

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
Director & Co-founder | Justine Puren Calverley
Justine has worked on projects ranging from subtle and warm performance pieces to complex 3D animation, realistic visual effects, outlandish stop-frame, Big Data documentaries and even the collation of a Fashion Show. Her love for the craft shows in her attention to detail and scrupulous integrity to concept, regardless of the brief.
Producer | Lebo Mabuela
Lebo is the glue that keeps both the team and the production together. She’s our tie-breaker and our final decision.
With over 10 years of production experience, Lebo can negotiate any location, wrangle any crew and bring together any production – big or small.
- 2016 CICLOPE New Balance – Dean (Silver – Editing)
- 2016 New Generation Awards – Dstv From My Home to Your Home (Best Integrated Marketing Campaign by an Agency), (Most Innovative Digital Campaign by a Large Agency)
- 2016 Loeries – SANBS – Sit down to Save lives (Silver)
- 2015 Cannes – War Museum – Cup of Life (Bronze)
- 2015 Loeries – War Museum – Cup of Life (Gold)
First Pencil
13 9th Street
Mellville
Johannesburg
Gauteng
2109
Producer: Lebo Mabuela
[email protected]
+27 071 687 0508
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
Best in Film Craft: February 2018
Executive Creative Director at Publicis Machine, Gareth McPherson, has come a long way since roaming the cutthroat halls of Rondebosch Boys’ High. Lucky for us Gareth rose above this adversity and is now a badass creative leader and we’re honoured to have him judge this month’s iDidTht Craft Awards.

