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Elana Afrika:

• Owner of Eaworks, a Media and Moving Pictures company,
• Producer for Dontlookdown productions- who makes TV for DSTV
• The presenter of MNETS show, I wanna Be

CP: Career Planet
EA: Elana Afrika

CP: What do you LOVE most about your job?
EA: I have a lot of creative freedom and even though my hours are hectic and busy- I travel and meet interesting people.

CP: Have you had any other jobs?
EA: On stage I was a singer and performer for 4 years before moving to television in 2001. Now I have an office, a stage, and tv and radio. FUN.

CP: When you were at school, what type of career did you think you would follow?
EA: I was at school until 1997- I followed a path that I thought would lead me into accounting.
I eventually changed my degree course from a BComm to BDram at University.

CP: Which qualification/s are needed for this career?                                                                                                                                 EA:  Any marketing/performing arts/course in Directing. With a lot of the practical things I do, a performing arts degree would do. You do learn a lot on the job though.

CP: What made you decide to choose that study path?
EA:  I happened to be too young for my year when I finished school- and was going to study Drama as a year to “grow up” before studying BComm. I finished my Bdram and never registered for the other degree.

CP: How long did you study for, and do you still do any training?
EA:  I studied for 3 years. Last year I worked closely with successful producers and soon I would like to move over to directing.

CP: Have you ever done any volunteer work to gain experience?
EA:  Yes- and usually when people see you are dedicated, they reward. I have been rewarded for all my volunteer work, and it has resulted in some great contacts.

CP: What made you decide to choose the job that you are doing now?
EA:  I always like to work on more than one project. So, I have 3 different “homes” in business.

CP: Please tell us about a typical day at work.
EA: I read a lot of emails. Today I have 200. Then I work with an editor who puts pictures together for the weekly show that I produce. I am also finalizing scripts today, sending out info to the Channel I produce for, lining up shoots. And I am on a shoot within an hour with HHP. Exciting. I have a camera shoot that I have to be part of tomorrow and I am M’cing a Gig for a local soccer team, so tonight I have a lot of preparation to do.... busy busy.

CP: What are the main tools that you use daily?
EA: I use my car, computer, cellphone, gps ( don’t know where I am meeting HHP), diary and microphone

CP: Does your job involve managing other people?
EA: Yes- being a producer I am part of a team, and I have to listen to their needs all the time. I should also be fair as to how much I expect form them.

CP: Do you work office hours or flexi-time?
EA:  I work ALL the time. My work is never done!!

CP: Do you work in a relaxed or a formal environment?
EA:  It differs from day to to day. My field reporting shoots are very relaxed and at the office we are quite formal.

CP: What is the dress code for your job?
EA:  Any thing I want really- at radio I dress up too, even though nobody sees me.

CP: What can one expect to earn as a starting salary in this career?
EA:  Anything from 0 – 5000 pm. Remember- with projects you get a weekly rate and with radio an hourly rate. So it depends. Usually it depends on the budget for the project.

CP: What is the best thing that has ever happened to you at work.
EA: Everyday I go there!!

CP: what is the worst/or most embarrassing thing that has ever happened to you at work?
EA:  Someone raised their voice at me - I generally don’t know how to handle rude people.

CP: What are the prospects for career growth?
EA:  The next level is different positions in the project- a director/ or even a bigger project
As a presenter- your show / or position is promoted when the show becomes popular.

CP: Does your job include travelling?
EA:  Yes it does- we are based in Jhb and a few  of our stories are around the country and around the world.

CP: Describe the kind of person that you think most suits this type of work
EA: Outgoing and fearless!

CP: What are some of the main companies/organizations that provide employment in your field?
EA:  Any media entertainment company or TV/Radio channel.

CP: Are there opportunities for entrepreneurs in this field?
EA:  Yes- you become the production House that pitches to the Channel- or…become the Channel!

CP: Do you have hobbies to relax?
EA: Many- I play piano, have plenty of dinners - and travel!

CP: Do you have any tips for people thinking about this type of career path?
EA:  Stay patient, have fun, and always meet deadlines - no matter what.