Leigh Tanchel(1970-2010)

Leigh was born on 20th April in 1970. A natural athlete and a born leader, he excelled at swimming and athletics. He also played league soccer for Balfour Park and culminated his primary school career by being elected Head Boy. Leigh excelled in rugby during his high school career. He was the captain of the 1st Team and was chosen for the Craven Week Trials. As a rugby legend, pupils at King David spoke of his prowess for many years after. His team won the Rugby League in his Matric year, and the new rugby pavilion at King David was named for them and their feat, something which has not been achieved again. Leigh was a prefect in matric and was elected Sportsman of The Year. After completing two years in the Air Force, Leigh entered Rhodes University where he obtained a degree in Journalism and Psychology. After a short career in journalism, he joined the film industry, starting as a runner. He worked as a Location Manager for a period before joining the AD department. Leigh enjoyed spectacular success as a 1st Assistant Director, with a feature film and television career spanning the years from 1994 to 2009. Leigh grew to be a giant amongst us, with his reputation preceding him. Requests for him from international directors and producers became the norm. As a natural strategist, and imbued with equal measures of knowledge, experience and fairness, he was a joy to work with. He was thoughtful, intelligent, genuine, fun to be with and believed in the goodness of others. His considered approach to every project engendered confidence in all of those around him. Although a disciplined academic, with great tenacity and resolve, Leigh was always exceedingly kind and generous with his knowledge and time. We all learned from him and he will leave this industry considerably richer for the many future Assistant Directors that he mentored and guided. Leigh's plight has been a shattering blow to the industry and one that will take some time for many of us to recover from. The sheer volume and outpouring of love and support both here and internationally, bear testament to the truly special, inspirational and charismatic man that we had in our midst. In 1992, Leigh met his life partner, Karin. Our thoughts and prayers go to Karin and to their beautiful son Micah at this time.