One of the many highlights of New Mr. Gay SA Pageant is a 14-page glossy calendar for 2010, featuring the 16 finalists of the 2009 contest. With each turn of the page, a visual feast unfolds – a celebration of the male form, character and the enigma of personality – the essence of the New Mr. Gay South Africa Pageant.
The keen eye of Vietnamese born photographer, Duy Vo Lap, captures stolen moments with each of the finalists, expressing the individual’s character and versatility through a range of stylish semi-nude and nude poses. Says concept director, Nico Steyn: “We’ve been toying with the idea of an original gay South African erotic calendar for the longest time, but somehow always fell short of either the models, the occasion, or simply the style and glamour that would pit such a project to raise the bar or set a standard we can all be proud of.”
The deadline was extremely tight, and the team set out immediately to commence with the background materials for the calendar; designing the sleeve and monthly layouts and also shooting the profiles and body shots of the contestants. Duy explains: “There was very little time to get to know the models, and the shoot sessions were sometimes scheduled back-to-back. So, creating a pose for each guy, still being true to his character and personality was a real challenge.”
“The initial rush of shooting all the background materials before the cruise stood us in good stead. It meant that we already understood each model’s body, best sides and features. So when we needed to work at break-neck speed on the ship, this experience came in handy”. Given that the 16 finalists had to draw their names out of a hat for pre-determined combinations of only 12 scenarios, the photographic team still managed to make everybody look great.
The final production was done within hours of getting off the ship in Durban and sent for final production, then it was off to the printers and the first 1000 copies went on sale at the Grand Finale.
Calendars can be ordered from www.mrgaysouthafrica.co.za. An exciting behind the scenes DVD shot by thegodcompany of the 16 guys on the Cruise to Mozambique is also available on the website.
