Meet the woman behind Mzansi’s most popular television shows
THE entertainment industry is a tricky business, especially for a woman. In an industry that is still dominated by men, seeing someone like Portia Gumede rise through the ranks and shake things up is quite extraordinary. After starting her career as an actress, this power player has moved on to writing and running several of Mzansi’s favourite shows. These include Sokhulu & Partners, Shreds & Dreams, Izingane Zobaba and currently Harvest and Gold Diggers.
In honour of Women’s Month, Tonight decided to highlight a woman who is doing great things behind the scenes. We chatted to Portia Gumede, the woman behind some of your favourite television programming, to find more about life as a woman in the entertainment industry. Some would say you are the Shonda Rhimes of South Africa. Would you agree with that and why? Wow. I’ll take the compliment, but I’m Portia Gumede and I’m cool with that. Having started as an actress, what was the biggest struggle you faced when you moved from being in front of the camera to being a writer and running shows? I’ve always been a writer so the move was smooth. What is something South African audiences don’t know about the television industry? Every viewer counts. We write with the South African viewer in mind. They are the ones who can make us or break us by not tuning in. Who are the actors you’ve most enjoyed working with? As a producer, it’s hardly about who you enjoy working with, but who delivers. I have a pool of actors I thoroughly adore so can’t pick one. Are there any up-and-coming actors we should be looking out for? I think the leading ladies of Isithunzi are going to take over. They are brilliant. Can you take us through the process of creating a show? There’s no locked-down process. Every story is different. But it does begin with a good idea. (Then you) work out the acts of the story and, if you’re lucky, you get commissioned to produce it. As a show creator, what is the biggest obstacle you face? Creating an idea you are passionate about, only to have nobody wanting to commission it. What has been your proudest moment in the entertainment industry? Every day is a proud moment thanks to the mere fact that I’m lucky to be doing what I love – even though it’s tough at times. How do you think the South African TV scene has improved over the years? Storytellers have become braver and broadcasters are demanding high-stakes content, which is a great challenge for writers. What are your favourite shows to watch, locally and internationally, and why? I’m the worst person to ask this – I watch shows for various reasons. West Wing remains my best from a writer’s point of view. Locally, Isithunzi has me for now and, of course, Harvest (giggles). What advice would you give someone who has a show idea and wants to get it produced? Call up the broadcaster and ask for an appointment. Don’t bother TV producers because most of the time they are also hustling for work. You have to trust yourself enough to try it out on your own.