We were back filming in the townships recently for an Optentia project on unemployment. 



This project saw the NEX-FS100 come out of retirement as I wanted to travel light and also out of security concerns. It is still a good camera, even if it is now showing its age in the compact age of 4K clarity. With Rokinon glass on the front I find I can still get matched footage in an HD project.



Ferdi and I have filmed in a number of South African townships over the past few years and I'm struck by the absolute poverty every time we work there. To those of us who were fortunate enough to grow up in more privileged circumstances it is hard to comprehend living in an environment where sewage flows like a river down your street and where going outside after 21:00 could cost you your life. Every. Single. Day.



But what also strikes me every time we work in the townships is the resilience and a certain kindness of the people who live there. Just like my brief trip to the Middle East earlier this year taught me, I believe you will only get to know a country if you spend time with the ordinary folks who live there. 



This has been a very productive month, so visit Optentia at www.optentia.co.za and have a look at what we've been up to.