“We set out to send South Africa’s beloved Gusheshe into space,” says Steve Tyler, founder of DreamDrive.co.za. After months of planning and one high-stakes, 2-hour-50-minute flight, Steve and 7 Films overcame freezing temperatures and strict weight limits to pull off this ambitious mission. Here's how.
When it comes to comedy in advertising, few directors in South Africa understand the craft like Together Films’ Bevan Cullinan. His latest Christmas commercial for Spar, created with TBWA Durban, is packed with British humour, hilarious local insights, and viral appeal, the 3-minute spot is a comedic gem. Go Bevan!
For the second year running, Checkers, agency 99c, and production company 7 Films have crafted a Christmas campaign that doesn’t just pull at your heartstrings, it tugs with both hands. Following the success of their previous Christmas campaign, this year’s takes to the skies with a Checkers Sixty60 branded aeroplane delivering the gift of togetherness.
Carbon Films has announced the signing of rising director Koketso Matabane to their roster. With a sharp eye for clever, idea-driven work and a knack for storytelling shaped by five years in the Joburg creative and film scene, Koketso is already making her mark. She recently directed a campaign for MTN which among her other work caught the eye of Carbon Films, which she now calls home.
Production company They has signed Steezus, an emerging filmmaker with an undeniable passion for fashion, music, and narrative-rich, visually captivating work. Known for his self-described role as a “visual composer”, Steezus combines an editorial eye with rhythm and narrative.
In under a year, Fam Films, led by founders Aadil Dhalech and Mpho Twala, has delivered nine major campaigns, working nonstop between Jozi, Cape Town, and Nairobi, with a talented team that includes Jess Schipper, Hallie Haller, Gcobisa Yako, and newly-signed director Fhathuwani Mukheli.
Bioscope Films officially welcomes director Jessie Zinn, fresh off her IDIDTHAT Best of Craft win for Sonnenglas. Her first job with Bioscope. The spot was shot exclusively at dusk and dawn over an eight-day journey across South Africa and Eswatini, capturing the beauty of light for the solar brand.
Senior editor and Syndicate founder Nic Goodwin’s latest work for Black Crown, in collaboration with Egg Films’ director Lebogang Rasethaba, highlights Nic’s talent for elevating storytelling through sharp, nuanced (and really cool) editing. This was a dream brief he took full advantage of.
Known for his comedy and performance chops and keen eye for the visual, director Peri is spreading his wings with Superkind. The latest Cape Town-based full-service production company is rooted in an affinity for collaboration and a vision to bring a fresh approach to every project.
Tessa Ford Post is synonymous with high-end post-production in South Africa. Beyond big-budget campaigns, they’re a creative-first, approachable team, taking on projects of all sizes.
Egg Films has signed Canadian-based director Marc Sidelsky, bringing his cinematic style and subversive humor to South Africa. Known for his deadpan, bone-dry wit, Marc now has a creative home for his bold storytelling at Egg Films, where he’ll be available for local agency work.
Fell + Co is a creative agency that offers full-service production and post under one roof, delivering faster turnarounds, smarter budgets, and personalised service. Head of Relations Kirsten Gerber says, “We don’t sell products; we tell stories about people who do.
This year, South Africa’s NETO+SHOOKAN, in collaboration with VML SA helped win 8 Cannes Lions for a global Coca-Cola campaign. We spoke with Executive Producer Paresh Shookan and photographer Kgomotso ‘Neto’ Tleane, who crafted the South African contribution.
Operating on a lean model with minimal overheads, Usual Suspects Films offers agencies and clients big value at highly competitive rates. Since its founding in 2017, the post-production house has been delivering top services across commercials, feature films, and doccies, as well as long-form on platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and Showmax. They offer everything from offline and online editing to colour grading, whatever the project needs.
Giant Films’ Karien Cherry delivers her latest spot for Volkswagen in collaboration with Ogilvy South Africa and the visual effects maestros at Chocolate Tribe and well, hello there CRAFT! Proven to be one of our country’s top conceptual and performance directors, this ad further cements Karien’s reputation by showcasing her exceptional visual craft.
This month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards brought together two powerhouse judges: Neema Nouse, Integrated Creative Director at The Odd Number, and Dani Hynes, Director and Founder of Love Films. And they both agreed – Best of Craft this month goes to Karien Cherry from Giant Films.
And this for the spitfire intro: With over 24 years of directing 360+ commercials across 32 countries, Spitfire’s Co-Founder AK is one of South Africa’s most experienced directors. Beyond the awards and on-set adventures, his journey is also about family, personal growth, and a deep love of film.
Former Pulse Films director Alex Motlhabane returns to South Africa after a successful UK career working with brands like Pepsi and Amazon, and directing music videos for slowthai and A$AP Rocky. He now brings his expertise to Robot Films.
Lazola Gola’s latest Weetbix campaign is a perfect example of comedy having it's moment in advertising. Teaming up with M&C Saatchi Abel, Lazola brings his signature offbeat humor to the breakfast table, crafting a colorful, quirky, and memorable campaign.
Social impact campaigns are resource-intensive, requiring expertise to ensure lasting benefits. Here's why agencies partner with experts like Bloom & Stone.
