Indaba News

Felix Unite Tented Camps has expanded at a spectacular rate since its launch in 1998. In an eight month period, the division completed 14 projects—five in South Africa and the rest in Namibia. Three of these were full-length movies that required at least two camps each, resulting in complex juggling resources.

Production Support sales and marketing manager Hein van Blerk said Namibia was proving popular with film makers because of growing international interest in the country as a tourist destination and the proximity of excellent South African crew.

As for the features made there last year, Desert Rose (a German production) required period settings for its portrayal of Namibian life in the last century. Hoofbeats focused on Namibian wildlife—specifically feral horses abandoned during World War One now running wild, and The Kin, about a lost desert tribe.

Many Felix Unite divisions were mobilized for The Kin—Vehicle Hire, Catering, and the new Unit Services division which provided hardware, restrooms and security. At one stage, the desert had to be "de-greened" after an unexpected shower caused an outbreak of flowers over the barren scene the British had come so far to film!

The major change Hein has noticed in the past year is that film crews no longer reject quotes because they know Felix Unite Production Support can handle any demand, at any location. "In the past, they would have to shoot near a town because of the need to accommodate cast and crew," said Hein. "Now, with us, there's no limit to where they can go. And never before have they been able to shoot in the summer—this year we did two features in the middle of the hot season." 

The amount of equipment used by the division has increased, and the number of crew members increased from 18 to between 25 to 30 this summer. "We are upgrading constantly in response to new demands from clients," said Hein. "We redesigned the tents for summer to allow better airflow, and we are researching air conditioning. We know it is our flexibility and adaptability that allow us to keep ahead. Fully carpeted tents are now standard, and a pool table comes as part of the full entertainment marquee with a bar, stereo and satellite TV.

The division receives inquiries from tourism companies asking about desert parties. "It's not such a crazy idea," Hein says. "Without paying a small fortune for an exclusive venue in the bush, you can import your own. For a party of 50-plus people, that becomes the cheaper option."

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