TV has paid his way since age 10
Award-winning MTV channel director Tim Horwood talks to Loni Prinsloo about his career, his barefoot-hippie phase and his desire to learn more about intelligent investing
Why did you pursue your current career?
I got into the TV industry as an actor at the age of 10. I knew from then that this would be my career of choice. I have worked in television basically every day since then. I’ve been a presenter, production assistant, cameraman, editor, director, creative director and executive producer. I’m currently the channel director for MTV Base across Africa.
What did it teach you about money matters?
Even in the creative field, the business side of the industry is unavoidable: balancing budgets, negotiating deals and making money for yourself are all essential.
What was your first job and pay package, and how did you manage?
The first TV commercial I shot was in 1986 for Prima Toys. I earned R750 and my mother then went with me to open a bank account. I’ve tried to keep a steady influx of money in my account since that day. My first full-time job was at a production company as a junior director when I was 18, as soon as I left high school. I chose to work and learn from practical experience rather than study at a tertiary institution. I earned a decent salary from that and I also freelanced as a presenter and scriptwriter. So finances weren’t an issue. What has been your best career choice to date?
Taking the full-time job at MTV. In 2005, when the channel launched in Africa, I was approached by MTV’s senior vice-president and MD for Africa, Alex Okosi, to create the first pan-African show for the channel. I had my own production company at the time, so it was a tough decision to come and work inhouse at MTV, but it was a brand I had always revered and I’m glad I made that decision. Over the past eight years, I’ve moved from being a producer to heading up the brand across the continent. I’ve also been lucky enough to travel the continent extensive- ly and immerse myself in the contemporary music and creativity of Africa. If you hit the jackpot today, what would you spend it on?
I would put it in that same bank account I started at 10 years old, make some intelligent investments and secure the future for my six-monthold son, Kimathi. What are some of your money weaknesses?
I do not really waste money, but I think I need to learn more about being strategic to turn my money into a whole lot more. Do you have any career role models?
I am inspired by people like the author Charles Bukowski — he stuck to his unique approach to his work and his life without chasing success. Success ended up finding him.
I do find inspiration in business icons like Steve Jobs and Richard Branson, and Alex Okosi has become a mentor to me. Did your childhood teach you anything about money?
My mother always taught me to put away money, never buy on credit and think carefully before spending. That
was my best money advice. Have you ever been hard up?
Yes, but in a way it was by choice. At the age of 20 I had effectively been working for 10 years, so I decided to take a break from the television industry to reassess my life. It was the proverbial “I’m finding my path in life” phase.
So I stopped working, stopped wearing shoes and stopped eating meat and cutting my hair.
But, after some time, I realised how much I missed a fresh pair of Nikes, shisa nyama, flush toilets and money in that bank account.
I still haven’t cut my hair. What do you view as some of your better investments in life, if any?
I bought a flat some years ago. I own a house, too, and I have a son who will earn lots of money and support me in the very near future, I hope! What are some of your future career or money plans?
To learn more about intelligent investing and to continue to be involved in the growth of the entertainment and media industries across the African continent.