Sam Coleman’s inspiring homage to South African creativity
Rappers, skaters, designers, metalheads, toymakers and nail pimps all come together in Sam Coleman’s electric new anthem for KFC and agency Ogilvy South Africa.
Marketer Spotlight: Behind the Craft with Khensani Nobanda
As Nedbank’s Group Executive for Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Khensani Nobanda is a firm believer in the power of well-crafted creativity. She backs ideas that are not only socially impactful but beautifully executed, like Nedbank Youth X The Class of ‘76, which won Best in Craft for Direction in IDIDTHAT’s Craft Awards last year. Here’s 5-minutes with Khensani Nobanda.
Dani ‘Loves a Challenge’ Hynes on choosing ideas over categories every time
Few directors can say they’ve worked with synchronized swimmers, talking ducks, and bubbling cheese, but Dani Hynes can. The Love Films director thrives on problem-solving, bringing ideas to life across any genre. We caught up with her to chat about directing across categories, industry shifts, and why it’s all about the idea, not the category.
Marketer Spotlight: Behind the Craft with Bridget Harpur
Bridget Harpur, VW South Africa’s Head of Marketing, is all about telling beautifully crafted stories. Bridget proves what’s possible when marketers fight for the craft and that’s exactly why we need more of her. Case in point? The VW Tiguan ‘Life on the Mind’ commercial, which snagged Best in Craft for Direction and a Mention for VFX in IDIDTHAT’s monthly Craft Awards last year. Here’s 5-minutes with Bridget Harpur.
Sylvester Chauke on clean creativity, industry resistance, and the future of ethical advertising
Sylvester Chauke, Founder of DNA Brand Architects, recently signed the Clean Creatives pledge, committing to a future free from fossil fuel promotion. In this conversation, he shares his motivations, the challenges ahead, and why the industry must take a stand.
GPS-tracking drone, flying spotlight, one-shot 2-minute music video – here’s how director Rob Smith pulled it off
Director Rob Smith and Flattery Films take motion control to the skies in PHFAT’s latest music video, Faces in the Light ft. Nazieg. Using two drones, one as a GPS-locked aerial camera and the other as a spotlight, they pulled off a one-shot video with the kind of precision that has to be seen to be believed.
Run Jump Fly responsible for zebras strolling down Grayston Drive, South Africa
Run Jump Fly’s latest spot for Investec had the internet convinced it was AI-generated. But the truth is, every detail was handcrafted by their in-house team of directors, animators, designers, editors, and music composers. This boutique production company has become a specialist in Mixed-Reality OOH, yet they seem to be run-jump-flying under the radar.
Director Mark Strydom goes solo
On this Valentine’s Day, Mark Strydom isn’t just bringing flowers, he’s bringing his A-game as an independent director. With expertise in storytelling, directing celebrities, sports stars, and influencers, he’s ready to collaborate direct(or)ly with agencies, brands, and production houses on everything from high-energy sports campaigns to sleek tech ads.
Meet ART MAYBE, young talented production team making moves
ART MAYBE is a South African production company bringing high-energy storytelling and visuals to the scene. Founded in 2023 by director Masedi Ranyane and DP/Editor Kea Ditaunyane, they started in music videos, attracting U.S. artists before catching the attention of brands like Adidas, Converse, and Reebok. Now fully focused on commercials, here's what you should know.
Adam Howard uses Cell C’s office basement to create new sonic branding
Known to some as “Mister Music Man” or “King of the Jingle,” few people geek out over sound and sonic branding quite like Adam Howard. With Gold Loeries, multiple Clios, and 15 years as one of the top-ranked composers in the country, it’s no surprise he was asked by agency Joe Public to flex his audio branding expertise, this time for Cell C’s full sonic rebrand.
South African team creates a buzz with KFC Thailand’s ‘Cake’ ad. BTS with Director Bruno Bossi of Carbon Films
What happens when the world starts turning into cake? A South African team has the industry buzzing about the latest KFC Thailand commercial, not just for its originality but for its impeccable craft. Directed by Bruno Bossi from Carbon Films and conceptualised by the newly launched local agency Bananas. We sat down with Bruno to go behind the scenes.
Ola! Films Turns 18, Director Amy Allais talks choreography, kids, and the name that got away
Founders Amy Allais and Olivia Leitch launched Ola! Films 18 years ago, shaping it into one of South Africa’s top production companies. With a growing roster of talent and a new international service department, Amy reflects on their journey, her career as a director, and how she still wishes they called it Leotard Films.
Butterfly Films reboots – leaner, smarter, more powerful
Butterfly Films was born in the post-TVC world, where navigating challenging budgets became part of their DNA, says Co-Founder and Executive Producer Felix Seuffert. With 15 years of global advertising production experience, they continue to thrive on this resourceful mindset.
And the Oscar Shortlist goes to Director Cindy Lee from Star Films, a masterpiece!
[Editor’s note: Since publication, Cindy Lee’s short film The Last Ranger has advanced from the Oscar shortlist to an official nomination!] There is a handful of directors that our industry turns to when they have a really meaty narrative script, and Star Films’ Cindy Lee is undoubtedly among them. Her short film The Last Ranger is a heartbreaking masterpiece. It is compelling, gut-wrenching, and beautifully crafted, earning its well-deserved spot on the 2025 Oscar shortlist.
A Decade On… 10 Reflections of a CEO
Nosipho Maketo-van den Bragt, CEO and co-founder of Chocolate Tribe, shares 10 reflections from her journey leading a creative studio for the past decade. From embracing change to celebrating wins, her insights are a must-read for aspiring entrepreneurs and industry leaders alike.
Behind the scenes, 7 Films and Steve Tyler send a BMW to space to launch Dreamdrive.co.za
“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.
Director Bevan Cullinan mines comedy gold for Spar’s viral Christmas campaign
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!
Grab the tissues, Agency 99c, 7 Films and Checkers deliver another Christmas miracle
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.
Rising Director Koketso Matabane joins Carbon Films
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.
Year one done, Fam Films share insights on their people-first approach
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.