Nuus

The Laan Goes Soccer Crazy

14 July 2010

The Fifa 2010 World Cup certainly brought about much excitement to South Africa. The patriotism, enthusiasm and professionalism of the entire country created one of those beautiful moments when you love being South African.

The cast and crew of 7de Laan certainly caught their fair share of Soccer Fever too.

Planning around the world cup actually started several months before the kick off. Because episodes are recorded a few months before broadcast, it was up to the script writers to study the match fixtures so that they could incorporate references into the scripts. Even the artists attending the Opening Concert were researched and reference was made about “The Black Eyed Peas” Shakira, the Parlotones and Freshly Ground in the scripts. Of course we then just had to hold thumbs that none of the artists pulled out.

While most of the scenes were pre-recorded, we did feel that some up to the minute reference should be made about some of the games – especially the games Bafana were scheduled to play in. In order to do this, episodes were delivered to the SABC “missing” a scene. We then recorded the scenes early the next morning after the match and inserted them a mere few hours before broadcast. Pretty hair raising stuff thanks to the tight deadline to write, record and edit the scene. But it was well worth it to see Vince and Lukas discussing last nights game and even being able to give the score.

Behind the scenes the production was thoroughly enjoying the soccer. We were originally supposed to work on the 11th June but in order to ensure everyone could enjoy the opening game, we rearranged the schedule and worked on the 16th June instead. (Although Bafana played that horrible game against Uruguay on the 16th, the game was only at 8:30 so we knew we would be finished recording by then.)

For Bafana’s final game against France it was decided the best thing to do was work till four in the afternoon and then watch the game together in our canteen on a big screen TV. Mari Nieuwoudt our production manager managed to juggle the schedule and ensured we would film the last scene before the kick-off. There were a couple of delays though as some of the crew couldn’t help but blow their vuvuzelas before the game and we had to stop filming – we could hear the notorious trumpets in the studio.

Although Bafana didn’t make it to further rounds, the enthusiasm on set didn’t wane for the beautiful game. Each crew member had their favourite teams and players and good natured cheering and jeering was heard during most tea and breaks.

On Monday the 12th, after the final – most people were looking a little worse for wear thanks to watching the final and we all felt a little sad that it was all over and things had to go “back to normal”. Fortunately, working on a TV set is never quite normal and there is bound to be something exciting just around the corner. Keep visiting the web site for first hand news and updates.

Colin Howard