IDIDTHAT CRAFT AWARDS_Best in Craft July 2020

Best in Craft awarded to Glen Biderman-Pam from Sketchbook for his short film ‘Love Locked’

Captain’s log, date 134 of Lockdown. Our position: Orbiting the fridge. The only Enterprise in sight, some frozen smoked viennas…resistance is futile. We continue on course and beam you up skatty to this month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards and give a huge live long and prosper to our Starfleet judges joining us on the voyage; Director and Founder at Made Films, Dani Hynes and ECD at The Riverbed Agency, Bridget Johnson🖖

‘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 (Direction & Writing)
Awarded by Dani Hynes & Bridget Johnson

Short Film ‘Love Locked’
Sketchbook | Glen Biderman-Pam (Direction & Writing Craft)

“We get so caught up in the crazy wall to wall stories that we tell, we forget that nuance and non-verbal cues are captivating and charming too. Glen’s sensitive observation and underplayed real moments perfectly capture what it is to be a human in love and held hostage in a pandemic with your “better” half. It is the mini Corona-coaster of emotion that holds you in the story while the central characters go from politely ensconced in domestic bliss to the borderline psychotic’s we all shamefully erred toward when cleaning, cooking and sourdough became obsessions. It is a well-told, beautifully expressed tale of these unprecedented times and its heart is what won me over. The genius in the writing is in what Glen chose not to say but show instead. It’s often in the things we don’t say that we are heard the most clearly, particularly around those we love.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Dani Hynes, Director at Made Films

“I don’t think there’s ever been a greater need for humour. And the fact that this piece is all about lockdown, the very thing that’s made the world so weird, makes it an even more welcome surprise. Love Locked tells the story of a couple – you’re not sure whether they’re an actual couple or just roommates – who are forced into isolation together. Through short, sharp scenes we go from awkward moments as the couple navigates their shared space, to the inescapable tension that builds and brings the short film its climax. It’s funny, it’s familiar. It’s also nicely written, well cast and performed. I thought the edit and use of audio were smart too. Well done. ”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Bridget Johnson, ECD at The Riverbed Agency

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION (Direction, Editing & Online)
Awarded by Dani Hynes & Bridget Johnson

Chicken Licken ‘Soul food for a Soul Nation’
The Star Film Company | Tebza Malope (Direction Craft)
Deliverance | Ricky Boyd (Editing Craft)
Deliverance | Graeme Armstrong (Online Craft)

“Chicken Licken scripts are amongst some of those all of us directors salivate over. So, it is always lovely to see someone make the most of every frame. The choice of cast, the captivating details tucked away in each vignette, the deliberately cinematic quality to the storytelling, the deliciously contrasted grade and the overall joy that shot out of our screens when we needed it most, gives it that standout quality that had me looking twice. Well done to everyone involved.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Dani Hynes, Director at Made Films

“And humour wins again! This one deserves a special mention for its all-round craft. The art direction and framing made it stand out on a reel of serially underlit, moody commercials. It’s an overdue visual feast, beautifully paced and edited to ensure each little punchline finds just the right beat. Quality all-round!”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Bridget Johnson, ECD at The Riverbed Agency

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION (Direction)
Awarded by Dani Hynes

Netflix ‘Made by Africans, Watched by the World’
Darling Films | Director Kit (Co-Directed by Vuyo Mpantsha – ISAD)

“Made by Africans deserves a shout-out for being a perfect blend of excellent art direction, amazing wardrobe, authentic and powerful moments with our continent’s most incredible creators, actors, writers, artists and talent. A compelling and breathtaking showcase for all the world to see. Nicely done!”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Dani Hynes, Director at Made Films

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION (Direction & Cinematography)
Awarded by Dani Hynes

Apartheid Museum ‘June 16’ (Campaign)
7Films | Lourens van Rensburg & Lazola Gola (Direction Craft)
7Films | Luke van Rensburg (Cinematography Craft)

“The simplicity of this idea is powerful and undeniable. The genius of the team behind it is that they let it speak for itself. Sitting in the discomfort of not knowing what is being asked of you, speaks volumes. Restraint and a lack of tricks is what creates the staggering impact of this piece of work.”
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Dani Hynes, Director at Made Films

CRAFT SPECIAL MENTION (Editing)
Awarded by Dani Hynes

Mercedes ‘Memories’
New Creation Collective | Thabo Nhlapo (Editing Craft)

“This is one of those boards where the editor has made remarkable choices. Well known narrative filled with intimate frames and choices that draw the viewer in to feel rather than just observe the story they are being told. Expertly shot and beautifully composed, the choice of structure is what sets this piece apart in a surprising and delightful way. Its non-linear feel captures the languidness of childhood beautifully.‘
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Dani Hynes, Director at Made Films

IDIDTHAT GUEST JUDGES:

Dani “What if we” Hynes is a fan of beauty, maths, science and finding novel ways to outthink the impossible. Her relentless pursuit to see things differently has led to a cinematically diverse reel filled with authentically observed performances. Her rise to directing through the shadowy halls of advertising has given her a healthy and profound respect for the idea. The tiny but mighty nucleus around which all this grows. Hynes has worked with everyone from her own son to Trevor Noah. She has won, judged and accepted awards from London to Johannesburg, New York to Kinsale. She has shot in Ireland, USA, UAE and her own back yard, thanks self-isolation:) There is an effortless quality to her work that she attributes to her love of all things ordinary.

Bridget started her career over 20 years ago in a small agency where she was in charge of selling mining drill bits and tampons. (It was a traumatic start.) Surprisingly, she stayed in the industry and went on to create award-winning work for multiple beloved brands. She has served in South Africa’s best agencies and held top positions at Ogilvy & Mather, Ireland/Davenport, M&C Saatchi Abel and Blackriver F.C. Most recently Bridget joined The Riverbed, South Africa’s largest black, female-owned agency and is loving exploring the convergence of cultures and disciplines it offers. Bridget’s work has won many international and local awards and she serves on the EXCO of South African Creative Industry body, The Creative Circle. She has two beautiful children and a supportive husband who remind her constantly that while she believes she was put on this earth to change it, she still has to do laundry, pack lunches and take the rubbish out occasionally.