On this Valentine’s Day, Mark Strydom isn’t just bringing flowers, he’s bringing his A-game as an independent director. After years of directing on the roster at top South African production companies, he’s now taking his experience direct(or)ly to agencies, brands, and as a gun-for-hire to production houses. Mark brings a passion for storytelling and years of experience directing celebrities, sports stars and influencers across the continent. Whether it’s high-energy sports campaigns, sleek tech ads, or relatable product-driven stories, Mark’s your guy.

“As an independent director, I’m more agile and hands-on,” says Mark. “I’m deeply involved in every stage of the process, whether it’s concepting, writing, or directing on set. I’ve been working like this for years, and my clients and the creatives I’ve worked with trust me because they know I won’t settle for anything less than exceptional.”

Screengrabs from Mark’s commercials for Betika, Ster-Kinekor, DSTV

Mark loves work that demands clever techie innovation and precision (not surprising when you see his impeccably coiffed hair, seriously, not a strand out of place!). With a strong background in visual effects and an eye for performance, he loves jobs that require impressive visuals, complex technical execution, and storytelling with heart. “These are the projects I excel at. Whether it’s capturing the intensity of a game, showcasing the functionality of a product, or telling a story that moves people, I bring a mix of creativity, technical mastery, and problem-solving to every shoot,” says Mark. He’s also experienced in working with a variety of cutting-edge tools and techniques including Bolt and Phantom slow-motion and drone aerial photography, and underwater rigs. Hands-on experience aside though, his work is pure feel-good fuel; high-energy, fun, packed with endearing charm.  

Mark’s most recent work includes the SA20 cricket campaign where he brought together South Africa’s top players, cricket fans and celebs for a foot-tapping hip-swaying clap-along to get our country rallying behind the boys. “SA20 is all about the energy, passion, and diversity of the game. The campaign celebrates cricket not just as a sport but as a culture that unites people,” adds Mark.

Mark’s career has taken him everywhere, from the busy streets of Lagos and picturesque villages in Mozambique to the energy of Mumbai. Each location presents unique logistical and creative opportunities, which Mark thrives on. Having directed countless campaigns across the continent, he’s gained a deep appreciation for the cultural nuances that make each place unique. DOP Motheo Moeng says, “Mark has a unique way of making people feel safe and comfortable in front of the camera, and I think that stems from his love for culture and interest in our differences and similarities too.” 

“It’s not just about showing up; it’s about asking the right questions, working with the right people, and telling their stories as truthfully and respectfully as possible. You have to adapt, immerse yourself, and deliver work that resonates genuinely no matter where it’s made,” says Mark.

And there’s no job too complex for Mark. Over the years, he has consciously built strong connections with talented professionals across the industry and around the world. He knows exactly who to bring on board, tailoring his team to the job’s scope and specific technical needs.

When it comes to the latest tech, Mark is the ultimate fan boy. He’s currently working on a campaign starring world-champion footballers, but due to their schedules, these athletes couldn’t attend the shoot, so Mark is using the latest AI and deepfake technology to integrate them into the campaign. Does that scare us? Yes. Is it cool? Hell yes! “This is the future,” he says. “If we get it right, it will revolutionise how we work with ambassadors and athletes. Imagine scanning their faces and completing the shoot with body doubles, it’s efficient without sacrificing authenticity.”

With campaigns for brands like Fanta, Parimatch, Coca-Cola, and Samsung, Mark has navigated the challenges of shooting in diverse locations with a focus on collaboration and a sharp eye for detail. He says, “For me, it’s all about the people. The creators, the characters, the audience, and the consumer. I love listening, understanding their stories and perspectives to craft something that not only connects but makes audiences feel something real, something memorable, while authentically driving the product’s impact.”