What are you currently up to and can you tell us a bit more about it?

My role involves assisting visiting crews with production logistics, filming support,
and ensuring that international productions can operate smoothly while working in
the country. Alongside my full-time work, I am also the owner of my own production
company, Camera Crazy Productions, where I focus on filming conservation, wildlife,
and corporate productions in and around the Lowveld region. After completing my
studies at PALI and living in Pretoria for five years, I gained valuable insight into how
the production industry operates and the many different career paths within it. One
thing I quickly realised is that the entertainment and production industry extends far
beyond traditional television. When I returned to the Lowveld, I noticed a significant
shortage of professional photographers and videographers in the region. This
created a great opportunity for me to grow my own production company and serve a
niche market with very little competition, particularly in conservation and wildlife-
related productions.

You have quite an interesting job within the film industry. For those unfamiliar
with it, would you care to explain what it entails?

In South Africa, international broadcasters are generally required to work with a local
fixer or production facilitator when filming in the country. This is largely for safety and
logistical reasons, as South Africa is often classified as a higher-risk filming
destination. Having someone local who understands the environment, regulations,
and logistics helps ensure that productions run safely and efficiently. As a facilitator
working with SANHU, my role involves planning and organising many of the practical
aspects of a production. This includes arranging travel, accommodation, locations,
permits, and coordinating the overall logistics of the shoot. On set, my role can vary
depending on what the production needs at the time. I often assist as a runner,
camera assistant, or even capture behind-the-scenes footage. In many ways, my job
is to support the crew however possible so that they can focus on their specific roles.
In simple terms, my job is to make everyone else’s job easier and ensure that the
production runs as smoothly as possible from start to finish.

When and how did you realise you would like to pursue a career in the
entertainment industry?

I often say that I didn’t choose the film industry — the film industry adopted me.
Growing up with a cameraman as a father and a production manager as a mother, I
was surrounded by film crews, cameras, and production sets from a very young age.
Being on set and around productions was simply part of everyday life. I started out
carrying tripods, helping move equipment, and occasionally operating boom
microphones. Over time, that exposure allowed me to learn the practical side of
filmmaking and understand how productions work from the ground up. During my

time as a student I was already filming social media content and working as a
cameraman on various productions, which helped me build experience early on.
Over the past few years I’ve had the opportunity to assist with a number of high-end
international shoots across South Africa, which has given me valuable experience
and a deeper understanding of the industry.

What has been your biggest career highlight as a young professional?

One of my greatest career highlights so far has been building a reputation for myself
within the international production community and working with major broadcasters
such as the BBC. When I first started out three years ago as a fixer, I was relatively
unknown in the industry and initially became involved in productions through the
guidance and support of my parents, who had already been working in the field.
However, over time I worked hard to build my own relationships and reputation within
the industry. Today, many of the colleagues I have worked with from around the
world have become close friends, and it is incredibly rewarding when they
specifically request that I work with them again on further productions. For me, that
level of trust and recognition is a huge milestone. Another highlight of the job is the
opportunity to constantly travel across our beautiful country, helping international
crews capture South Africa’s incredible wildlife and landscapes. Being able to
showcase our natural heritage to the world while doing something I’m passionate
about is something I feel very fortunate to experience.

What is your favourite memory of your time at PALI? Was there perhaps a
favourite production?

That’s not an easy question to answer because my entire time at PALI was incredibly
special. Growing up in the Kruger National Park and going to school in Nelspruit, I
was probably one of only a handful of boys in town who were genuinely interested in
drama, singing, and film. Because of that, arriving in Pretoria to study and suddenly
being surrounded by like-minded people who shared the same passion for the
industry was an amazing experience. It really felt like I had finally found my crew —
no pun intended 😉 If I had to pick a favourite memory, it would definitely be my third-
year end year production, The Crew. The experience of working together with the
entire crew and seeing everything come together after all the hard work was
incredibly rewarding. Of course, there was also the fan-favourite production Jolburg.

Do you have any advice for aspiring artists and filmmakers?

My biggest piece of advice would be to stay curious, work hard, and never be afraid
to start at the bottom. The film industry is one where experience is incredibly
valuable, and many of the most important lessons are learned on set rather than in a
classroom. Be willing to take on any role at the beginning — whether it’s carrying
gear, assisting crew members, or helping behind the scenes. Those experiences not
only teach you how productions work but also allow you to build relationships with
people in the industry. Networking and maintaining good relationships are also
extremely important. The film industry is surprisingly small, and your reputation
travels quickly. If people know that you are reliable, hardworking, and easy to work
with, opportunities will naturally start to come your way. Finally, remember that there
are many different paths within the industry. Film is not limited to just directing or
acting — there are countless roles that contribute to making a production successful.
Stay open to learning new skills and exploring different areas, because you never
know where those opportunities might lead.

Xander is a prime example of a PALI graduate who always worked hard and
successfully managed to diversify his skillset. We are immensely proud of him and
look forward to seeing what the future holds in for this talented artist.