The Shoprite Checkers/SABC 2 Woman of the Year Award 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008
The Shoprite Checkers/SABC 2 Woman of the Year Award is a big project which really puts production skills to the test.
It all starts with a call for entries, which requires two promos to be produced by Underdog. This is done in the early part of the year. Once the organising team have received all the nominations, the judges are called in to consider the entrees and eventually three finalists in seven different categories are chosen. Underdog then proceeds to produce a judging insert; a sponsor promo for each sponsor and eventually a 2 minute promo for each of the twenty one finalists. A category insert for each of the seven categories as well as a promo for the Gala evening itself are all on the list of deliverables.
Shooting promos for all 21 finalists in two weeks is a real logistical challenge. Underdog deploys two separate shoot teams to fly, drive, and swim (just kidding) across the length and breadth of the country in order to complete the shoot in time. Sometimes the finalists live in such remote areas of the country that our team literally has to count telephone poles or look for particular trees as landmarks.
The project is richly rewarding and hugely inspirational. Our team has the opportunity to observe some of the most selfless and motivated women in our country and arguably the world.
