We were lucky to catch up with MP Rabie recently and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, MP thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

Our mission is simple: to help South Africans explore and flourish in the exciting realms of Film, Animation, and Visual Effects (VFX). We’re achieving this by building connections between South Africa and Los Angeles. This has opened up incredible opportunities for many talented South Africans to contribute to major Hollywood productions that might have otherwise felt out of reach.

This cause holds personal significance for me. When I was younger, I dreamt of a serious career in VFX. However, the discouragement I faced from teachers, friends, and even family dampened that enthusiasm. The film industry in South Africa is still finding its footing compared to the global stage. As a result, parents often steer their children away from pursuing careers in film, deeming them impractical.

This is the narrative I’m committed to reshaping. I want to play a role in altering perceptions. By breaking down these barriers, I hope to create an environment where creativity can thrive without restraint. My aim is to transform the South African film industry into more than just a job choice—it’s a canvas for limitless imagination and achievement. It’s a place where dreams are nurtured, skills are refined, and the possibilities of cinematic artistry know no bounds.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I lead Day For Nite SA, a pioneering visualization studio situated in the heart of South Africa. We are the South African branch of Day for Nite which is headquartered in Los Angeles, co-founded by my esteemed colleagues, Andreas Hikel and Glenn Burton. Our South African venture was conceived with a shared aspiration: to illuminate pathways for the exceptional talents within South Africa.

Our Proficiency Extends to:

Previsualization (previs), the cornerstone of our artistry, allows us to swiftly materialize creative concepts into visual blueprints. It’s the transformative phase where ideas take their first captivating steps toward realization, aiding in the alignment of creative visions.

Postvisualization (postvis), a testament to our dedication, injects vitality into projects during the post-production phase. By rapidly integrating visual elements, it amplifies narrative coherence and impact, preserving the storyline’s essence.

Technical visualization (techvis) empowers us to engineer intricate sequences with meticulous accuracy. This facet operates as a nimble conductor, orchestrating complex scenes, stunts, and technical subtleties with remarkable speed, contributing to the seamless execution of projects.

Our Impressive Portfolio Spans:

Encompassing the domains of film & commercials. We harness our agility to craft enthralling visual narratives.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

Persistence, problem-solving ahead of the curve, and an unyielding positive outlook are like our steadfast companions on the road to remarkable destinations. My journey, like any, has had its moments of defeat, yet it’s these three constants that have propelled me forward, along with the unwavering support of those closest to my heart.

Life’s had its share of curveballs – from navigating the complexities of a pandemic to finding myself in a foreign land due to a missing passport, I’ve faced challenges that might have deterred others. The chorus of “no’s” and the weight of uncertainty could have easily drowned my spirit. But here’s the thing: these three pillars of strength hold an uncanny ability to bolster you through anything life hurls your way.

Looking back, there’s a chapter from 2020 when I embarked on my journey in LA. Making ends meet was a struggle; missing a single paycheck could have left me homeless. However, I didn’t let that shadow my path. Armed with a smile and an unwavering positive attitude, I weathered the storm. Sure, the going was tough, but my passion for this industry fueled my resilience. The thought of returning to South Africa with a blank slate, laden with debts and devoid of prospects, was simply not an option.

Ultimately, it’s the interplay of that never-say-die spirit, pre-emptive solutions, and embracing the brighter side that define our trajectories. These steadfast companions have been my guides through the ups and downs, shaping each twist and turn of my story. Challenges, as I’ve come to understand, aren’t stumbling blocks; they’re threads woven into the tapestry of our narrative, adding depth and hues we couldn’t have foreseen.

Any advice for managing a team?

At the core of my approach is the belief that we’re all sailing in the same boat. As the leader of the company, I embrace working shoulder to shoulder with my team, fostering an environment where camaraderie flourishes. Challenges, whether they arrive unannounced or during prosperous times, are met head-on together. It’s about much more than a paycheck; it’s acknowledging each individual’s dedication to our shared aspirations. The heartbeat of our journey is the people and their unwavering passion. To manage a team and maintain high morale, my advice is to ensure every team member knows they are not just part of a process but essential contributors to our collective success. Recognize their efforts beyond the surface, value their dedication, and create an atmosphere of appreciation. When everyone feels valued, morale naturally thrives, and the entire team sails toward greatness united.

Shoutout to Russell & Hein!

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mp.rabie/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/travis.meek.581/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/m-p-rabie-66a6821a1/
• Other: Day For Nite https://www.dayfornite.com

Image Credits
Kaede Rabie Victor Liedbeck