Hollywoodbets Offical Book Launch

Invitation-Book

This event was so unique – not only was I super excited to go to a live function, after months of virtual online events only, but we were also in a room filled with Rugby Legends and witnessing the handover of 105 limited edition photobooks, designed by Hollywoodbets and handcrafted by the na-nu-ja team.

The Arrival

We entered Kings Park Stadium (not yet open to the public for rugby games) and were met by several glamourous ladies dressed to the nines, in Hollywoodbets iconic purple. We stepped out of the lift and went into the Presidential Suite, it was awesome – names tags, welcome drinks, and an exhibition of photographs by Steve Haag and Anesh Debiky – it was great to see the images enlarged and on display as we entered.

Hollywood Launch Photographic display
Natasha Lee photographing KwangJeon Lee and Anesh Debiky
Steve Haag and Darren Maule of East Coast Radio
Steve Haag and Darren Maule of East Coast Radio

The Proceedings

The event started punctually – It was great to hear first hand, how Gareth Jenkinson had pitched for the opportunity to cover the World Cup in Japan to Hollywoodbets staff. Together with Steve Haag, they managed to feed images and unique commentary to SA and the world.

MC - Gareth Jenkinson (G-Dog) kicks things off!
MC – Gareth Jenkinson (G-Dog) kicks things off!

I loved the interview style of the event. We were privileged to hear first hand, how the photographers got themselves into ideal positions to capture impactful photos from unusual angles, with such speed and professionalism. We also heard first-hand accounts of the game from Springbok players Lukhanyo Am, Thomas du Toit, S’bu Nkosi.

Gareth Jenkinson interviewing Steve Haag and Anesh Debiky
Gareth Jenkinson interviewing Steve Haag and Anesh Debiky
A rapt audience listening to the details of the game told by the Springbok players themselves
A rapt audience listening to the details of the game told by the Springbok players themselves
On stage with Lukhanyo Am, S'bu Nkosi and Thomas du Toit
On stage with Lukhanyo Am, S’bu Nkosi and Thomas du Toit

The Hollywoodbets team gave careful consideration and thought to each of the 105 recipients of this limited edition photobook. The first 55 were allocated to the Springbok Squad and Management. The honoured guests (56-105) were each given signed and uniquely numbered copies.

Hollywoodbets limited edition recipient list

The handover

Hollywoodbets and the Heffer family, represented by Devin Heffer as the spokesperson, put so much thought into which numbered book each person was to receive. It could have been the year they were born in, the number of milestones achieved, or some other highly personal connection. This was honestly the most special corporate event I have ever attended. The sense of family was so strong and each person in the room was valued for their respective contributions. We were so surprised to be called to the stage, given flowers and a bottle of whisky, and thanked for our contribution to this project.

Photography by Candiese Lenferna Photography

Hollywoodbets representative Devin Heffer
Hollywoodbets representative Devin Heffer
Gareth Jenkinson handing over photobooks to Steve Haag and Anesh Debiky
Gareth Jenkinson handing over photobooks to Steve Haag and Anesh Debiky
Players Lukhanyo Am, S'bu Nkosi, Thomas du Toit receiving their photobooks
Players Lukhanyo Am, S’bu Nkosi, Thomas du Toit receiving their photobooks
Try scoring Makazole Mapimpi and Caroline Hartog
Try scoring Makazole Mapimpi and Caroline Hartog
Hollywoodbets Photobook Designer Nivedna Maharaj
Hollywoodbets Photobook Designer Nivedna Maharaj
Handcrafted photobooks by Natasha and Kwangjeon Lee from na-nu-ja
Handcrafted photobooks by Natasha and Kwangjeon Lee from na-nu-ja
Logo and Cover designer Jason Heffer of Motion Detectives and Lukhanyo Am
Logo and Cover designer Jason Heffer of Motion Detectives and Lukhanyo Am
Owen and Lesley Heffer founders of Hollywoodbets and Lukhanyo Am
Owen and Lesley Heffer founders of Hollywoodbets and Lukhanyo Am
Devin and Jade Heffer of Hollywoodbets and Lukhanyo Am
Devin and Jade Heffer of Hollywoodbets and Lukhanyo Am
Devin Heffer and Gareth Jenkinson
Devin Heffer and Gareth Jenkinson
Thomas du Toit and Sky Shabalala of East Coast Radio
Thomas du Toit and Sky Shabalala of East Coast Radio

Media Coverage and closing

Devin of Hollywoodbets being interviewed
Devin Heffer of Hollywoodbets being interviewed
Media coverage of Hollywoodbets na-nu-ja photobook
Media coverage of Hollywoodbets
Brothers Jason, Tysen, Devin and Natasha Lee
Brothers Jason, Tyson, Devin and Natasha Lee
Natasha Kwangjeon Gareth Darren
Natasha & Kwangjeon Lee, Gareth Jenkinson, Darren Maule
Paging through a na-nu-ja photobook2

Posted in by na-nu-ja on 2020-10-20