Dineo: “Expect attitude & conflict”
DINEO’S DIARY SEASON 4
Dineo’s Diary Season 4 Fridays (from 3 April) Vuzu AMP 19:00
Not many local celebs have managed to keep their own reality shows on air for three years, let alone four. Yet Dineo Ranaka has found that perfect balance of controversy, craziness, cattiness and cool with Dineo’s Diary (2012- current). What’s new for season 4? The 31-year-old is now the show’s executive producer as well as the series star, plus we’ll see more of her personal life.
What can we expect from Season 4?
You can expect typical Dineo – opinionated, full of energy, assertive, slightly aggressive and unapologetically me. The fourth season of Dineo’s Diary isn’t so much career-based because I’m on a personal journey of self- discovery, a personal journey of advancing my relationships with my family and those I love. It definitely won’t be short of drama, so expect attitude, conflict and an unfolding story of learning from weaknesses.
And will we see any new faces on the show?
There’ll definitely be new faces popping up. After all, team players come and go. The company attracts new people – some people get fired and some decide to leave. You’ll also see some celebs as I engage, interact and socialise more for work. However, my family is the set cast and they never change.
What was the most difficult part of filming this season?
It was filmed independently under my own production company because we completed the contract that we had with another media company. We took full responsibility for this season and I took on the job of being an executive producer, creative director and being the protagonist at the same time. It was difficult to be available at all times and being literally responsible for the whole production. In the past three seasons, we learnt quite a lot in terms of behind-thescenes technicalities, so when we had to apply ourselves independently, it was difficult but it was also a beautiful difficulty to have.
And what do you do when you’re not filming?
That’s when I’m thinking of what to film next. I don’t know how to relax. I’ll just put on my sales rep hat and start thinking of other things to do and how to sell my brand. Maybe in six years’ time I’ll take a breather and visit Europe. For now though, it’s all about my family and work.
So is there a winning formula to having a successful reality show?
My formula is to be honest, open-ended and as organic as possible. I found that when I’m comfortable being me, then everyone around me is comfortable being themselves, so we can script less and film more. We owe the success of Dineo’s Diary to everyone just being who they are and that’s what has got us to this fourth season. People can relate to me, my family and our imperfections. As soon as you put on a fake persona on television, then it’s not authentic and things fall apart.
How’s your health been since your mental breakdown in the previous season?
I’ve been pretty much well. There have been a few periods of instability but I’ve learnt to embrace it and work around it. In my times of weakness, I’ve found strength and I want the public to see that. I want people to see that a personal journey must be taken in order to understand one’s own character and your progress in life.
So what have the past seasons taught you about yourself?
Right now I’m so assured of what I want to do and where I want to be in my life. I’ve come to learn how to sell and manage myself. I’ve also learnt to trust everyone and I find that people easily put their trust in me whether it’s budgeting, branding, creatively or personally. Everything at this point of my life is so reciprocated, beautiful and I’m having a blast.