It’s almost that time of year again, and I am so looking forward to next weekend and the finale spectacular of Top Model South Africa (TMSA), possibly THE most prestigious model search in the country.

You can join in the fun too – why not join me and a host of other celebrities for a fun evening on 17th of February
2018 at the Big Top Arena at Carnival City.

The winners (one male and one female) will walk away with some amazing prizes, including management contracts with some of SA’s top model agencies, an editorial spread with Maxim magazine, and a portfolio shoot with top photographer, Amorie Pearson.

No it’s not all about the models, and pulling together an event like this is no mean feat. The man behind the TMSA spectacular is non other than local producer, Willie Venter. I of course caught up with Willie to find out more!

More than 90 models in the Grand Finale in the spectacular Big Top Arena at Carnival City. What is the biggest challenge you as Producer face when staging such a big show?

To make sure that the show is not longer than 150 minutes! And that the audience is entertained from start to finish!

Top Model SA has discovered some amazing models in the past, guys and girls that are currently working on an international level. What do you think sets Top Model SA apart from all the other competitions in our country?

Most producers and directors – especially South Africa – love to copy, and are in a comfort zone when it comes to creativity. Top Model SA​ leads the market when it comes to new ground. We don’t follow, but lead in everything we do. From the scouting of the contestants to showcasing them here at the Grand Finale for the world to see, the whole process is just a cut above the rest.

The CEO of Top Model South Africa, Suzette Marais, gives me the liberty to do my own thing creatively. It is good to hear from overseas companies – I refer to Top Model SA 2017 – that the approach of the competition is fresh and unique, with a lot of energy!

You have produced some remarkable shows over the past decade, including the Miss South Africa Pageant, Afrikaans is Groot and the YOU Spectacular. When you look back at your spectrum of work, which project is closest to your heart, and why?

I did the Soccer World Cup Flash Mob in South Africa, and after that the Vodafone Flash Mob in Ghana. At the end of the Flash Mob the group of 300 dancers carried me on their shoulders through the streets, and I could not speak their language.

Something like that happens only once in a lifetime when you get so much recognition and respect from the people you work with. Besides that, it is difficult to point out one specific project. If you have so much passion for your career, each and every thing you do makes your heart tick!

And finally. What can we expect from you, the Producer, for the Grand Finale of Top Model South Africa 2018?

One thing I can guarantee you, is that the entertainment will absolutely be world class. I usually push myself and everyone in the production to excel in excellence, and this is surely one of those shows.

Okay, now I am even more excited than I was earlier! So last years winners, Deidré Engelbrecht (23) and Dean Alberts (19), haven’t looked back since they walked away with this esteemed title. Both have signed to major players in the modelling industry and Deidré has walked for top fashion designers including Gert-Johan Coetzee, Ryan Keys and Chinese couturier, Chu Yan. She has since also signed with The Campbell Agency in Dallas, Texas and is sought after not only locally, but internationally as well.

The female winner of TMSA will also have the opportunity to compete in London for the international title, Top Model Worldwide.(PS – two previous TMSA winners have actually taken the title – Nirelda Andreke (2014) and Anri Pretorius (2016)

The Grand Finale of Top Model South Africa is set to be a highlight on this year’s calendar, filled with red carpet glamour, spectacular fashion, and attended by A-list celebrities and top media alike.

Venue: The Big Top Arena, Carnival City

Time: 19h00 (Entrance registration starts at 18h00 – No children under 12)

Dress code: Fashionable in black or metallics

Tickets available at iTickets.co.za