Executive creative director at Agni Media Concepts and company director at Media Monk, Guru Kali is an award-winning director with more than 15 years’ experience. He works across the board from ads to doccies to features. In his own words: “There should be purpose in every film, character, script, scene, and frame – the same way that there should be purpose in every day, hour, minute, and second of one’s life.”
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND AND HOW HAS THIS SHAPED YOU AS A DIRECTOR?
Entertainment is a family industry, starting with my grandfather, mother, aunt, cousin… the list goes on.
DESCRIBE THE MOMENT WHEN YOU DECIDED YOU WANTED TO BECOME A DIRECTOR?
Was it a decision?!
It has been more of a serendipitous series of events that led me here. I love crafting and telling stories… this is just the medium of expression.
WHERE DO YOU FIND INSPIRATION?
Life seems a bit clichéd, so I’m going to say YouTube.
DO YOU HAVE ANY MENTORS?
There are several people I would consider as mentors for various aspects of life, but from a work and industry perspective, I got to work closely with Danie Ferreira when I first started my career and that’s where I learnt the ropes, and if I don’t mention my mum I’ll get in trouble… so… my mum.
WHAT ARE YOUR PERSONAL CAREER MILESTONES?
I’ve picked up a few awards along the way, but the 12 months leading up to the 2010 FIFA World Cup was epic.
WHICH PROJECTS ARE YOU CURRENTLY INVOLVED IN?
TTL is still our bread and butter, and we’re also busy with a full-length documentary, feature film, and transmedia platform.
WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FUNNIEST MOMENT ON SET?
Take six of a scene that required a slap with an actor that insisted on real contact. We had it in the bag on the second take.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVOURITE ONE-LINER FROM MOVIE?
“I have nipples Greg, could you milk me?” Meet the Fockers (I know, not very sophisticated).
WHAT SONGS MAKE UP YOUR MOST RECENT MUSIC PLAYLIST?
Audiobooks and 80s hits.
IF YOU COULD PRODUCE AN AFRICAN VERSION OF A HOLLYWOOD CLASSIC, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Gladiator with Zulu warriors could be quite cool… is that a classic though?
WHAT IS YOUR DREAM SHOOT LOCATION? AND WHY?
Aurora Borealis… the nature, magic, timing, and romance would all be quite amazing.
WHEN YOU’RE NOT BUSY DIRECTING HOW DO YOU SPEND YOUR DOWN TIME?
Meditation, friends, and family.
WHO IN THE INDUSTRY WOULD YOU REALLY LIKE TO WORK WITH?
The Rock. He looks like a riot on set.
IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY FILMMAKER SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Unlimited budget – it’s definitely a superpower. Or the ability to control the weather – that would come in really handy on location.
