Why does an ex Cinematographer / Commercial Director / Television script writer escape at every opportunity to a few hectares of land in the Overberg mountains of the Western Cape?
So it goes…
Once upon a time, I thought that all I ever wanted to do was to make movies, preferably from my own scripts….
The trouble is that all sorts of other “stuff” goes with making movies, including delusions, egos, enough nasty people to spoil the fun, and unemployment, so I’m heading for the hills, gradually.
I’ve lived in Johannesburg, on and off, for nearly forty years for only one reason: that was where the TV and Film industry used to be based. That is no longer true. Johannesburg has become Soapie Swamp, which provides little opportunity for satisfying work in any of the fields in which I have expertise, while Cape Town has become the major source of work for our film audition studio.
I think that life in South African cities will become increasingly unpleasant and expensive. Political policies have already endangered our food security, energy costs will inevitably rise and social unrest will increase as population density increases.
I’m learning very little that is new about the film industry, and I need the stimulation of learning something new – so why not Veggie farming on a small scale? Of all the places I’ve travelled to within South Africa, the Western Cape has felt the most comfortable with regard to geography and culture. I hope that the gentler surroundings will also give me the chance to get back to what I have most enjoyed doing for several decades – writing.
While I’m not a fanatic tree-hugger, I do subscribe to a philosophy of environmentally responsible living, following the principle that “Sufficient” is better than “Excess”. I’ve been a life-long tinkerer, so as I learn new things or use simple tools to make whatever gadget is required I’ll post the details here.
If you’ve found this site by clicking around where dull people wouldn’t think of clicking, you probably have the same kind of restless mind that I have, so you might enjoy what this site will become.
Digby Young, January 2011
So interesting Digby! I am so unsettled at the moment in London. Also finding work hard to come by. I feel like big change could be on the horizon but don’t know what it will be. Anyway, have to rush off now, but will be re-visiting Boggy Pond!
Would love to have an email giving an update of personal news – I often wonder what you’ve been up to, and the chances of a Guinness on the grass at Primrose Hill are looking slim, I’m afraid!