Multi-talented broadcaster Anele Mdoda has another ace up her sleeve, one she had to bide her time honing for the past 20 years she's been in the industry.
Through production company Rose and Oaks which she owns with partners, she's created Ludik, Netflix's first Afrikaans series.
The thriller series created by Paul Buys and Annemarie Van Basten is set to air in August.
Anele, Paul and Frankie Du Toit executively produced the series that Anele said is “a magical piece of TV”.
“Don't worry about a Afrikaans series. It's actually 50\50 English and Afrikaans, like other shows Netflix released that became a worldwide phenomenon. Let's talk Money Heist, Squid Games and such. So many shows were not in English and they were successful. Subtitles will be our friendsI look at it like an Ozark you know, it's a thriller.
"Don Ludik is a self-made millionaire who very self-assured. You don't mess with him. He runs a furniture company with an undertone of dubious activity. He also transports diamonds across the border because it is easy. A big mafia guy gets wind of this, and forces Ludik into a deal he can't refuse.”
The series stars icon Arnold Vosloo, who recently starred in Silverton Siege.
Anele described him as a leader who was open to teach.
“Arnold is an absolute talent who has worked with everyone in Hollywood and is very respected. He really loves the series. At our wrap party, where we had the cast, crew and everyone, we made a braai for them and a potjie and he was so excited. There was such an energy and vibe and spirit on set. The best thing about Arnold is he's a leader. ”
Anele has been all about big moves. Recently she signed a five-year contract with Primedia Broadcastings' music radio station 947 before her departure to the US, and said this was a win for broadcasters who are used to being here today and gone tomorrow.
“That five-year contract, it's all our victory. Please be as tenacious, brave and almost abrasive as me when it comes to getting what you deserve, because if you don't put the mic on, if you're not in front of the camera, what are they going to put out there? You can be replaced immediately. Yeah, if you're not doing your job, but if you're excelling the other party must meet you halfway and I Primedia did.
After taking a hiatus from radio, Anele said she appreciates the returning to self that moment brought her.
“After taking three months off, I realised that what I do is a service, it's a huge service to the country,. It's my job to put you in a good mood, make sure you're informed, and make sure I leave you a better person for the next person. Being off, I missed telling the stories. I always have a story to tell. Putting the mic down allowed me to live the stories without wanting to tell them immediately, to know I've got the stories, but to return to self and live the stories as my own so I can have a deeper well to dig from when it's time to face the next 20 years of my broadcasting career.”
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