the age of 12 enter for free. No beverages will be allowed, these will be on sale together with a wide variety of food vendors that should cater for all tastes.

If the great line-up and the promise of a fun-filled day out are not enough to entice you, East Coast Radio will also be giving away R10 000 in cash to one lucky concert goer. You have no reason not to join in the fun. Life’s good on the East Coast!

If you are on Twitter remember to use #ecrdurbanday on the day and if you’re an East Coast Radio Facebook fan please @ us. For more information please visit www.ecr.co.za.

Source - ECR

Everything you need to know for Durban Day!

                                                 Pic from last year's Durban Day.

Now that you have your tickets for Durban Tourism and East Coast Radio’s Durban Day in association with the Sunday Times, here are all the details you need to make this a fantastic family outing. This annual music event is being held at Moses Mabhida’s Peoples Park on Sunday 9 September and is the perfect opportunity to catch some of South Africa’s top bands in a family friendly environment.

This year’s line-up includes Platform Jazz, Idols finalists, Yoav, Toya Delazy, Johnny Clegg, LIRA, GoodLuck and the Parlotones. Gates open at midday and while pre-sale tickets are only R100 from Computicket, last minute tickets can be purchased at the gate for R120. Children under the age of 12 enter for free. Free parking will be available at the Mustering Fields opposite the Kings Park swimming pool.

In keeping with the relaxed vibe, concert goers will be allowed to bring along their own picnic baskets with food. No beverages will be allowed, these will be on sale. But if the idea of preparing your own food is a hassle there will also be food vendors at the venue. We’ve sourced a wide range of service providers to cater for all tastes whether it is burgers, curries, frozen yoghurt or anything in between that the audience would like.

The secure Kids Zone will also ensure that there is entertainment for the little ones. Inflatables together with face painting, sand art, and balloon sculpting should keep children amused for hours.

The Head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole says, “East Coast Radio’s Durban Day has become a highlight in our city's Celebrate Durban calendar and is fast becoming a flagship 'Funsunzi' event.” Be sure not to miss out on this exciting day out – gotta love the East Coast!

For more information please visit www.ecr.co.za.

Source - @ecr9495