press kit - Wonderphil Productions

PIERRE BREYTENBACHPierre completed his BADrama degree in 1998 atTukkies. He immediatelystarted working on stagein musicals and comedies.Since then he hasperformed with leadingactors including FrankOpperman, Gys de Villiers,PG du Plessis, DeonOpperman, SandraPrinsloo, Tobie Cronje and Harry Kalmer. On televison heappeared in Die Casper Rasper Show, Spekskieters, andevery imaginable soapie in the country.Most recently he was seen in KykNet’s improv comedyProesstraat. However, Pierre is not only a comedian, he hasalso turned in a number of serious performances on televisionand film and over the past four years he has served as a50/50 field presenter – when his wife and three kids are notworking him hard at home.What attracted you to this project?It was a last minute business, but definitely a blessing.What was it like working in the Little Karoo, specificallythe Swartberg Mountains?It is possibly one of the most beautiful parts of our country.Someone asked me the other day why it is that everyonegoes on about the Little Karoo. I told them to spend a fewdays at the foot of the Swartberg and find the answer foryourself. The silence, beauty, colours and people are allunique and incomparable.What was your favourite scene and why?Driving the Chrysler New Yorker. I am still a child at heart andthat moustercar really set my heart racing.What were the challenges of you role?On one level it was a massive challenge to play the comedyrelief character without making him a charicature. On anotherlevel it was difficult to arrive on set knowing that everyonewas expecting someone else. Trying to fill those shoes andto honour the expectation and at the same time give full flightto your own creativity was a unique challenge.Describe working with the accomplished Regardt vanden BerghI had never met Regardt so I had no idea what to expect.Naturally I was a little nevrous. Add to that the fact that 15minutes after meeting him, I had to be in front of the camerasand crew – and all of this in front of one of the great namesof the local film industry. What a pleasure! It is seldom thatyou meet such a giant of a director who has such warmth,humanity and sincerity. And what a pleasure to work underhis guidance. Words cannot express my respect.Tell us about Cybil’s drive to make a difference in hercommunity and the fact that Kaapland Films is makinga lasting, uplifiting impact on the area where the filmwas shot?During the filming we spent a lot of time discussing preciselythat. Sometimes it led to heated debates, but we were agreedthat nobody can or should shy away from this responsibility.As with many other places in our country, it is critical thateach person makes a difference, leaves things better for thenext generation and make sacrifices for others. What betterplace to do this than the Little Karoo that had received us sowarmly.What were the most memorable aspects of your time onset? Any anecdotes?The great team work. That everyone, despite personaldifferences, worked so hard together, socialised together andwere grateful for every little blessing on the production.