South Africa's TV industry is already holding its breath and TV critics chatted last night among themselves when Vuzu (DStv 123) announced a reality show for Dineo Ranaka in an extremely pretentious press release.
Now insiders are wondering: Is South Africa going to see Nonhle Goes to Hollywood The Sequel?
The uber-pretentiously entitled Dineo's Diary: A Mogul in the Making is already following the loathed, badly-produced and universally panned Nonhle Goes to Hollywood - Vuzu's low-class reality show which did tremendous damage to Nonhle Thema's brand - in the exact same 3 aspects: vaunted show title, self-important, self-aggrandising press release and the nouveau reality star also being the executive producer.
The 12 part reality show will, according to a press release, be "taking viewers through the highs and lows of her life as she pursues her dream to become a mogul".
"We felt it was time to showcase the life of a strong outspoken female in the industry working hard to build her empire," says Solly Moeng, acting head of youth channels at M-Net in a statement - making no mention, and as if forgetting, that Vuzu already went there with Nonhle Thema with terrifically terrible results.
The self-important Dineo Ranaka, a radio DJ who will also executive producing the "mogul"-ness - also seemingly has Roman empress delusions of grandeur. "So here I am. Watch me do it. It won't be easy, I have stumbled but I will always dust myself off as I embark on my journey to build my empire," she is quoted in the press release.
Now the press is waiting for possibly part 4: the high gloss, over-styled publicity photos. Nonhle Thema was draped on a purple couch, surrounded by trappings of gold and wealthy allure with a half naked man fanning her.
(Part 5 will be the "small and intimate" media launch party to which the inappropriate and wrong people will be invited to - inane celebrity press with no real clue of television instead of real journalists covering tlevision and people who actually desire to be on the red carpet more than the star, will drink the wine, watch the pilot episode and rather write about who wore what instead of the show.)
"It's exciting entering the world of television from radio. I am confident about this production as I am working with a solid team," says the press release. "Vuzu is trendy and fashion forward and are the leaders in reality TV."
A word of advice would be to blur out cellphone numbers and car registration numbers in the reality show when shown. When, during a visit to mom's house who acts all fake surprised to see you, it would be better if the camera capturing it all is outside the house.
Already whoever wrote the puff press release failed Dineo Ranaka placing her on a pretentious pedestal and creating an unrealistic image, especially given that the show is touted as "reality". With her as executive producer, it will be interesting to see if Dineo's Diary: Making of a Mogul will be able to make the right moves.
