Best in Craft awarded to Ross Garrett from Darling Films for Johnnie Walker ‘Trevor Noah’

We’re sliding into 2020 with the first IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards for the year. And who better to kick things off than Black River FC’s Executive Creative Director, Roanna Williams. With over twenty years of industry experience and the trophy cabinet to back it up, we couldn’t think of anyone more suited for the position. Thank you Roanna, as always, we are not worthy!

‘What are the IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards?’ Every month we team up with ad industry leaders to award the finest in South African film and production craft across these different categories: Direction, Editing, Cinematography, Animation and SFX, Online, Original Sound, Sound Design and Final Mix. It’s just another way that we make it ridiculously easy to stay up-to-date with who’s doing the best work in the country.

BEST IN CRAFT:
Johnnie Walker ‘Trevor Noah’
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
(Direction Craft)

“Since 1999, the Johnnie Walker brand has been telling people to “Keep Walking”, inspiring people to think of their own journey of progression. This month Best of Reel for direction, goes to Ross Garret’s, Johnnie Walker “Trevor Noah” which without a doubt inspires progress. Through a fresh, modern fast-paced direction style, Ross managed to honour the brands history, where it has come from, and where it’s heading. If you break down the story being told, it is a very simple one and one we know. But through his loose camera work, dynamic editing approach, old school projector effects, music, sound and visuals, he has managed to create a film that keeps you engaged and inspires you to ‘keep walking’. Nicely done!!!!”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION:
Hyundai Genesis ‘Nothing Feels Like The First Time’
0307 Films | Kim Geldenhuys
(Direction Craft)

“What a visual feast and an enticing voice over. You are drawn in by the epic cinematography and dynamic direction. Each shot is an art piece, perfectly framed and considered. The beautiful grade and powerful dynamic shots of human firsts flow effortlessly into impressive car shots. I could watch this over and over.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION:
Game ‘You’ve got Game’
The Star Film Company | Tebza Malope
(Direction Craft)

“Love this spot. Why? Because it’s so great for a brand like Game. It’s fun, quirky, South African and makes me want to step into “my Game”. It feels authentically South African through the cast, scenes and the local humour.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION:
Ingrams ‘Your Skin. Your Brave’
Bomb Commercials | Justice Muhkeli
(Direction Craft)

“I could feel Justice’s soul, his truth and his storytelling in this piece for Ingrams. It is told beautifully, honestly and with a special human touch.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION:
Edgars ‘Imperfection’
Bioscope Films | Fausto Becatti
(Direction Craft)

“Fausto has managed to bring his modern direction edge into this amazing film for Edgars. It is very nicely cast and each frame has been thoroughly considered in art direction, framing performance restraint and grading.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION:
Consol Glass ‘Audio Branding for Consol Glass’
Howard Audio | Adam Howard
(Audio Branding/Mnemonic Creation Craft)

“There was only one entry in this category. However, this mnemonic for Consol Glass created by Adam Howard deserves a special mention. The process he went through to create this two second mnemonic is inspiring. It’s a lesson in going the extra mile. Something we don’t see that often anymore. Well done! True audio passion.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC

IDIDTHAT GUEST JUDGE: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC

Roanna Williams recently joined Black River FC as Executive Creative Director. She has over twenty years of brand communication experience, and has worked for some of South Africa’s best advertising agencies. Prior to Black River FC, she was instrumental in driving the creative output for Joe Public United for 7 years. She has had the opportunity to work on an extensive stable of clients, some of which include ABInbev, Nedbank, Chicken Licken, Clover, BMW, Altron, POWA, Metropolitan, African Bank, OLX, and McCain.

Her trophy cabinet includes many local and international awards, including Loeries, Cannes Lions, Apex’s, One Show Pencils and D&AD’s. She has had the opportunity to be a judge at Cannes Lions Advertising Festival and served on many Loeries and Creative Circle judging panels. The Loeries ranked her fourth ECD in South Africa for two consecutive years. She is a member of the Creative Circle Exco board, an organisation dedicated to promoting creativity as a business resource and maintaining high levels of creativity and transformation in the South African advertising industry. Some of her passions are aiding the advancement of women, actioning transformation in the advertising industry and using creativity to action change for the better.