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‘A nimble bunch of over-achievers,’ it’s about time you meet LittleBig

Established in 2003 LittleBig is a full-service video production and activation company that, we think, has been flying under people’s radar for far too long. It had us baffled that these guys were bringing home top international awards for South Africa over the past few years (hello Gold Cannes Lions) yet we weren’t seeing their name in the headlines. So, we made a point to get to know the team and find out more about what they do behind the scenes to get onto the main stage at Cannes.

admin2024-04-26T12:50:45+02:00April 26th, 2024|Categories: Editorial, LittleBig Editorial|Tags: LittleBig|

Spitfire boosts its talent roster with the arrival of director Paul Ramaema

Spitfire has welcomed director Paul Ramaema to its roster, solidifying the production company’s reputation for fostering young gifted talent. Paul’s work ranges from car commercials to music videos and comedy performance spots; a great fit for a production company that embraces multi-talented directors.

admin2024-04-03T15:08:55+02:00April 3rd, 2024|Categories: Editorial, Spitfire Editorial|Tags: Paul Ramaema, Spitfire, Spitfire Films|

Director Christopher Lee from And. captures luxury in his latest car commercial for Lexus

Christopher Lee’s direction of the latest Lexus commercial is reflective of a director who is considered, detail-oriented and deeply in love with cars. In reality, Chris is a race car driver who happens to be a director at the same time, and he’s probably the fastest director on four wheels.

admin2024-04-03T15:23:32+02:00March 18th, 2024|Categories: And. Editorial, Editorial|Tags: And., CHRISTOPHER LEE|

Egg Films appoints Lisa Wides as Head of Communication

Egg Films is thrilled to welcome Lisa Wides (formerly Lisa Jaffee) as their new Head of Communication. She’s no newcomer to the advertising world, bringing over 17 years of experience as an agency TV Producer, most recently serving as the Head of Broadcast at Ogilvy before taking a break to raise kids. Lisa will be a dedicated resource and point of contact for agencies, working closely with agency producers and creatives, serving as the go-to person, and providing agencies with an invaluable resource throughout campaigns.

admin2024-03-12T11:28:08+02:00March 12th, 2024|Categories: Editorial, Egg Films Editorial|Tags: Egg Films|

Chocolate Tribe’s creature realism in Netflix feature a first for the continent

Chocolate Tribe, the high-end visual effects, animation, and IP development studio, has once again made us say, ‘Wait, is that not real?!’ The game of creature creation on the continent has been taken to another level with their latest animated hyena character named Jonga, a photoreal masterpiece crafted for the Netflix film ‘iNumber Number 2: Jozi Gold.’ This project marks the first CGI-created creature to come from South Africa in a Netflix feature but more importantly, this work proves that even our smaller studios from South Africa can rival the best in the world. Go Tribe!

admin2024-04-15T12:01:18+02:00March 8th, 2024|Categories: Chocolate Tribe Editorial, Editorial|Tags: Chocolate Tribe|

Director Dave Meinert goes ‘all in’ on global Nivea campaign

‘I knew we were making progress when we finally had a recce where no one puked, bled or needed to be medically evacuated,’ says Dave Meinert of directing this epic project spanning several months and countries. Dave is already known for his ability to craft intimate portraits in remote (often dangerous) settings, so it’s a no-brainer that he was tasked to bring these ambitious hero journeys to life for Nivea. Here’s a look into how the maestro did it, with a little help from his South African friends.

admin2024-02-27T10:23:16+02:00February 27th, 2024|Categories: Editorial|Tags: Dave Meinert|

Together Films’ Executive Producer Gaye Leong on changing times and rolling with trends

It was while shooting one of the first commercials to be filmed in South Africa during lockdown, that Executive Producer Gaye Leong officially launched Together Films. The foundation of the company was laid and the mission statement clear – Together we can do anything, no matter the times. Now, four years and a growing roster of talent later Gaye shares some of the top industry trends her production company has encountered, adapted to and rolled with, Together.

admin2024-02-15T08:29:20+02:00February 15th, 2024|Categories: Editorial, Together Films Editorial, Uncategorized|Tags: Gaye Leong, Together Films|

He’s raw, he’s real, he’s Carbon Films’ new director, Christian Mangachena

Carbon Films has announced that multitalented director Christian Mangachena has joined their roster. Christian brings a distinctive visual style to advertising that feels unfamiliar, raw and real. As a director with a background in cinematography and editing, Christian uses camera angles, locations, textures and colour palettes to take a deep dive into culture that feels unconventional and refreshing. Christian brings something that we don’t think we’ve seen before and with the production chops of Carbon, we can’t wait to see more.

admin2024-02-13T10:04:23+02:00February 12th, 2024|Categories: Carbon Films Editorial, Editorial|Tags: Carbon Films, Christian Mangachena|

Directors on Directors. The women of ROMANCE – Nicole Ackerman, Jabu Newman and Emilie Badenhorst

The Loeries released their rankings for 2023 and congratulations to ROMANCE for being ranked the number one production company in South Africa. BOOM. What better way to celebrate than to go fly-on-the-wall as three ROMANCE directors, Nicole Ackerman, Jabu Newman and Emilie Badenhorst interview each other. They get candid about their process, background, influences and the women who helped them along their way.

admin2024-02-08T15:06:57+02:00February 8th, 2024|Categories: Editorial, ROMANCE Editorial|Tags: Emilie Badenhorst, Jabu Newman, Nicole Ackerman, ROMANCE, Romance Films|

THEY is proud to add Robin Goode to their directors roster

Robin is one of those true filmmakers with incredible visual artistry chops. He’s blessed with the double superpower of being able to create evocative imagery while crafting powerful performances. With multiple Cannes Lion awards, a Loerie Grand Prix, over 15 years of commercial directing experience and two feature films under his belt, Robin adds his experience to the already established roster at They.

admin2024-01-26T09:53:21+02:00January 26th, 2024|Categories: Editorial, They Editorial|Tags: Robin Goode|

How 70 000 globes did more than light up the town of Stanford

What might have been a bleak Christmas for small-town Stanford has transformed into one of the most memorable festive seasons the town’s tourism has ever seen. Agency 99c, production company 7 Films and Checkers wanted to honour this community that stood together during the town’s recent floods by lighting up the main street with a Santa-approved lights display. Bringing a little bit of ‘xtra joy’ back to a community that nearly lost everything ended up having a lasting impact felt throughout the area.

admin2023-12-13T08:30:18+02:00December 13th, 2023|Categories: 7Films Editorial, 99c Press, Editorial|Tags: 7Films, 99c, Checkers|

Director Maxime Davenport brings technical chops to storytelling, fits right in at 7 Films

What gives Maxime Davenport her edge is the fact that she didn’t ever take a shortcut to becoming a full-time director. Initially trained as a DOP, Maxime went on to cut her teeth as an editor and has put in her time as a researcher for the top directors in South Africa. She did all this while building up her own director’s reel. With her arsenal of experience, Maxime joins 7 Films as a full-time commercial director drawn to their extensive experience with technical boards, impressive car spots and passion for performance-based storytelling.

admin2023-12-04T14:29:01+02:00December 4th, 2023|Categories: 7Films Editorial, Editorial|Tags: 7 Films, Maxime Davenport|

Local production company JOE and director Dan Mace wipe out competition on international stage for the Shorty Impact Awards

Director Dan Mace and his Cape Town-based production company JOE bagged two international Shorty Impact Awards in Los Angeles recently; the ‘Global Impact of The Year’ and ‘Audience Honour’ Awards. Dan (who honestly could make a cube of ice go viral, if he hasn’t yet!) and JOE were recognised for their work for the Beast Philanthropy YouTube channel, where the Beast Philanthropy team, led by Darren Margolias, transformed the Baphumelele orphanage in Khayelitsha. The awarded work was for YouTube and currently stands at over 30 million views! Shut the front door!!

admin2023-12-04T15:05:09+02:00December 4th, 2023|Categories: Editorial, JOE Editorial|Tags: Dan Mace, JOE, Shorty Impact Awards|

Darling Films is asking you to swipe right on Darling Fling

Darling Films is asking people to have a fling, a Darling Fling. Executive Producer heavyweights Lorraine Smit and Melina McDonald have launched Darling Fling with Mmameyi Mphahlele appointed as the Executive Producer. Darling Fling is an extension of Darling Films and a new offering that will bring any of your wildest creative ideas to life by sourcing the right talent for your project. With the trio’s years of creative problem-solving experience and the production backing of Darling, you know you’re gonna have a safe fling.

admin2023-11-29T15:24:06+02:00November 28th, 2023|Categories: Darling Films Editorial, Darling Fling Editorial, Editorial|Tags: Darling Films, Darling Fling|

Pretty Neat Right?

Pretty Neat may describe itself as a boutique production company, but its capabilities aren’t small-fry. Launched by director Alex Fynn and Executive Producer Tassyn Munro Fynn, Pretty Neat takes on projects of all sizes, from big brand campaigns to intimate shoots. And at the core of their offering is a philosophy that we love; ‘create moving pictures that move people.’

admin2023-11-14T14:00:49+02:00November 14th, 2023|Categories: Editorial, Pretty Neat Editorial|Tags: Alex Fynn, Emma Wilson, Louw Venter, Pretty Neat|

Creative Cleanup Challenge, winners announced and message from students clear, ad folks need to ditch fossil fuel clients

Students from some of the top creative, advertising and design schools in the country took part in the Creative Cleanup 2023 live brief challenge. The challenge was clear – inspire ad-makers (their seniors) in the commercials industry to stop using their talents to promote fossil fuel companies. The winning work has been released and the message across the board was clear, these students do not want to touch briefs from fossil fuel companies.

admin2023-11-09T16:17:35+02:00November 9th, 2023|Categories: Editorial|Tags: Clean Creatives|

First Pencil’s Justine Calverley crafts heartwarming journey home for Promise Agency and Capitec Bank

Justine Calverley and the team at First Pencil, led by Executive Producer Lebo Mabuela, are quickly cementing a reputation as home runners in the world of emotive storytelling. Their new spot for Promise Agency and Capitec Bank is a heartwarming story with moving performances, something we have come to expect from the team. The pace is stand-out in this commercial that deals with themes of family, love and sacrifice.

admin2023-11-07T13:01:45+02:00November 7th, 2023|Categories: Editorial, FirstPencil Editorial|Tags: First Pencil, Justine Calverley|

Chasing the human spirit, meet 7 Films’ new director Hayden Brown

Hayden Brown, the fresh face at 7 Films, takes the reins as their new commercials director with a real talent for capturing the essence of the human spirit. His journey from the world of extreme sports, where he excelled as an international downhill mountain bike athlete, to his roles as a cinematographer, editor, and director, laid the foundation for the filmmaker he’s evolved into today. It’s safe to say that when you watch Hayden’s work, it’s bound to give you those good ol’ goosies.

admin2023-11-01T12:27:51+02:00November 1st, 2023|Categories: 7Films Editorial, Editorial|Tags: 7Films, Hayden Brown|

Spitfire’s Katlego Baaitse, capturing the funny of South Africa

Chances are, the name Katlego Baaitse has been ringing in your ears more frequently, and there’s good reason for it. Currently, everything he touches is catching the attention of the top judging talent, who all seem to be playing a game of ‘Katlego Bingo’ because they all agree; that he is a formidable performance and comedy director. With an insatiable appetite for big-scale world-building Katlego is consistently surprising us with work that is as excellent as it is eccentric.

admin2023-10-27T07:25:52+02:00October 26th, 2023|Categories: Editorial, Spitfire Editorial|Tags: Katlego Baaitse, Spitfire Films|

Clean Creatives publishes the F-List, naming 41 South African agencies and PR companies using their talents for fossil fuel companies

Clean Creatives has taken another step toward fostering accountability among advertisers in South Africa who collaborate with fossil fuel companies. The local chapter has unveiled its F-list, featuring 41 agencies and PR firms in South Africa with either current or past partnerships with fossil fuel companies such as Shell, TotalEnergies, BP, and Sasol. This kind of advertising not only distracts from critical activism efforts but also hinders the progress of vital legislation aimed at mitigating the harm caused by these companies.

admin2023-10-13T14:56:05+02:00October 13th, 2023|Categories: Editorial|Tags: Clean Creatives|