2009
In 2009 Susana made the decision to move into film production

She produced, Directed, Wrote and Acted in 2 yogi Sip Ad’s, “Cake” and “Feed the beast”
Her first role as a feature film Producer was on the film “NightDrive” (For more information please see under Producing, or log onto http://www.nightdrivemovie.com/)
She then Produced “He, She … Me” a feature film Documentary exploring male and female roles in society, in work and in love, as a South African today.
18 celebrities from different socioeconomic backgrounds, religious groups and age groups, discussed the pro’s and con’s of where we are right now as South African’s and what we find attractive in each other.

But this was not a straight forward “talking heads” documentary, each of the celebrities took a walk in their opposite sex’s shoes…
This was also her debut as a feature film Director

(For more information please see under Producing, a link to the web site will follow end February).

2008:
I worked as a creative consultant for Blue Moon Productions, writing a creative concept theme’s, putting together visuals and conceptualizing the entertainment for a pitch.
I worked as a Creative Consultant, Creative Director and Project manager/Producer for 360 Degree’s, writing a creative concept, putting together visuals and conceptualizing a week- long event for the new Aveo. I was producer and Creative Director for the pitch.
I then was cast in and asked to direct a Murder Mystery evening for 1000 Watts Production Company, where actors such as Graham Hopkins, Theo Landey, Stuart Williams, Stacey Sacks, Raymond Vilakazi, Tarryn Bennett, Chantal Natival and David Butler performed.
I have recently written and directed a mini horror series for the Internet, called “3’s a Crowd”. (It is busy being edited).

Other Achievements:

Modelling:

I modelled for FHM’s February issue
I was made one of three faces for a new cosmetic’s line called Kaleidoscope
Modeled for a Samsung Launch
Photography:
Photographed on line profile for Laser Edge Design
Photographed company profile for Total Air Control
Photographed brochure for Party Design (Event Décor)
Photographed various headshots for actors

2007:
I directed the launch of 90 Plein Street, a new educational drama on SABC 2. The launch was held at the International Cape Town Convention Centre. Our guests included parliamentary members, SABC and associates of the SABC, members of Born Free Media and cast of this new ground breaking series. A series of presentations where held interwoven with live music and a vocalist.
I then directed the Castle Light Cross Roads finale event. It was a star-studded evening, which included celebrities as well as competition winners who had been flown to JHB from all over South Africa. Included in the evening’s entertainment was a game show presented by Sydney Matlhaku, performance by Mafikizola and on the dance floor the sensational sounds of DJ Clio and DJ Sikeli.
I then directed a physical performance theatre piece for an ABSA Bank, Corporate function for The Event Production Company. It was based on numerous characters who formed Sir Ernest Shackleton’s team on his expeditions to the North Pole.

Other Achievements:

At the end August 2007, The Event Production Company offered me a position as Creative Director, but due to other work commitments I had to turn them down.
Photography:

Photographed various headshots for actors
Photographed various family portraits
Photographed various personal albums for individuals

Charity:
I ran a Youth Development Programme teaching drama to children who were affected or infected with aids through ‘Acres of love’ organisation.

2006
The LAB: I directed a live performance show, in March 2006 which was filmed The LAB, one of Curious Pictures new drama series. It was aired on SABC3 on the 22 August 2006. The show emulated a concert, it consisted of five extraordinary Pantsula tap dancers and Lira, who sang “Get into action” her hit single, released that year.
I directed the SAB (South African Breweries) Sports Journalist Awards. The show combined four elements: an electric guitarist, a percussionist, five of our Olympic trampolinests, five pantsula tap-dancers and two gumboot dancers.
I also worked as a Creative Consultant for 360 Degrees Production Company, conceptualising shows and events from décor to music to entertainment and casting.
I re-directed Sex, Lies and Leopard Crawl with a new cast, Ilanitt Shapiro (Jozi H, SABC 3) and Brandon Auret (Isidingo SABC 3), for The Civic Theatre’s Actors Centre in October.
I Directed Ernst and Young’s end of year function. We had a circus theme and we filled it with entertainment such as stilt walkers, aerial acts, tumblers, strength act and gymnasts.
I then directed ACSA’s end of year Feather Award’s again, it was a wonderful event with Kass Naidoo as our host and Nonhlanhla Mdluli and the delicious jazzy sounds of ‘Atmospheric’.
My last job of 2007, was rejoining 360 degrees as a Creative Consultant for a “Mini” pitch.

Other Achievements:
Photography

Completed a course in Photoshop to support my photography.
Photographed various headshots for actors
Photographed various family portraits
Photographed various personal albums for individuals

2005
Video:
I Directed a Corporate interactive video for McKenco Productions
Began a three month contract with Luminon Productions and Air Media.

Duties:

Directed and edited corporate functions and videos.
Directed “Jet TV” multicam half hour music show for Edcon, which went out every Saturday in all their stores.
I finished my contract with Luminon Productions and Air Media in August 2005 and began freelancing again.
Directed FNB Home Loans end of year function. The theme was Art as Excellence! Therefore the room was opulent, gold chairs and settings, red velvet, large prints of famous art works were hung within the room and a large golden Proscenium arch framed the stage. There were two sets of entertainment: the first being a lounge music set consisting of classic songs from Marilyn Monroe and Frank Sinatra. The second was a musical theatre piece incorporating songs from great musicals such as Moulin Rouge, West Side Story and Jesus Christ Super Star.
I then directed ACSA’s end of year Feather Awards which incorporated an award show during a delicious brunch, the entertainment was performed by Muse SQ.
(Both function were also Directed for The Event Production Company).

Other Achievements:
Courses:
Completed a Radio DJ course through the Academy of Broadcasting and was heard on various Edcon radio stations.
Photography:
Completed a beginners course in Photography
Completed a intermediate course in Photography-
Completed a portrait course in Photography all courses were done through The National College of Photography in Saxonwold, Johannesburg, South Africa –
Photographed various personal albums for individuals-
Photographed various head shots for actors
Modelling Job’s:

Modelled for the Bride’s Diary Book

Charity:

Presented for a charity fundraiser for various South African charities, which assist woman in various ways, from legal assistance to skills development.

2004:
I began to direct corporate functions.

The Nelson Mandela bridge publication celebrating ten years of democratic freedom. The entertainment included an African choir, singing while releasing one hundred white butterflies, followed by a musical theatre production taking us through the turn around in the last ten years of democracy. We were honoured by Mr Nelson Mandela and handed over a personalized copy of the publication specifically made for him.
Nigerian Chief’s 80th Birthday Celebration: I created an African Sunset theme, which incorporated a live three-piece band, a vocalist and a cast of fourteen dancers performing a mix of ‘African Footprint’ style dancing, as well as ‘Stomp’ and traditional African dancing. (Both events were directed for The Event Production Company).
Other Achievements:

I performed and co-wrote a Musical production called “Oh Boy”. The entire cast consisting of the five original members of Hi-5 (South African boy band) and myself were nominated for best musical show of the year and the show was nominated for best musical design By Naledi judge’s for the South African Naledi Awards.

1999 to the end of 2003 I was studying, please see qualifications.

1998:
– I took a contract working as the Creative Directors assistant with Harlequin Productions.
Duties:

Conceptualising original concepts for launches, Adverts, Christmas functions etc.
Set design
Putting together Proposals
Costume design.
Other Achievements:
Completed two courses:

Make-up (through Back Stage Make-up Academy)
Television Presenting (Through On Cue Media and Communications training.
When my contract ended with Harlequin I was approached by Clear Water productions to join them as a Creative Director, but at this stage I felt that it would be beneficial to my future career to study.

1997:
First job was at The Wave Factory Production Company, as a receptionist during the day and assisting shoots on my evenings off.

Then joined Ikhayalethu Productions working for “The Breakfast Club”Duties:

Production assistant
Guest liaison
Running all on air competitions
Set decorator for special events and shows
And from time to time make-up artist.
Towards the end of my employment with Ikhayalethu Productions I began to assist in directing inserts for the show and also Directed one insert on my own.

Education and Qualifications:

School:
– Attended the Michael Mount Waldorf School from nursery school until age 16.
– Performed in a play every year

1996:
– I matriculated (A level equivalent) in 1996 from Damelin College, Johannesburg, South Africa.
Subjects: English, Afrikaans, Math’s, Art-painting,Art-jewellery design, Art-graphic design and Geography.

2000:
– Began my Degree at AFDA: The South African School of Motion Picture Medium and Live Performance.

Directing at AFDA:
I directed numerous student and professional productions. Some of which included:

June 2002: “2 into 1” a farce written by Ray Cooney.
In November 2002, an adaptation of a play called: “Death and Dancing”, which incorporated physical performance, comedy, drama and mime.
June 2003: “Sex, Lies and Leopard Crawl”, a dramatic love story written by Deon Opperman, which I took to the Grahamstown Art festival.
November 2003: My last production was a pilot for a sitcom called “Good Times Café”, it was filmed in front of a live studio audience. I co-wrote it and directed it, assisted by a Technical Director.
Acted in:
– Over a dozen student short films,
– Music videos
– Various theatre productions
– And adverts.
– Pilot for a sitcom called “Good Times Café”, filmed in front of a live studio audience.

I graduated my honours degree at the end of 2003, with an A+ average, majoring in Directing for stage and Acting for film