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.
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.
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.
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!!
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.
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.’
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Michael Rodrigues, who is fast establishing himself as a stylistic director with a captivating and moving visual language, has joined Together Films’ director roster. Michael's reel spans commercials, films, and music videos. His work has earned him recognition at festivals worldwide, including a recent win at the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival for Best Music Video and, ahem, a few IDIDTHAT Craft Awards.
TinToy Films has been in the commercials production game for over a decade, and as Executive Producer Warren Ferreira jokingly puts it, ‘We started when we were young and dumb.’ Now that both Warren and TinToy director Ian Morgan, have become first-time dads, they thought it was about time that their company mature along with them. What began as a one-stop production shop has morphed into an established director based production house with an impressive reel and fresh new branding.
Director Thati Pele’s road to 2023 has been eventful and, at times, contradictory. Recently known for her directing work on the Netflix teen drama ‘Blood and Water’ and the original series ‘Savage Beauty’, Thati is now switching gears from longform to continue again as a commercial filmmaker. With a proven track record as a strong storyteller and a Volkswagen campaign that showcased her versatility in both performance and comedy, Thati has joined Patriot Films where she is destined to craft stand-out commercial work.
Director Erik Johann Van Wyk, one of South Africa’s most talented exports is home. The multi-award-winning director renowned for his emotionally moving high-concept work has returned to South Africa and launched his own local production company, ‘Lovers & Fighters.’
Imraan Christian’s recent move to Egg Films marks a natural, yet anticipated, evolution in his artistic journey. The award-winning director has very quickly made a name for himself in the commercials world, crafting strong visual work and embracing a profound commitment to creating lasting relationships with his collaborators and cast. This philosophy is beautifully encapsulated in his personal mantra, ‘I always hope to leave more than I take.’ The announcement of Imraan joining the roster at Egg Films coincides with the release of his latest commercial for TymeBank in collaboration Accenture Song.
POST has established itself as a top full-service post-production, VFX and Sound Design solutions hub with a super sexy creative space housed in the Old Castle Brewery in Cape Town. Get ready to high-five convenience because the team are now broadening their offering as they are joined in their building by Two AM Music. Although the companies will remain independent, the under-one-roof collaboration will mean that POST clients will now have in-house access to Original Music Composition and studio-quality Voice-over recording facilities.
Renowned for her artistry in commercial production design, Cape Town-based Louise Knepscheld has once again demonstrated her level of craft and expertise in her latest work for the Canadian paper brand ‘Kruger.’ Teaming up with award-winning Canadian director Mark Zibert, Louise has created visually evocative environments that explore all the twists and turns of love, from first glances to growing old together. And for us, this ad was love at first sight. We can’t wait to see more of Louise’s talent in our local South African spots. Have a look Saffas.
CreateSA.tv is a 100% female-owned production company that’s basically doing it all, and doing it a little differently. Their talent pool includes directors, cinematographers, photographers, and editors, all geared up to create TVC’s, digital content, and campaign stills. Apart from offering solutions from concept to post, what really sets CreateSA.tv apart, is the heartbeat of the company – an approach they call #Radicalinclusivity.
Students from South Africa’s advertising schools are currently coming up with ideas to inspire ad-makers in the commercials industry to stop using their talents to promote fossil fuel companies. These commercials directly contribute to the climate crisis by creating positive perceptions about fossil fuel companies, distracting from activism work and thus slowing down legislation that will stop the damage they are doing.
