After 20 years in the South African industry, Willie Esterhuizen shows no signs of
slowing down. Following the television hit shows, Orkney Snork Nie and
Vetkoekpaleis, he subsequently wrote, directed and produced Ester en Hester
Bester as well as Molly & Wors for kykNet.
More recently his movie credits as writer, director and producer include Poena is
Koning (2008), Vaatjie sien sy Gat (2009) and Stoute Boudjies (2011), which
were all box office hits. Plus the yet to be released Molly & Wors Die Movie
(2012).
According to Esterhuizen, the only qualifications he has are his poor matric
results and a “pink panty’ in ballet.
You used to be a ballet dancer. How did you make the transition from dancing to
acting, writing and directing?
I did ballet only because of the beautiful woman. It was a great way of holding,
lifting and playing with the most gorgeous of creatures. I always wanted to
make movies, and studied drama in England for two years after my ballet
adventure. I believe that acting helped to develop my writing, and especially
with dialogue. I know when dialogue won’t work and that prevents me from
writing crap dialogue. Directing followed my writing because I am, unashamedly,
a control freak. It really is such a privilege to be allowed to act, write and direct
your own work. In some countries the unions would make it very difficult to do all
that.
What is the secret to making a really funny sitcom?
Honesty. Write about what you know. If you don’t think it’s funny, it won’t be
funny for the viewers either. Never try to be funny, it will come across as forced
and not humourous. Write strong characters and give each of them a flaw or
weakness. Even Nemo, the fish, had a tiny fin on one side, a flaw.
Have you based any of your characters on real life people? If so, did they mind?
No, I create my characters from a combination of attributes found in many people
that I know or who cross my path. Creating a good solid character with his or
her frame of reference, background, likes and dislikes, vocabulary, etc, is
something on which I spend a lot of time.
How do you direct yourself and act at the same time?
My brother Pieter Esterhuizen directs me. I don’t think you can direct yourself. It
is arrogant to think that you can. Another pair of eyes is needed to direct your
performance.
Would you ever write and/or direct a serious, non-comedic film or television
series?
Yes, if I had money to blow. I have yet to find a way of making a profit with a
serious movie, and no-one would ask me to direct a serious TV series.
Where do you get the inspiration to write your sitcoms and film scripts?
The need to survive financially in this country is a really good motivating factor. I
really don’t believe in “inspiration’. Hard work gets things done. Nothing else
does. Inspiration is for people who can afford that luxury. I work incredibly well
when cornered like a rat.
What are the technical differences of shooting a studio-based sitcom as opposed
to a location-based feature film?
It is completely different. Studio work is so sterile and monotonous. I love
making movies, not one day is ever the same.
What makes an actor/actress funny?
When they are serious. Comedy is a serious business.
Are you a “funnyman’ or serious person in “real life’?
I am just an ordinary blue collar working guy. Making movies and television is a
job. Do it with passion, but keep in mind, it is only a movie or a TV show. That’s
all. We are entertainers; there to entertain other people. That is our job.
How have you sustained your success in a competitive industry?
Holy cow, it’s hit or miss all the time. When success comes, be grateful and pray
your next job will be the same. To think that you are the bee’s knees would be a
huge mistake.
What is your motto for success?
Huh? I just flipping hope the viewers like what I do. I try to be honest and reflect
society as it is, and not a sanitised version of reality. Don’t be pretentious and
try to make art.
What is the funniest film you’ve ever seen? Why?
They differ all the time. The last one I enjoyed most is The Best Exotic Marigold
Hotel. That’s a good example of really good scriptwriting, unpretentious acting
and plain and simple directing with no special effects.
What new projects are you working on?
We are doing a brand new sitcom and a movie this year. I never talk about what
I do, because I believe that you talk away the energy that should go into your
writing. I have friends who have talked their movie away. Save that energy and
write it down. Talk is very cheap, and greatly practiced in our industry.
Tell us a little more about Molly & Wors Die Movie.
Our latest movie, Molly and Wors, was shot at the end of 2012 and it’s now in
post-production. We shot in Amsterdam, Johannesburg, East London and Long
Beach, California. It was such a privilege to do this movie. It will be released
either in April or June this year.
