Meet Suné Burger | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Suné Burger and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Suné, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
It’s hard in a creative career because you really are following your passions, and because of the nature of working in the film and television industry we work odd hours, holidays, weekends till 2am/9am in the morning. The job is odd, and sometimes you get invited onto projects that start the very next day. You sometimes feel obligated that you have to say yes to everything – which is generally a good attitude to have, to get ahead, to get that experience. However, it get’s to a point where you haven’t had time to spend with yourself, your friends, your family and life can just start to become all about the “hustle”. Which can lead to you starting to hate your passion in the first place. It’s important to focus on jobs that matter to you, to not say “yes” every time and be okay with the fact that you don’t have to do every job that someone flings your way. Don’t say no every time – but remember that you can say no.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I am looking forward to my upcoming work at Sundance and getting to meet more filmmakers and see the latest up-coming films. It hasn’t been the easiest finding work in America, especially Los Angeles as there are so many filmmakers in this area. However, every project that I have gotten has led me to the next job, and I couldn’t have done it without my lecturers from my university, or my past film experience back home in South Africa that taught me so much about filmmaking. One of the most important lessons that I’ve learned along the way is that if you can offer any assistance to anyone on set, then jump at that chance. I had experiences in film school and on set where people needed help and because I jumped to assist them, they remembered that kindness and whenever they had a lead on a job or a cool networking event, they would always message me or include me in on the conversation. People remember kindness. Be a team player – that’s the best way to succeed. Someone will hire you on the next job more likely because they saw you were a good person to have on set – this business is all about the network. I’m a filmmaker that is hoping to create and be a part of more narratives that are sincere and authentic. Creating a space to tell both South African and American stories and learning more along the way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Los Angeles is a Mecca for all things film – so if you’re looking for cool spots here is my favorite’s list:

Places to eat:
Highland Park & Bowl – Opening in 1927 this bowling alley is LA’s oldest. I recommend any of their pizzas and reserving a spot to bowl asap. They also have karaoke nights in a separate room and make signature cocktails.

Swingers Diner – A great place to spot celebrities. It’s a classic diner, it stays open till 2am and is always a good spot for a late-night bite.

Mel’s Drive In – I really love diners, I really do. Mel’s is a chain, but it is a classic and you can’t beat their milkshakes. I also love that you can pick the music at your booth – I save a lot of quarters so that I can be the dj of the restaurant. Also, the one on Sunset stays open till 4am.

Beverly Hills Hotel – This place is a classic – you do have to book 2 weeks in advance, but if you go for breakfast, I highly recommend the waffle. To. Die. For. This place has featured in countless movies, and you will often see celebrities having meetings there.

Places to visit:
The Greek Theatre – Go for a concert here – I feel like it’s more intimate than the Hollywood Bowl, and being surrounded by Griffith Park is just magic!

Griffith Park Observatory – Featured in many movies, most notable is La La Land most recently. Catching a sunset is always magic!

New Beverly Cinema – Everything is on 35mm film, its Quentin Tarantino’s cinema showing special screenings of old films and new releases.

Los Feliz Theatre – Another classic old school theatre

Warner Brothers Studio Tour – One of the first tours I did, and worth the hype!

Mullholland Drive – A scenic drive!

Regency Theatre – Bruin Westwood Village or just across the road to the Village Westwood Village, on UCLA’s doorstep and has been featured in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood by Quentin Tarantino.

The Getty Villa – Free, boasting amazing views of Los Angeles and showcasing incredible art from all over the world!

Urth Café – If you’re a fan of the series Entourage then you’ll know this place.

Hollywood Cemetery – I recommend going to watch a movie through Cinespia – it’s magical and they usually have a speech from someone who worked on the film!

Places to get drinks:
Laurel Hardware – Has the façade of an actual hardware store but is actually a very beautiful place to have amazing cocktails or a nice dinner.

No Vacancy – Inside a large manor style house, you make your way inside greeted with three doors, you have to pick the right one to get inside! It’s reminiscent of old Hollywood, just off of Hollywood Boulevard.

Good Times at Davey Wayne’s – This is a 70’s retro bar that you enter through a fridge door. The décor is styled for the decade and the drinks are the best!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to dedicate this to my family. Who have been the most supportive group of people in this journey of chasing my dreams. All my aunts an uncles who helped me find locations, lent me their gazebos and given their much needed advice on my projects. To my parents, who drove me to theatre groups, and who showed me the most incredible and obscure films. Supported me in going to film school, and for always being in my corner. Liefde vir almal.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/suneburger/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/suneburger

Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11462028/?ref_=nmbio_bio_nm

Image Credits
Linh Tang and Joshua La Grange