Tiaan Nortjé graduated from PALI in 2018 and has since built an incredible career within the entertainment industry. He recently launched a brand new initiative, Babbelkous, an Afrikaans streaming platform exclusively for children. He also recently attended the kykNET Silwerskermfees for the premiere of the short film, Liewe Dudu, on which he worked as Editor and DIT. The viral social media page, Oorreageer, is also Tiaan’s brainchild.
With the launch of Babbelkous, we took the opportunity to check in with Tiaan.
Where did the idea for Babbelkous come from?
The idea for Babbelkous.com has been brewing in my mind fora few years. I’ve always wanted to create a platform where one could build your own audience in a digital space. I have always been a fan of children’s theatre and writing for children. My mom used to record audio stories from the radio onto tapes and I would listen to them over and over again. All of these aspects came together and Babbelkous.com was inevitable. Everything just worked. I got my team together and we started creating.
When did you realise you would like to pursue a career as an artist?
Since I was a child I knew the arts would be a part of my life in some way or another. I was the typical‘theatre kid’ growing up. Singing, dancing, acting. I took a gap year aftermatric to explore the possibilities life had to offer and PALI was one of thoseadventures. It was there that I found my people. I finally understood it waspossible and what it would take to make a career out of film and theatre.
What is your favourite memory of your time at PALI? What was your favourite production that you took part in?
My favourite memory of my time at PALI was the times we would be on set or in rehearsals. I always looked forward to the year-end productions, because this was the time you could really show what you are made of. We would have a blast rehearsing comedies and farces, where so many things could (and did) go wrong. But those memories I hold very dear to my heart now. It was tough but it shaped who I am today. My favourite production was when I had the opportunity to write and direct a short film, Acetone, which won The Den. This experience shaped not only my creative mindset, but the way I approach life.
What is the most valuable lesson you have learnt as a filmmaker?
Being an artist is a team sport.Collaboration is the cornerstone of the entertainment industry. You are not here to compete. You are here to work together. Working well with other amazing artists is your superpower. Seek out the right people to work with, build your team and you will succeed.
Do you have any advice foraspiring artists?
Be a ‘jack of all trades’. Learn how to do as many things as possible. Don’t be set in just one thing. You might be successful for a while but your options are limited in the long run. We are very fortunate to call the performing arts our job. But one can only achieve it by taking on every opportunity and trying, even if you don’t know how to do something. I am a big advocate of doing things before you are ready. Jump in head first. Always say yes. You only have one chance at this little adventure we call Life!
Tiaan’s love and dedication to his craft is visible in every project he works on. Babbelkous.com is becoming increasingly popular among both children and parents. Check it out here: www.babbelkous.com
