Brendan Louw | Lentille NU

Back in August 2023, VR Events had the incredible opportunity to work on a project that left a profound impact on our team. We were commissioned by Makhulu Productions to capture and produce a Virtual Reality production of Bridges for Music Academy, a project proudly sponsored by Meta.

The production brought together an extraordinary team of creatives, both locally and internationally, under the leadership Rowan Pybus, director Kamva Velihle, and producer Shana Freedman. Working with such talented individuals was a privilege, and my team and I spent weeks filming and perfecting the content during post-production.

The Magic of Langa

Having spent most of my life in Cape Town, filming in Langa was a career highlight I’ll never forget. Langa, just 10 kilometers from Cape Town center, holds deep historical and cultural significance. It’s the oldest township in the area and has been a hub for political and artistic movements over the decades.

Walking its streets, I was introduced to its rich heritage and stark reminders of its painful past during apartheid. Locals welcomed me into their community, sharing stories and even guiding me through museums that preserve Langa’s history. Did you know that Brenda Fassie, a South African musical icon and a favorite in my household, was born in Langa? It was an honor to work in a place so full of resilience and creativity.

Being immersed in Langa’s history made the mission of Bridges for Music Academy even more powerful than expected. Here’s how this initiative is shaping futures.

A Project That Uplifts

Our production focused on capturing the inspiring work of Bridges for Music Academy, which offers a six-month program designed to prepare young creatives for careers in the music industry. The academy provides students from underserved communities with skills in music production, singing, business and even well-being – an essential component for any artist or entrepreneur.

It was inspiring to see the students’ passion and dedication, knowing the academy is giving them the tools to uplift themselves and their communities. These young individuals are living proof of what can happen when talent meets opportunity and support.

Challenges and Joys of 360° Filmmaking

On set, our go-to gear is Insta360, their variety of cameras allow us to capture both wide and intimate moments. While the smaller 360° cameras occasionally struggled with overheating, a common issue, we came prepared with backup cameras. In VR productions, you always have to plan for the unexpected.

One of the quirks of shooting in 360° is that nothing escapes the camera’s view. Every piece of equipment, crew member, or stray object must be hidden. It’s a challenge that keeps us on our toes and adds a touch of fun to the process.

Editing in 360° also comes with its own set of possibilities and limitations. It’s a process that requires meticulous attention to detail, but the end result is always worth it. While I can’t share the final content here due to an NDA, you’re welcome to visit my studio to experience the magic of this production in Virtual Reality.

Lifelong Connections

One of the most rewarding aspects of this project was connecting with the students and seeing their growth. Months after filming, I ran into some academy graduates, one now a DJ, performing at the Cape Town Cycle Tour. Watching them thrive and share their music with the world was a full-circle moment I’ll always treasure.

The Bridges for Music Academy team continues to make a lasting impact, proving that with strong leadership and a supportive community, young creatives can achieve remarkable things. If you ever hear their beats drop at an event, don’t forget to look for the Bridges banner – you might just witness the next big thing in music.

Crew

Behind every great production is a great team! And this one was no exception. The individuals listed below, along with everyone involved, brought their passion and expertise to make it all happen.

Director: Rowan Pybus
Producer: Shana Freedman
2nd Assistant Director: Kamva Velihle
Director of Photography: Brendan Louw
Camera Operator 1: Victoria Carvalho Carneiro Leão 
Camera Operator 2: Sibusiso Zamani
Editor 1: Brendan Louw
Editor 2: Sibusiso Zamani