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Why Filming Coffee Shops is Great


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Filming coffee shops is great because you catch people on a caffeine high and everyone wants to be on camera!

Usually, filming in certain venues requires some sort of permission grant signed by whoever is being filmed, like a release form, so they can’t turn around and sue you when the video ends up on the internet. Luckily, I’m very diligent with getting release forms signed.

But even with that, it’s always tricky filming the people on location because they are often suspicious of your intentions and can suddenly become quite alarmed.

How most places handle this uncomfortable issue is they put up a sign notifying the patrons there is a film shoot going on. Basically, such a sign puts them at ease by informing people on their way into the venue. It also waives any responsibility legally on behalf of the venue because it means anyone who is there has been ‘told’. And by being told, they’re indirectly giving their consent to be filmed. Unless they explicitly object, the venue assumes they are happy with it. If they’re not happy with it, it’s their responsibility to get out of the shot or ask the filmmaker to exclude them from the shot.

It’s a great way to get around the problem.

Though, for some reason, coffee shops are always less likely to be fussy.

Everyone is there meeting friends or having little business meetings or church gatherings, so it’s not like a Hollywood production. Putting up signs everywhere almost never has to happen because no one ever really has an issue (at least in my experience). And, if they do, it’s easy enough for them to come up and tell you.

I think today in general, people are becoming more relaxed anyway. I’m realizing this because with all the social media going on, there are so many people besides the professionals who are raising a camera for social reasons. The atmosphere is more personal and there’s a striking kind of trust fueled with adrenaline and excitement.

Skybok has filmed dozens of coffee shops in South Africa, here are some of my favorites below. Enjoy!

 

Cape Town, Coffee Shops

Chart Farm and Coffee Terrace


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We shot Chart Rose Farm’s video profile over the weekend. It’s a divine coffee terrace and rose picking farm in Constantia, Cape Town. As the only place in the Cape Peninsula where you can select and pick your own roses, Chart Farm offers a unique experience for visitors. The Coffee Terrace serves teas, cakes, breakfasts and lunches. Along with the magnificent views of the Constantia Valley, it’s a great meeting place. Open daily from 9:00am – 4:30pm, the farm stall alongside the terrace offers fresh farm produce (in season), including lemons, limes, grapes, chestnuts and vegetables.

Check out their awesome website here and join them on facebook here.

Chart Farm Chart Farm

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Events

Skybok at the Durban Travel Indaba!


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Skybok Durban Indaba

A fresh hello as we plug in from the Durban ICC, home of the Tourism Indaba – Africa’s Top Travel Show! Skybok has enjoyed 2 full days of trade, networking and touring Durban as part of the media delegation for the convention.

We enjoyed meeting the Head of Durban Tourism, Phillip Sithole, and also the CEO of South African Tourism, Thulani Nzima

A tour of the Inanda Heritage Route organized for media was most insightful as delegates explored famous spots as part of our country’s history.

These included the home of John Dube – founder and first president of the ANC – and the home of Ghandi when he lived in South Africa for 20 years in 1894 and where he founded the Natal Indian Congress to agitate for Indian rights.

Today is the last day of the convention and we aim to make the most of it, doing some film work in between discovering dynamic businesses in the trade. See all of our photos from the Indaba here and from the Media Beach Carnival (opening night) here.

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With the CEO of South African Tourism Thulani Nzima
CEO of South African Tourism Thulani Nzima
With Head of Durban Tourism Phillip Sithole (on the left)
Head of Durban Tourism Phillip Sithole (on the left)
Points of Interest, Port Elizabeth

SAMREC


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I’ve always had a thing for animals. Especially wild, endangered or hurt ones.

Along the coast in Port Elizabeth, South Africa, lies the “South African Marine Bird Rehabilitation and Education Centre”. It’s also known as SAMREC.

We shot their video profile for them and I just remember thinking what a beautiful home and haven the team at SAMREC has created for these birds they find washed up and hurt on PE’s beaches.

The centre’s purpose isn’t just to rescue and rehabilitate, but to also inform and educate the public through their different programs.Tour our marine rehab and education centre and experience nature through sight, sound and touch.

Cape Town, Hotels

The Mount Nelson Hotel


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Skybok’s team had the pleasure of filming Mount Nelson’s video profile here in Cape Town, South Africa.

It’s one of my favourite venues we’ve had the pleasure of profiling.

The hotel is home to many international tourists, including movie stars and travelling politicians.

Along with its high teas, it’s well-known for its brand new Planet Bar and its many ballrooms.

Shooting this was very exciting – the staff were extremely friendly and while doing it we got to witness a wedding they were having in their beautiful gardens.

For best viewing quality, make sure to set the viewing settings to 1080p HD by clicking on the cog at the bottom right-hand corner of the video below.

The reason this is one of my favourites is because The Mount Nelson Hotel offers a large variety of services to its guests – it acts as a wedding venue, a function venue, a conference venue and not to mention its fantastic spa!

I record all my voice overs with professional sound engineer Frank Smuts.

 

Franschhoek, Wine Farms

Vrede en Lust


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For best viewing quality, make sure to set the viewing settings to 1080p HD by clicking on the cog at the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

We recently shot the video profile for Skybok of Vrede en Lust Wine Farm in Franschhoek, about an hour’s drive from Cape Town.

What a pleasure!

I’m a huge fan of their wine and this is honestly one of the most beautiful wine farms I’ve seen.

They have certainly left a lasting impression!

I actually purchased their flagship wine, The Boet Erasmus 2009, at the Good Food and Wine Fest in Cape Town – see my article on it by clicking HERE.

The history of Vrede en Lust is a story of passion, vision and resurrection, which goes as far back as 1688, when Flemish merchant Jacques de Savoye arrived at the Cape with the French Huguenots.

Absolutely love their accommodation – nice place to go for a romantic weekend away!

Am I giving you some good ideas? ;)

For more photos Skybok took on the day, click HERE.

Take a watch of their video and see what all the fuss is about!

Here are some more interesting blog articles about Vrede en Lust from popular blogs:

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g469391-d1009145-Reviews-Vrede_en_Lust_Winery-Franschhoek_Western_Cape.html

http://www.roomsforafrica.com/establishment.do?id=4709

http://dostuffct.com/activity/klapmuts/vrede-en-lust-wine-farm

http://www.wine.co.za/directory/wineryfree.aspx?CLIENTID=4760

Kalk Bay, Restaurants

The Brass Bell


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For best viewing quality, make sure to set the viewing settings to 1080p HD by clicking on the cog at the bottom right-hand corner of the video.

Bordering the waters of Kalk Bay’s gorgeous ocean, The Brass Bell is actually a lot bigger than I realised.

Going there to shoot their profile was enlightening because apart from the main restaurant that we all know and love (The Bikini Deck), there is also the Cabin Bar & Restaurant, The Water’s Edge Restaurant, The Pavilion and the Izannes fine dining restaurant!

Shooting was an absolute dream; the owner is very friendly and we were pleased with the great weather we got!

It’s always packed with people and I can see why.

It’s definitely a hot spot for a functions – birthday parties, cocktail parties or corporate functions – because of the great views, reasonable prices, efficient service and also because the whole area has such a rich history.

Check out their website for more info on opening times and contact details: THE BRASS BELL

Watch their video (at the top) and I guarantee you you’ll be calling them to organize your next get-together! ;)