LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!!
You might have never been on set to hear these words, but we’ve all felt their incredible effect, with South Africa having fallen under the spell of the Soap Stars who enthral us on a daily basis. The actors, producers, directors and crew who bring these characters and stories to life are not just doing their job; they are creating worlds of textures and intrigue, webs of deceit, thickening plots, villains, heroes, fallen angels and star-crossed lovers. They are master craftsmen and women, blessed with that very rare skill: to transport us, entertain us and connect with us.
So it makes sense that after everything these hard-working professionals have given to us, we should give them something back. This desire is what drove Winnie Modise to establish the Royalty Soapie Awards, Mzansi’s first fully-fledged awards show aimed squarely at the Soap industry. Yes, the countdown has begun and there are only 5 months until the inaugural event takes place on November the 2nd 2013 at the Durban International Convention Centre. Since the last media briefing in Durban the highly experienced team has been working tirelessly to set everything up for what will undoubtedly be a glittering, glamorous night out. And it’s about time South Africa enjoyed a celebration like this, as Miss Modise, herself an accomplished Soap Star, enthuses: “We are a nation who lives for our daily dose of Soap Opera action. We invest in the lives of our favourite characters…their storylines dominate our conversations. But we have never given these players a platform to be celebrated and recognised. Until now, that is!”
More than just an opportunity for the industry to come together and celebrate, the Royalty Soapie Awards will help grow the quality of our programming by creating a new level of healthy competition. All major players are being recognised, from actors to make-up artists, writers to producer, directors to costume designers.
Entries for this inaugural affair officially open on the 26th of June and close on the 10th of July. Nominees will be announced on the 19th of September at a dramatic affair imbued with all the thrills and spills expected from a night that pays homage to the Soapies. From here the judging commences, with entrants being adjudicated by a panel of judges selected for their expertise, experience and knowledge of the Soapie environment.
These esteemed panel will be judging all of the awards…bar one. Because the winner of the Best Soapie of the Year will be determined by the loyal fans who get the chance to have their say and determine who goes home the worthy winner. And to honour the players who have helped grow the Soap Opera Industry, the Awards Steering Committee will give the Lifetime Achievement Award to a pioneering performer.
The Royalty Soapie Awards partners include the Department of Economic Development and Tourism, Department of Arts and Culture and the City of Durban. Such established names bear testimony to the power of our local Soapies, not only as vehicles for entertainment and culture, but also as opportunities for job creation and skills development. All parties are counting down to the November event with excitement and conviction, ready to make a fresh, indelible mark on South African’s entertainment landscape.
LEAD ROLES: Outstanding Lead Actor, Outstanding Lead Actress, Outstanding Male Villain, Outstanding Female Villain, Outstanding Soapie
SUPPORTING ROLES: Outstanding Supporting Actor, Outstanding Supporting Actress, Outstanding Couple, Oustanding Newcomer
CREATIVE AWARDS: Outstanding Make-Up & Hair, Outstanding Set Design, Outstanding Writing Team, Outstanding Wardrobe
TECHNICAL AWARDS: Outstanding Art Direction, Outstanding Directing Team, Outstanding Editing Team, Outstanding Casting Director, Outstanding Lighting
PUBLIC VOTE CATEGORIES: A Most Popular Soapie Of The Year
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
