Industry Profile – Moonyeen Lee

Posted on 28. Jul, 2010 by Graham in Personality Profiles

Owner of MLA Moonyeenn Lee Associates

Moonyeenn Lee is undoubtedly the doyenne of South Africa’s showbiz agents. Trained by James Fraser in 1974 (then head of Fraser and Dunlop, London) to be an agent representing actors, writers and directors, Moonyeenn has practiced for the past 34 years – heading up the largest and most successful talent agency in South Africa – MLA. She is an artists’ manager as well representing over two hundred clients, many of whom are South African household names and multi-award winning artists. Her agency MLA places actors in film, television, theatre, commercials, voice-overs, industrial theatre, training films and corporate videos. She is also passionate about working with writers and developing film scripts from either original stories or novels. She formed Khulisa Productions seven years ago to make South African films. The first film was the highly acclaimed and award winning PROMISED LAND. In 2003, Moonyeenn was nominated to the National Executive Committee of The Independent Producers Organization and to the Film Board of Create South Africa.MLA is also listed as one of the TOP 300 Empowerment Companies.

What’s a typical workday for you?

There is no typical workday. Everyday is different.

What do you enjoy most about your portfolio?

I love the actors we represent, watching them grow and succeed.

How do you handle work stresses?

There is always stress, I am used to it, I just deal with it. It helps to have one day in a week to be quiet – read and listen to music – usually on a Sunday. In summer I like to lie in the sun and swim, I find swimming very calming.

What has been your biggest professional challenge?

Probably when I started – to get directors to trust my judgment and to get actors to respect themselves.

What is your No 1 industry peeve?

My number one industry peeve is that South African producers, directors and companies like NFVF and DTI don’t respect local talent. They fawn all over international talent. We have to build our own stars. Overseas directors are always so impressed by our actors

What are the favorite brands that you cannot live without?

I don’t do brands.

How do you relax?

By reading, listening to music, watching movies. I love long lunches with great friends and great wine

What’s your chosen way to communicate with family and friends, (mobile, social networking pages like Facebook, Skype, emails, fixed lined telephone)?

I prefer the telephone or Skype if not in Johannesburg.

What’s a favorite local holiday destination?

Don’t take holidays

What’s your idea of a relaxing Sunday morning?

Sleeping in – reading the newspapers – a late breakfast

Which is your favorite must-have printed media titles?

Time Magazine, Sight and Sound, Vanity Fair

No I don’t. I spend as little time as possible on the laptop!

What’s your best dining out venue?

I have several favourites. It depends on what I feel like eating and what the weather is like

Tags: Features