For our first installation straight from the producer’s mouth, we chatted to Kgalalelo Sibanda, insert producer for e.tv’s live morning show Sunrise…
What did you study? Was a career in TV production always the plan?
I studied Visual Communication and majored in Graphic Design from AAA school of advertising. Yes, TV has always been something I wanted to be a part of but wasn’t too sure how, but I quickly learnt that my plans aren’t always God’s plans.
How did you come to find yourself producing e.tv’s Sunrise?
I started off as an insert producer, and entertainment and lifestyle research writer then was a field producer on Outside Broadcasts. My EP then gave me the opportunity and pushed me to challenge myself with producing the live show.
What exactly does the job of a producer entail?
Drive content, and make sure that it’s what the editorial team wanted the outcome to be.
As someone who works on both live and pre-recorded television, which do you prefer and why?
Live TV by far, it’s all about the adrenaline. It’s fast paced, on the beat, and always challenging
What are the biggest challenges that come with being a producer and how do you overcome these?
Having to be able to make sure the editorial focus is achieved daily, and trying to save the world all in only three hours
What has been the biggest challenge in your career to date?
Waking up in the morning at 03h30! It doesn’t get better with time.
What have been your career highlights to date?
Every day is a highlight as it presents me with different challenges that I need to overcome and a new opportunity to learn something new.
What next for Kgalalelo Sibanda?
Being executive producer then onwards and upwards
What advice do you have for young people wanting to follow in your career footsteps?
Be a sponge, soak up everything, learn, learn, and learn. And never take criticism personally; it’s all to aid you in your growth.
If you weren’t working in television what would you be doing?
I’d be a chef, with a TV show working towards owning my own exclusive restaurant.
