Words from a Man in Africa

This year has been one of tremendous upheaval and breakthroughs; it seems as if I haven’t stopped working since January opened its doors, and it’s fantastic to be climbing to the top of my game in a business I really love.

Making the decision to move away from being a mercenary and into the movie business was particularly easy since my son has determined that I should be home to be his father and not some absentee parent off adventuring around the globe. My wife has laid down the law about being a husband of misfortune, so there it is.

The crises of losing our home and livelihood all in one year, 2010, was enough to sink anyone’s ship and yet with true grit and determination my wife and partner Brigitte has helped me establish myself in the movie industry, which after all these years I find is my true calling, the thing that makes me happy and I don’t call work or a job, it’s my life. How glib those motivational blurbs always sounded to me: find your passion and you will find your happiness. Well, I suppose better late than never for me.

My years of soldiering and security have given me a unique business gift; insight, knowledge and experience. A true ‘Fixer’, I know where most things are, how to get them or where to find them. It probably sounds strange in the context but it has allowed me to appreciate people in all their forms and colours, and made me profoundly aware of how wonderful people are.

As an explorer, adventurer and professional hunter, my love of nature has turned to photography and education. The years spent at my father’s knee learning the trade as a stills nature photographer remain and are now manifest in the type of service I offer visitors to our shores, be they travellers, businessmen, VIPs or celebrities.

My life has always been marked by women in most aspects, and especially the good parts. My wife has been the most crucial part of keeping my feet firmly placed in reality and ensuring I’ve always made a difference. My agents always keep me working, Jenni and Linda at HotShots Crew have been spectacular and Laura at Zen Crew getting me into the Cape Town scene.

A very Special mention must go out to Vanessa Yelseth from Timeframe and Jasmyn Asvat from Rapid Blue for giving me my first breaks and keeping me busy. Without you Ladies I wouldn’t be in this position.

My special friend GG, thank you brother, your advice and never-ending support has brought me to a point where my business acumen will hopefully match my ability.

The Devil has been driving with me as a passenger for too long.

Thanks to all my family, friends and clients for helping me to find my way again