SuzelleDIY Actress Julia Anastasopoulos Takes on New Role in Showmax’s First Original Series

South Africa’s favourite Do-It-Yourself Goddess – SuzelleDIY – is starring in the first Showmax Original series. Well, rather the talented actress – Julia Anastasopoulos – who has become a national sensation with her alter ego SuzelleDIY, is the one starring. Filming on the mockumentary, Tali’s Wedding Diary, began in Cape Town last week…

Building on the phenomenal success of her SuzelleDIY character,  Julia stars as Tali, a self-obsessed Sandton princess who’s moved to Cape Town… and has hired a documentary crew to film the build-up to her wedding to her property-agent fiancé, Darren.

Since introducing SuzelleDIY to YouTube, more than 70 Suzelle videos have been created, gaining almost 22 million views. One video alone, How To Make A Cinderblock Bench (watch below), has clocked up more than 2.5 million views!!!

The mockumentary is co-created and directed by Ari Kruger, with whom Julia has collaborated since 2014 – when they combined their skills and passion for comedy, and developed SuzelleDIY. Ari has directed several cool commercials, music videos and online content; and his short films have played in film festivals worldwide.

The creative duo have grown SuzelleDIY into a full-scale brand and business; and now have a production company called Sketchbook Studios, which produces SuzelleDIY alongside an array of new characters and online content.

Speaking about the decision to work with Showmax, Julia said, “When Ari and I first approached Showmax we knew we had a great concept but weren’t sure if they’d bite – getting backing for a production in South Africa can be tough.

“To their credit, Showmax instantly bought into what we’re trying to do. This is exactly the kind of support the film industry in this country needs. We’ve got world-class acting and production talent so it’s a huge boost to see a local company fund local productions.”

Tali’s Wedding Diary will be the first in a series of original productions by Showmax.

Work is currently underway on iNumber Number, an original co-production with Mzansi Magic. iNumber Number is a crime and corruption drama series based on the award-winning 2013 movie of the same name.

Speaking about plans for original productions, Showmax Africa head Chris Savides said, “Supporting African productions is absolutely part of our strategy. There’s incredible talent and expertise on this continent, so why look anywhere else, especially when you’re trying to tell authentic, locally relevant stories?”

Showmax is an online TV service, currently available in over 60 countries.

Filming for Tali’s Wedding Diary is currently underway in Cape Town. The eight-part series will premiere on Showmax in December. Each episode will be approximately 20 minutes long.

Watch How to make a Cinderblock Bench

SuzelleDIY’s video on making a Cinderblock Bench has received over 2.5 million views!