The second season of The Perfect Picture, a reality TV series that puts famous faces to the test with their cameras, has been unveiled and it's packed with stars.
The show features some of the most talented and popular celebs in South Africa as they face different and creative challenges.
The winner takes home R150 000 in cash and R100 000 worth of photographic equipment. The show is hosted by media personality Maps Maponyane.
Canon is also giving viewers a chance to win an EOS R10 mirrorless camera worth R25 000 by entering a competition during the show.
The call sheet is a who's who of local glimmering talents and boasts such names as Lasizwe Dambuza, Gugu Khathi, Luyanda Mzazi, Zahirah Marty, Ivan Roux, Anele Zondo, Jonathan Boyton-Lee, Tshego Koke, and Nomvelo Makhanya.
Speaking to Drum about their involvement are broadcaster and media personality Johnathan Boyton-Lee, YouTuber Lasizwe Dambuza and an actor best known for playing Lesedi on Generations, Luyanda Mzazi.
“I was invited, and I jumped at the opportunity. I see life through a lens. Anytime I am able to be creative is my favorite thing,” Johnathan says.
For Luyanda, using her skills in this way was a challenge that she enjoyed but may not necessarily pursue beyond this show.
“I don’t know. If I could be behind the scenes, yes, but being a contestant was very stressful.”
She has high hopes for the impact the show will have on viewers.
“I think a lot of fun and entertainment. It’s bringing a lot of light into the country which I hope the viewers will get.”
The central premise is to have personalities who are used to being in front of the camera lens, using their skills to create long lasting moments but this time from behind the camera, “Putting us on the other side of the lens. Letting us see life from a different perspective," Johanthan chimes.
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Lasizwe made his name and fortune in front of a camera lens but still suffers from the odd bout of anxiety, but he showed resilience and has found joy in the experience.
“I had an anxiety attack, and I just pushed through it and kept going. It’s been phenomenal. I have experienced things I would never experience in my life. Some of the challenges are bucket list experiences which I am so happy to have been part of," Lasizwe says.
“I thought it would be an amazing opportunity to be challenged to be behind the camera because I am always in front of the camera,” the always animated younger brother of actor and media personality Khanyi Mbau says.
Luyanda found the constraints of production to be a little difficult to manage.
“It was tough. It means you don’t really have time for other commitments. All meetings were pushed back so as to make sure I could be on set. You’re spending most of your days on set.”
It was one of the most memorable experiences of my life that combines everything I love but mostly adventure, adrenaline, being behind a camera, and composing stories,” Johnathan counters.
The media practitioner and filmmaker who gained his fame as a host on the popular SABC lifestyle show Top Billing has high hopes for what you can expect from this sophomore season of the show.
“Viewers can expect drama, excitement, and a lot of laughs. We were a great group of people placed together. It is unique and original. You can’t prepare. Open minds expect anything and enjoy every moment.”
Lasizwe is most grateful for the relationships formed behind the scenes, “Anele Zondo and I had a very special bond”.
“Definitely the friendships. I had so much chemistry with the other contestants. So, my favourite part of the show is the friendships that have been formed,” Luyanda concours.
Lasizwe also enjoyed how the show manages to peer beyond the whimsical characters he has adopted in his skit-based form of comedy over the years.
“People all know the characters and the in front of camera Lasizwe, and this is the more competitive side of me, and how much I have grown.”
He has enjoyed his time on the show but striking a balance between this and his many other commitments has been, “Very difficult. Being part of a reality show takes up all your time and as I am busy with a movie it was difficult to balance the long hours and my other commitments.”
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Despite that he hopes the show will inspire viewers to take more pictures, “and reward yourself by being creative.”
Naturally these talented individuals have other things on the go.
“I would love to be part of future seasons, as a guest judge, or a presenter – or even come back again as a contestant. I am busy in post-production with the movie I have been working on. So, working on acting, directing and producing more movies,” Johnathan reveals.
Lasizwe is also hard at work on other ventures beyond this production.
“I’m back on YouTube. I’m pushing my own projects. I am evolving into a new era of Lasizwe, and it is exciting to see.”
Luyanda has also landed herself a new role which you can expect to see on screen soon.
“I am busy shooting a new show. So, look out for me on your TV screens. Also, behind the screens, and working on social economic projects, and some billboards. Shout out to The Perfect Picture for that!”
Perfect Picture airs on e.TV every Sunday at 5pm
