TV Interview: Elsubie Verlinden – Live Your Dream, Or Aspiring To Inspire

September 2, 2021

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The reality television show Live Your Dream launched on Via.tv (DStv channel 147) in August. The lifestyle channel celebrates ordinary people and the world they inhabit, thanks to Elsubie Verlinden and her unrelenting passion to make people’s dreams come true.

 

What is Live Your Dream and how did it come about?

As the director and producer of The International ARTS Talent Showcase, I have been travelling the country for the past 11 years, equipping, educating and inspiring aspiring models, actors, singers and dancers to pursue their dreams. In the midst of a global pandemic, I have spent a lot of time working in faith and a lot fell into place during this time. For years, I have been preparing and dreaming about showcasing and capturing what we do on camera. At just the right time, God breathed life into this dream. Live Your Dream has now made its debut on national television. Through this show and The International ARTS Talent Showcase, we are able to showcase the youth in our nation. This show brings hope to our nation in a time when we are surrounded by feelings of hopelessness.

 

Tell us about your background in the arts?

I started modelling 24 years ago. I had a wonderful career as a professional actress and model. I performed in numerous series, including Egoli, Binnelanders, Scandal and more. I have featured in 17 international television commercials and 21 local ones. In 2008, I booked the role of Nancy in Leon Schuster’s Mr Bones 2. This was my last role before starting my own agency. I had been saving for years. It’s 13 years later and I am the proud owner and director of 33 and Me Talent Agency. I am the producer of The International ARTS Talent Showcase and the exclusive agent for The New York Film Academy, giving local talent the opportunity at international education. My aim is to give others what I never had in the industry. It is my purpose and I am honored to be able to do what I do.

 

What do you aim to achieve through the show?

I want to inspire aspiring artists and models to be bold and fearless. I want to encourage them to chase their dreams through hard work and dedication. I want to equip the youth of the nation with skills and insight on what it takes to make your dream a living reality.

 

Who are some of the industry experts that feature in the show?

Nate Butler, an American singer songwriter, music producer and recording artist. He has worked with artists such a Backstreet Boys, Luther Vandross, Craig David, Victoria Beckham and more. Nate was also part of the casting team for The X-Factor and America’s Got Talent season 9 and 10. He’s a brilliant speaker and an advocate working with humanitarian organisation World Vision, addressing issues of poverty around the globe. Craig Urbani is a South African actor and musical performer. He is known for his roles in Isidingo, The Last Days of American Crime and Triggered and many high-profile theatre roles. Anais is a young South African artist signed by her record label, Vonk Musiek. She is a role model for the youth and is the National Ambassador for LifeLine South Africa. Anais has many outreach projects under the name “Be Your Dream” which is also the name of one of her own songs.

 

As a mother of three, television and radio presenter as well as talent agent, how do you juggle all your roles? 

Time management is key. If you spend less time thinking about what you should do, you have more time to do what you need to do. I have a daily to-do list. I prioritise family time and time to self-reflect as part of my to-do list. I don’t think about the tasks at hand much. I am proactive and I execute what needs to be done. Most people are too overwhelmed with their daily schedules that they worry too much and it hinders them in the process. Every day is crunch time. Every day is a blessing and the one thing money can never buy back is time. I have successfully mastered how I use my time.

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