| CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER |
Rudolf Markgraaff is the CEO of Desert Star Holdings, Ltd headquartered in Windhoek, Namibia. He has been the driving force behind the concept development, funding, implementation and management of the Desert Star project since its inception in 2005.
Born in South Africa, he founded Charis Productions (Pty) Ltd in 1992 to cater to the growing global demand for faith and family films. He relocated to the USA in 1994 opening a satellite offices in California where he spent 12 years in Hollywood working closely with top industry leaders in all areas of the motion picture business, developing a top-drawer professional network and executive level experience in both the US domestic film markets and international film industry specializing in film finance.
Rudolf has a wide range of global business interests that developed from his experience as a US stock-broker specializing in all-cash industrial real estate transactions, private and public share placements and loan/equity capital transactions, as well as his Internet software development ventures in the early 1990's for companies that he founded such as Internet Commerce Innovations, Inc and iBO$, Inc (Internet Bidding Operating Systems). Despite the initial high acclaim and potential of iBO$ this venture failed in 1995.
Rudolf's professional and entrepreneurial background, combined with his experience in; conceptualizing, developing, funding, marketing and managing specialized business projects, lend him exceptionally well to leading the Desert Star project to fulfillment of its vision for the Country of Namibia and its people.
| CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER |
Desert Star's CFO has extensive, relevant international experience, which he is utilizing in the creation and maintenance of financial models, forecasts and world-class financial systems and controls, thereby supporting the realization of Desert Star's vision.
Jonathan qualified as a Chartered Accountant with Deloitte in London, UK following his Bachelor of Business Science (Honours) degree at the University of Cape Town. He has worked on a diverse range of clients, from De Beers, to oil and gas companies, to the Marriott Vacation Club International – a premium fractional-title development franchise.
He was the key audit professional in a cross-functional team, which worked on an international IPO of a Monaco-based oil-tanker group on the New York Stock Exchange. The successful IPO of Scorpio Tankers Inc in April 2010 raised over $155 million. Seeking more financial services experience, Jonathan was then recruited by KPMG in Bermuda, where he specialized in Hedge Funds, Investment Management Companies and Banks.
Jonathan's relevant international and industry experience, his knowledge and network earned from the IPO, and his consistently strong career performance, are vital to Desert Star's intention to list internationally. He is furthermore responsible for the engineering and implementation of efficient and world-class financial systems and controls, by providing financial and compliance expertise which will enable Desert Star to sustainably fund its vision.
| HEAD OF LEGAL |
Keane is a South African Attorney and Legal Advisor and assumes the role as head of Legal Affairs at Desert Star.
During his time as a legal advisor to the Independent Electoral Commission of South Africa's Western Cape constituency, Keane in the last decade, administered, oversaw and advised the IEC during some of the country's most prominent politico-legal battles. This experience brought with it significant exposure to Legal Practitioners of the highest caliber, as well as the country's highest courts.
He then pursued a career specialization in specific aspects of commercial and civil litigation and proceeded to develop a true passion for strategy in litigation. Because of this specialization, Keane then gained right of appearance in the Western Cape High Court and went on to conduct numerous High Court matters across various fields of law.
Keane thereafter specialized even further into commercial law and was held in an advisory capacity relating to numerous local and international legal matters. These included: commercial transaction negotiation and facilitation, joint ventures and collaboration agreements; cross-border trade and land acquisitions; cross-border business acquisitions; international company formation and administration (including companies in the USA, Mauritius, SA and Namibia); prospectus registration, as well as Financial Services Board and Reserve Bank matters (including applications relating to the business aspects of banking and applications for relaxation of exchange controls). It was during this time that Keane was a significant contributor to the development of internationally acceptable fractional property ownership models and legal structures.
Reputed for successfully engaging complex legal matters and guaranteeing deliverables - often under adverse circumstances - Keane joined Desert Star in early 2010 and brings indispensable experience and expertise to Desert Star's varied legal imperatives.
| FRACTIONAL SALES DIVISION |
Terry brings over 4 decades of experience in the fractional development industry to Desert Star and heads up the recruitment and training of the executive sales team.
He has opened 110 resorts around the world including Italy, Spain, Costa Rica, Puerto Rico, Mexico, The Caribbean Islands, Hawaii, California and 48 states within the USA.
Terry manages all requirements relating to the conception, design and extensive worldwide marketing and sales of Desert Star Studios luxury accommodation. He is also actively involved with formulating and implementing training courses for all Sales, Marketing and Administrative staff which includes corporate philosophy, public relations, interactive skills and best practice sales techniques.
Terry's experience is invaluable in ensuring that amongst other global standards and procedures, ARDA's code of Standards & Ethics are complied with, and that Desert Star's offering and sales processes are simple, transparent and of exceptional value.
| INTERNATIONAL REAL ESTATE SPECIALIST |
Sabine Abelis has gained extensive experience and knowledge regarding the design principles of marketing, sales procedures, training and the development of International Fractional Resorts throughout the world.
Having been involved in the Vacation Ownership arena since 1998, Sabine has designed, developed and implemented training programs for all levels of Sales, Marketing and Administrative personnel. Her professional expertise enables her to actively increasing sales and marketing volume, efficiency and productivity within the sales team, while coaching local communities to become an integral part of her buoyant sales team.
Sabine is fully conversant in English, Russian and Spanish and this is regarded a distinct advantage for Desert Star Resort's European sales and market.
| IN-HOUSE ATTORNEY |
Christoffer Edgar Salomon Chipeio has been mentored by some of Africa's leading legal minds and assists Desert Star with more complicated legal matters.
Christoffer is a Namibian citizen and graduated in 2009 from the University of Stellenbosch with a Bachelor of Law Degree. He was admitted as a Legal Practitioner in the High Court of Namibia during May 2011.
Christoffer exhibits a particular talent for adapting to unique and varied environments and is motivated by the opportunity to surmount challenges, which he does with unwavering focus and dedication. He furthermore thrives in a team dynamic and excels in engaging others through his supportive leadership abilities. Christoffer is an exceptionally energetic and versatile member of the Desert Star team.
During his articles of clerkship, Christoffer completed the Justice Training Centre curriculum and worked primarily within the commercial and litigation department of the firm. Here he received extensive exposure in the negotiation and drafting of various agreements, civil high court and lower court litigation, conciliation of disputes, as well as labor matters
Christoffer has a special interest in matters pertaining to commercial transactions and has also gained experience in the drafting of deeds, as well as the registration of trusts, companies and close corporations.
During his articles, he had the privilege of being mentored by some of the most prominent legal minds in Namibia and has certainly retained the input of such mentors for the enhancement of his future career.
As Desert Star's junior in-house legal advisor, Christoffer is strategically positioned to assist the legal team of Desert Star in making the Desert Star vision a reality.
| SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY |
Rochelle is a lay-Counselor, Youth Pastor and a true 'care giver' whose passion actively extends to the upliftment of the less fortunate, disempowered and defeated souls in society.
Having completed a certificate in Theology, Skills Development, Sports and HIV Ministry in 2005, Rochelle became a counselor within a faith and resource-based ministry organization in the Western Cape. During this period she counseled, taught and contributed to the emotional and practical upliftment of individuals of varying ages, cultures and social standing. This included intense ministry and counseling work in some of the Western Cape's most impoverished and marginalized communities.
Rochelle is recognized for her insightful and effective approach to counseling. Her passion has met its match in Desert Star, where the opportunities to positively impact Namibian society are being expanded and refined daily.
In conjunction with the Desert Star Film Academy Trust, the Desert Star Mission's Trust, the Namibia People's Development Trust and The Namibia Development Trust, Rochelle will develop and implement a country-wide program aimed at meaningfully engaging key issues in the upliftment and enrichment of Namibian society.
Her contribution to this cause is invaluable and she aims to make a significant and lasting contribution to social reformation in Namibia.
| STRATEGIC MANAGEMENT |
Hanzo Herholdt's involvement as Business Manager has been crucial to the development of the international, high quality business management standards that Desert Star has benchmarked for its operations.
Hanzo's qualifications and experience as a computer programmer have enabled him to develop a wide spectrum of world-class proprietary software applications that will support the Information Technology requirements of Desert Star.
His diverse career has spanned hospitality, entertainment and management and it is this experience that sets him apart as an exceptionally valuable contributor to our team.
| TRANSPORTATION |
Sakkie joined the Desert Star Team in 2011. He was formerly employed over a period of 20 years at The French Embassy in Namibia, where he was responsible for transporting the French Ambassador, personnel of the Embassy, as well as members of the French Government. Because of his professionalism, he was specifically chosen to manage some particularly challenging missions.
He has a natural talent for Public Relations and has assisted Desert Star in finalizing numerous administrative processes with Namibian Ministries and Administrations.
Due to his extensive knowledge of the road structures within Windhoek and Namibia, Sakkie will play an integral role in the co-ordination of logistics at Desert Star.
| OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR - (CAPE TOWN OFFICES) |
Jenene has worked with Desert Star Studios since 2007 and is currently responsible for the management of all administrative functions within the South African offices of Desert Star.
Jenene's administrative, communication and computer skills and experience ensure seamless communications between the Desert Star offices.
Her contributions are indispensable to the efficient co-ordination of the executive team.
| CEO - Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd, Consulting Engineers |
Mr. Burmeister's prominent profile and extensive business experience mark him as a key member of the Desert Star Studios advisory board.
Gerdus, a consulting engineer by profession, is the Founder and Chairman of Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd, an exceedingly successful business entity in Namibia for over 30 years. Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd offers full spectrum civil, structural, mechanical and electrical services, as well as project management services and as an organization features specialized expertise within water, power, transportation and buildings.
In addition to this respected company's core deliverables, B&P offers a range of related services including facility and municipal management through to environmental impact studies. B&P is widely recognized for providing these services at the highest level in Southern Africa, as well as internationally with experience extending to a diversity of cultural, economic and geographic environments.
Mr. Burmeister has been instrumental in the development of far reaching strategic decisions since Desert Stars relocation to Namibia.
| Dennis Moss Planners & Architects |
Dennis is the senior founder of Dennis Moss Planners & Architects Partnership located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, a multi disciplinary practice with personnel of approximately 50 people. The firm was established in 1983 with the vision of integrating the disciplines of regional and environmental planning, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and the environmental sciences as a single functional entity utilizing cutting-edge technology.
One of the founding objectives of the practice was to apply sustainable development principles to all spheres of its activities and to ensure practical and sustainable results.
The firm is of the conviction that the degree to which sustainable development is achieved will depend on how well the overall landscape is managed. This requires coordinated land-use planning, as well as defining and implementing development options that will ensure that human needs are met in a sustainable manner.
| MANAGING PARTNER - ISD Consultancy |
Storm will play a central role in creating and implementing the foundational sustainability framework of Desert Star.
The ISDC Group is an international alliance of professional consulting practices and specialist advisors, jointly focused on the financing, development and delivery of sustainable solutions which combined necessitate a careful balance across a diverse range of humanitarian and commercially driven requirements.
The Group's primary objective is the on-going development and maintenance of the Sustainability Investment Platform (SIP), an investment structure providing for the implementation of a diverse range of sustainability solutions.
| PROJECT FACILITATOR - Sebra Finance |
Daniel Malatji, a qualified Immunologist by profession and a Human Resources practitioner, has over eight years of operations experience at various leading hotels and restaurants in South Africa. Currently employed as an HR Executive at South Africa's fastest growing restaurant group (5 restaurants in Durban, Cape Town and Johannesburg with over 700 employees), he has occupied senior management positions at large restaurants in South Africa's Gauteng and Western Cape provinces.
Daniel obtained a Hotel Management Diploma from CPUT and has certificates in Internal Auditing for ISO 9001 and Sustainable Development. Through his work at the Spier Wine Estate, he has developed a practical understanding of the principles of responsible tourism (environmental integrity and sustainability) as well as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
Daniel is an advisor to Desert Star and will be leading the Social Development Initiatives of Desert Star, including amongst various other projects, the Desert Star Foundation and Desert Star Film Academy.
| CEO - Namib Films |
Guy Nockels, the CEO of Namib Film, has accrued over 33 years of experience within the international film industry. Having been a key influencer in bringing hundreds of millions of dollars worth of international films to Namibia, Guy is an indispensable source of advice and professional support in his role as partner to Desert Star.
Namib Film is Namibia's premier production service company. Established in 2000, the company has serviced major Hollywood productions, such as Flight of the Phoenix (2004) and 10 000BC (2006).
As a service company Namib Film has in the past ten years, employed over 3000 Namibians on various productions and will continue this practice for as long as foreign films are shot in Namibia.
Guy's professionalism, coupled with his comprehensive knowledge of the film industry has positioned Desert Star Studios most favorably in the Industry in terms of our ability to not only produce our own motion pictures, but in addition to assist in developing Namibia as a widely recognized first-choice destination for international film production.
| PRESIDENT - Promenade Picture Inc |
As former president of Paramount Pictures and executive producer of The Lamb, Frank has overseen numerous Oscar winning and nominated films for the world's largest film studios. Cumulatively, these films have grossed several billion dollars and Frank is widely recognized as an industry icon.
During his tenure as president of Paramount Pictures, Frank spearheaded the production of numerous films that are today considered timeless epics, including Paper Moon; The Godfather; The Godfather Part II; Love Story; Chinatown; Murder on the Orient Express and The Great Gatsby. In addition, Paramount Television, which reported to him, enjoyed successes such as: Star Trek, The Odd Couple, Mission Impossible, Love American Style and the pilot Happy Days. During his time at Paramount, the studio enjoyed its most successful period which is often referred to as 'Paramount's Golden Years'. During his last year as head of Paramount Pictures the studio was nominated for 37 Academy awards including five Oscars for best picture.
After leaving Paramount, Frank moved on to head MGM/UA, before embarking on a career as an independent producer. Under Frank's guidance, the company produced and distributed a variety of high, medium and modest budget films, including hits such as: War Games, Octopussy, A Christmas Story, Yentl, Hot Dog: The Movie, Breakin', Red Dawn, Teachers and 2010. His last independent film, Congo, which he produced for Paramount Pictures, grossed in excess of $650 million worldwide.
Mr Yablans is a Member of the Desert Star Studios Board of Advisors. As a trusted and well-loved producer in the Film Industry, his influence and excitement about Desert Star Studios, has drawn the attention of high-profiled film makers to Namibia.
| EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT - Promenade Pictures Inc |
An award winning and pioneering film and TV producer with extensive international experience in various genres, Ron has brought invaluable expertise and visionary projects to the slate.
Ron began his entertainment career when he founded Mont Blanc Productions in conjunction with world-renowned extreme sports director/cinematographer, Didier LaFond.
In 1991, Booth and LaFond pitched to Reebok a groundbreaking commercial concept: Skysurfer. The concept became reality. Booth led his team in creating, producing and directing what became one of Reeboks most successful commercial campaigns. Skysurfer went on to win numerous international awards including Best Commercial at The New York Film Festival. Skysurfer heralded an international trend toward 'extreme sport' advertising that continues to thrive today.
In addition to their successful commercial ventures including Mountain Dew, Coca-Cola, and Nike, Booth's team created numerous sports related syndicated TV Series. Together they achieved a landmark success creating Extreme (James Brolin) – the first one-hour dramatic extreme sport series (Universal Studios and ABC Television). His syndicated TV series 'The Extremists' enjoyed a successful 5 year run.
Ron's personal and professional passions began to integrate as his desire to pursue life-affirming entertainment projects grew. He partnered with Namesake Entertainment to secure the film rights to the best selling 'Left Behind' book series by Tim LaHaye and Jerry Jenkins. This phenomenal series has sold over 70 million copies. Additional independent features which Ron has produced include 'Hometown Legend' (Warner Brothers). Ron is currently the Executive Producer of the most successful film franchise serving the growing family and faith market.
| PROFESSIONAL GOLFER |
Ernie Els, the designer of Desert Star's Golf Course of The Stars, is one of the most successful golfers in the history of the game.
Having won more than 60 tournaments since turning professional in 1989, including two US Opens, an Open Championship and a record seven World Matchplay titles - the international scope of Ernie's victories is second to none. He is one of golf's truly global players and is recognized as a golfing icon worldwide.
Ernie was born in South Africa on 17th October 1969. As a youngster, he was outstanding in soccer, cricket, rugby and tennis. At the age of 13 he won a significant regional tennis event - the Eastern Transvaal Junior Championships. A year later aged 14 and playing off a scratch handicap, Ernie won the world junior golf championship in San Diego, California. He was awarded his Junior Springbok colors in 1984, the State President Sports Award in 1987 and in 1988, his full Springbok colors.
His classic, powerful golf swing is universally admired and aspired to by young golfers and veterans alike. While his easy-going nature masks a fiercely competitive drive, it is all of these qualities, along with an engaging on-course persona, that have culminated to make Ernie one of the most popular golfers in the game today.
Ernie will be designing the Golf of the Stars at Desert Star South and in addition will be responsible for the construction of the course. His high profile has drawn numerous actors and celebrities to him and he will play an integral part in the planning and design of the Golf of the Stars tournament scheduled for Desert Star South in 2013.
| CEO - Van den Berg Films (Pty) Ltd |
Regardt's 45 years of experience as a highly successful professional in the entertainment industry has established him as an internationally acclaimed director and filmmaker.
From the first years of his illustrious career, Regardt quickly earned a reputation as a pioneer in TV and motion pictures through his ground-breaking use of music and reality-based drama. Ever challenging orthodox narrative paradigms and filmmaking techniques, Regardt's films have enjoyed great box office success in South Africa and abroad.
In 1993 he directed a docu-drama entitled 'The Gospel According to Matthew' which is one of the top selling Christian DVD series in the United States. Proof of Regardt's continuing box office success is evident in the recent South African block buster, 'Faith Like Potatoes' which has also sold more DVD's than any other South African DVD release. As one of South Africa's most prolific directors, Regardt's latest films, 'Hansie' and 'Tornado' have sealed his reputation as a masterful director of biographical stories.
Regardt's proven track record as a director and specialized experience in Faith-based films is a powerful asset to Desert Star Studios.
| PRESIDENT - Profes Services (Pty) Ltd |
Adriaan spearheads the discussions between Desert Star Studios and the South African Government, as well as developing the co-operation agreement between the South African and Namibian Governments intended to facilitate a free trade zone that would benefit both countries immensely.
Originally from the Northern Cape, Adriaan farmed for 12 years in the Prieska District, before he became a Senator in the new political dispensation. He represented the Northern Cape in the National Parliament for ten years, where he became the Language Ombudsman and where he was actively involved in committees dealing with Arts, Culture, Film and TV, as well as agriculture and finance.
In addition to providing consultative services regarding various strategic matters for the Northern Cape Government, Adriaan is also a successful entrepreneur whose ongoing professional concerns encompass franchising, training and hi-level corporate facilitation.
| CEO - Media Film Services |
Jannie is the managing director of Media Film Service, one of Southern Africa's leading suppliers of state-of-the-art film products and equipment. Desert Star Studios would be incomplete if it were not for the outstanding service and exceptional knowledge of Jannie and his team.
Jannie's technical, business and aviation experience have proven an invaluable asset to the film industry. When it comes to film products and equipment, Media Film Service is reputed to reliably source and deliver anything, anywhere, anytime. With offices based in Cape Town, Durban and Johannesburg, Film Media Service has the capacity to deploy their resources from one or all of their bases to ensure a seamless supply and delivery of services anywhere in Southern Africa.
Media Film Service has grown to a complement of over 60 staff nation-wide, including trainees.
| CO-OWNER - Felix Unite Tented Camps |
Hein will play a vital role in providing world-class logistics and location services including luxury accommodation and catering for Desert Star Studios.
Felix Unite Tented Camps is considered a number one film production brand in Southern Africa. From exclusive five star tents to comfortable crew lodgings, Felix Unite Tented Camps provide remote location accommodation, catering services and all the facilities and infrastructure of an up-market hotel.
Felix Unite Tented Camps provide a personalized service that is geared to fulfilling specialized client needs. This company is able to offer absolutely every requirement necessary on locations that would to other organizations, appear impossible to service due to their inaccessibility or generally challenging conditions. Felix Unite Tented Camps is an indispensable partner to the Desert Star team.
| EXECUTIVE SECRETARY - Namibia Film Commission |
Edwin has played a vital role in introducing Desert star Studios to the Film Industry in Namibia and a host of International Film Commissions. His influence on the success of the Desert Star project is unmistakably profound.
Edwin was integral to the establishment of the secretariat at the Namibia Film Commission. His role included the design and implementation of the organizational structure of the secretariat; the location of suitable office accommodation; determining and requesting budgetary requirements; the management of day-to-day operations and the coordination and promotion of filmmaking events in conjunction with national and international stakeholders. Edwin has through this experience, aligned with other film industry players internationally, learning strategies and acquiring tools that are of benefit to the Namibian film industry.
Edwin continues to represent the Namibia Film Commission at major international events such as the Cannes International Film Festival in France, the Los Angeles film Festival, the Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival, and the Vancouver Pan African Film Festival.
| LM Environmental Consulting |
Dr. Maartens integrity and passion for Africa, social issues and the environment have been invaluable to the culmination of the Desert Star Environmental Impact Assessments.
With over eighteen years experience in natural resource management (marine), lecturing, environmental science and management (marine and terrestrial mining) Dr. Maartens founded her own consulting firm in 2009.
Her specializations include Project Management, Environmental Assessment and Management for Mining (Marine and terrestrial), Legal Compliance, Technical Editing, Environmental Audits and Fisheries Science.
| PRESIDENT & CEO - Jonahre |
Dr. Gunn-Danforth's work and passion for storytelling through film and television in South Africa and the United States is an asset in the faith and family genre.
Dr. Gunn-Danforth has earned PhDs in Communication Media and Biblical Studies. She works as a consultant to Hollywood directors, producers and scriptwriters regarding the integration of Biblical aspects within storytelling. Her book 'Transforming Culture: A Model for faith and film in Hollywood' has been adopted by Hollywood practitioners, universities and seminaries and establishes a practical genre of storytelling that ensures Biblical authenticity.
She lectures internationally on the relationship between communications, media and the Bible and also serves on the 'Society of Biblical Literature's' steering committee for Bible and Film.
| Dennis Moss Planners & Architects |
CHAIRMAN OF THE DMP GROUP
DMP is responsible for the architectural design of the Desert Star Studios and Desert Star Resorts.
Located in Stellenbosch, South Africa, Dennis Moss Partnership is a multi disciplinary practice with personnel of approximately 50 people. The firm was established in 1983 with the vision of integrating the disciplines of regional and environmental planning, architecture, urban design, landscape architecture and the environmental sciences as a single functional entity utilizing cutting-edge technology.
One of the founding objectives of the practice was to apply sustainable development principles to all spheres of its activities and to ensure practical and sustainable results.
The firm is of the conviction that the degree to which sustainable development is achieved will depend on how well the overall landscape is managed. This requires coordinated land-use planning, as well as defining and implementing development options that will ensure that human needs are met in a sustainable manner.
| Dirk Hattingh & Associates |
CEO
Dirks involvement with Desert Star has streamlined complex budgeting processes and his executive expertise in numerous fields of project management, has offered unique strategic perspectives to the Desert Star development in its entirety.
As the CEO of a management consultancy and project management organization, Dirk focuses on the project management of large-scale property developments.
In order to ensure the effective management of large developments, it is imperative that all structures and contracts are in place.
This process includes the integrated, iterative and strategic process of product development, marketing, urban planning, engineering design, costing, phasing, construction, building and the development of operational and maintenance strategies. From this process flows the project budget, cash flow, peak financial exposure, profit analysis, finance requirements and risk profile which in turn makes it possible for developers, investors and financers to make informed decisions.
| QS-One Quantity Surveyors |
OWNER
Flip's love of Africa and his extensive professional experience make him an invaluable member of the development team.
Established in June 2009, QS-One Quantity Surveyors delivers client-focused services to the construction industry. Their goal is to nurture solid client relationships whilst creating a productive and innovative working environment.
In collaboration with a comprehensive network of professionals, QS-One offers a broad range of services from financial and legal advice through to project management within construction. QS-One has developed a reputation for its integrity and exceptional levels of professional conduct.
| ISD Consultancy |
MANAGING PARTNER
Storm will play a central role in creating and implementing the foundational sustainability framework of Desert Star.
The ISDC Group is an international alliance of professional consulting practices and specialist advisors, jointly focused on the financing, development and delivery of sustainable solutions which combined necessitate a careful balance across a diverse range of humanitarian and commercially driven requirements.
The Group's primary objective is the on-going development and maintenance of the Sustainability Investment Platform (SIP), an investment structure providing for the implementation of a diverse range of sustainability solutions.
| Upset Set Construction |
OWNER
Brendan Smithers, owner of UpSet Film Construction Services, has worked on some of the largest motion picture productions in the world. Most recently, he held the title of construction manager for the Hollywood blockbuster, 10 000BC.
Recognized in the film industry for his exceptional time management and efficiency, Brendan's graduation in Fine Art (Sculpture) from the University of Cape Town has helped to hone his eye for detail and realism. Brendan is experienced in working with a variety of materials in the most challenging and diverse locations and is equipped to manage numerous film and construction projects concurrently from a fully equipped workshop in Cape Town.
Brendan was head of construction on amongst others, The Young Black Stallion (2002); Country of My Skull (2003); Lord of War (2004); 10 000 BC (2006); Scorpion King – The Rise of the Akkadian (2007).
Brendan will bring his wealth of experience as head of design and construction on some of the biggest films in motion picture history to Desert Star's full-scale permanent film sets.
| Burmeister & Partners |
MANAGING DIRECTOR
Working closely with the development team, Ronald will oversee the civil, structural and mechanical requirements of the Desert Star developments throughout Namibia.
Burmeister & Partners (Pty) Ltd offers a full spectrum of civil, structural, mechanical and electrical services, as well as project management services and as a company, features specialized expertise within water, power, transportation and buildings.
In addition to this respected company's core competencies, B&P offers a range of related services from facility and municipal management services through to environmental impact studies. B&P is widely recognized for providing these services at the highest professional level in Southern Africa, as well as internationally with experience extending to a diversity of cultural, economic and geographic environments.
B&P's unique, personalized approach sets them apart from their competitors. Whether clients require a one-stop-shop solution, or whether they require select services, B&P is able to accommodate all requirements through the seamless integration of their various divisions. Ensuring outstanding service through empowering talented employees, B&P will continue to remain at the leading edge within their industry.
| ITN |
CEO
Internet Technologies Namibia (ITN) has been selected as Desert Star's IT partner to design and implement the substantial ICT infrastructure required to respond to the needs of both filmmakers and tourists.
A proud Namibian, Barney has developed comprehensive experience within IT, servicing both the private and public sectors throughout Southern Africa. He co-founded the original UUNET Internet Africa in 1996 and became the Managing Director for UUNET in Namibia after the DataTec take-over in 1999. He left UUNET at the end of 2002 and explored available IT and Internet related opportunities in Africa.
Services that will be made available to support the Desert Star IT infrastructure include Direct Corporate Access, Virtual private networks (VPN)'s, Firewall's and Direct Small Business Access. In addition, ITN will be providing services including SPAM / Virus filtering, Web site design, Web hosting, domain registration, Server hosting, as well as Server maintenance / installation.
