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

Co – Founder & Director: Justine Puren-Calverley
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

FEATURED

IDIDTHAT Craft Awards February 2023

March 7th, 2023|

This month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by red-carpet-worthy talents of Julie Thorogood, Creative Director at NetworkBBDO and Mark Middlewick, Director at First Pencil. Congratulations to Director Imraan Christian from Arcade and Strangelove Editor Shelby Ncube who were awarded Best in Craft this month by both judges.

She Did That at Loeries 2022 – Directors

February 7th, 2023|

The 2022 Loeries Official Rankings were released last week and although we don't think awards and accolades mean everything (they're pretty cool though), they definitely get our attention when they reflect the high level of work being created by some of the talented women and non-binary people in our industry right now. Below we have showcased five of the top-ranked film directors in the country according to the Loeries. Congratulations and here's to seeing a lot more representation in 2023 💪🏾

IDIDTHAT Craft Awards May 2022

June 8th, 2022|

This month's IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by Mohlalefi Lentsoane, Executive Creative Director at M&C Saatchi Abel (JHB) and Mfundo Mkhize, Director at The Star Film Company. Congratulations to Kyla Philander and Fausto Becatti walking away with May's Craft Awards. We don't know what they put in the water at Bioscope Films (maybe Corona and Espolōn Tequila??) but it's working!

IDIDTHAT Presents ‘She Did That’ April 2022

April 22nd, 2022|

SHE DID THAT is a female filmmakers showcase that shines a spotlight on the women in the South African production industry. Although we will only be featuring women and non-binary people, the goal is that it will encourage the inclusion of more underrepresented filmmakers across all production work created by South Africans. This month features Ayanda Duma from Robot, Justine Calverley from First Pencil, and Nicole Maria Ackermann from Romance Films.