FirstPencil

FirstPencil is an all female 1 BB BEE Level 1 South African production company servicing clients in both South Africa and abroad.  We are passionate about creating work that combines powerful aesthetics, real connection and careful consideration.

Cape Town & Johannesburg

Directors: Justine Puren-Calverley / Mark Middlewick
Producer: Lebo Mabuela

Awarded by IDIDTHAT 

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
First Pencil | Justine Puren-Calverley
Standard Bank ‘HeforShe’ (Directors Edit & Final Mix)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Marc Algranti, EP / Music Supervisor at Pulse Music
February 2020

Judge’s comment: “Justine’s direction drew me in from the very first breath of this film. She takes you along the emotional journey. Her point of view puts you right into these women’s feelings. We never get to see their faces, the brave faces they need to put on everyday. The shortness of breath upfront creates a sense of unease and this unease continues throughout the film. Justine has managed to portray a very uncomfortable reality that is very moving and has resulted in a powerful piece of work. Well done.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
First Pencil | Justine Puren-Calverley
Siemens ‘FABRIC’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Xolisa Dyeshana, Chief Creative Officer and Partner at Joe Public
October 2018

Judges Comment: “This piece, whilst not being a traditional commercial is a beautiful idea and it’s beautifully shot. It’s very easy to switch off or for the mind to wander when looking at very technical type of visuals, but this one kept my attention till the end.”

Featured Work 

Featured Stories

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

November 7th, 2023|Comments Off on 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.

Justine Calverley’s latest car ad is a cinematic fantasy ride on Mars for Toyota

March 23rd, 2023|Comments Off on Justine Calverley’s latest car ad is a cinematic fantasy ride on Mars for Toyota

Justine Calverley’s spot for Toyota and FCB Joburg is a big-scale cinematic car ad that seamlessly blends visually stunning locations with VFX. The adventurous spot landed Justine 3rd position in AdForum’s Top 5 Best Directors Worldwide for March and we can see why. We spoke to the First Pencil filmmaker about her approach to the work.

FirstPencil’s new director only gives two F’s

September 29th, 2021|Comments Off on FirstPencil’s new director only gives two F’s

The only thing that matches director Mo Matli's obsession with film is her obsession with fitness, or as she puts it: ‘I only give two Fs, film and fitness’. Another F we would add is feeling, something her work is full of. Combine Mo’s tenacity and her drive to craft meaningful work with the production support and backing of an established house like FirstPencil and watch out world!