Best in Craft awarded to Adrian De Sa Garces from Egg Films and Saki from Left Post Production
This month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by the discerning eyes of Terry McKenna, ECD at The Odd Number and Zee Ntuli, Director at Darling Films. Chicken reigned supreme in May which means a big congrats to Saki Bergh from Left and Adrian from Egg Films who have proven that their art craft is a feathered triumph!
‘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 VFX, 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)
Chicken Licken ‘#EasyBucks Slyder – Electrocution’
Egg Films | Adrian De Sa Garces
Awarded by Terry McKenna
‘It’s not an easy job being a director. At the end of the day, it’s up to you ensure that when it comes to turning your vision into a beautiful piece of film, you need to make sure every discipline comes to the party – cinematography, lighting, art direction, effortless editing, sound design that’s just right, seamless integration of the VFX, casting and needless to say, great performances. This commercial, directed by Adrian De Sa Garces for Chicken Licken #EasyBucks Slyder has all of that, and that’s why it’s my Best In Craft for May. Oh, and did I mention it’s funny…?’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Terry McKenna, ECD at The Odd Number
BEST IN CRAFT (EDITING)
Chicken Licken ‘#EasyBucks Hotwings Snack – Popcorn’
Left Post Production | Saki Bergh
Awarded by Zee Ntuli
‘This ad got me. The way it was put together had a lot to do with that. The performance cuts were on point, the comic timing, perfectly in sync. It’s well-paced, simple, and effective. It had me laughing, genuinely laughing!’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Zee Ntuli, Director at Darling Films
CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Spar2U ‘Braai, Baker Baker, Mother in Law’
Ola! Films | Amy Allais
Awarded by Terry McKenna
‘The love and attention to detail that went into the three spots that make up this campaign is clear to see. Nice camera work, strong art direction, good performances, great editing, and a lovely pace to the work. All in all, a fresh campaign with a distinctive look, and a nice local feel. ‘
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Terry McKenna, ECD at The Odd Number
CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Jägermeister ‘Glo Up’
Darling Films | Gale Maimane
Awarded by Zee Ntuli
‘A visually compelling piece, this ad is a celebration of bold aesthetics and meticulous attention to detail. Its vibrant visual effects and stylish editing create a rich, immersive experience. The direction breathes life into every frame, making it fresh, fun, and vibrant.’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Zee Ntuli, Director at Darling Films
‘With the help of some slick cinematography from Lourens van Rensburg, director Gorgeous Bushman delivers a visually strong piece of film for Savanna ‘Call of The Log Drum’. The overall art direction, lighting, editing, and a strong performance from the lead, are what stood out for me. Looking forward to seeing more work from you, Gorgeous Bushman.’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Terry McKenna, ECD at The Odd Number
CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
1Life Insurance ‘Magazi’
The Star Film Company | Cindy Lee
Awarded by Zee Ntuli
‘Magazi – 1Life Insurance’s ad was a captivating piece with a powerful emotional undertone. The performances were truly touching, supported by thoughtful cinematography and considered art direction. The ad intelligently navigated two timelines, their interplay seamlessly woven into the editing.’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Zee Ntuli, Director at Darling Films
CRAFT MENTION (FULL POST – EDITING, VFX, GRADE)
Savanna x Wanda
Strangelove | Xander Vander (Editing)
Strangelove | Darian Simon & Charmaine Greyling (VFX)
Strangelove | Nic Apostoli (Grade)
Awarded by Terry McKenna
‘Last, but by no means least, I wanted to give a craft mention shout out to the post production team that worked on the Savanna x Wanda commercial. The editing from Xander Vander is slick with just enough edge to it. The VFX from Darian Simon and Charmaine Greyling are really nicely integrated and help to give this piece a fresh look, while the grade from Nic Apostoli is on point. Together you have created a piece of film that really is visually beautiful. ‘
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Terry McKenna, ECD at The Odd Number
IDIDTHAT GUEST JUDGES:
Terry Mckenna, Executive Creative Director, The Odd Number
I think that I am basically just a kid on the playground trying to entertain the other kids with the craziest stories I can come up with. But if you’d like to know a little bit more about me, then here you go…. With over 20 years of experience in the advertising industry, I guess I can safely say that I am an Ad man through and through. Having worked at some of South Africa’s most prestigious advertising agencies such as Grey, Hunt Lascaris and Joe Public as a conceptual copywriter, my last position before joining The Odd Number as ECD, was as Creative Director on the Castle Lager, and Cadbury Accounts at Ogilvy Johannesburg. Over the years I have been fortunate enough to gain considerable experience across several FMCG accounts, and have won several advertising awards on both the international and local stages. I have also been very fortunate to work with some exceptionally talented people along the way. Hopefully some day in the not too distant future, I might get to collaborate with you…
Zee Ntuli, Director at Darling Films
DIRECTOR, ART REBEL, FILMMAKER AND WRITER. Zee’s passion and love for storytelling and cinema is revealed in his approach which is equal parts story and style; humane and aesthetic. As a writer and director that works in long-form and commercials, his work has a distinctive edge.
All Craft Entries
7 Films | Jozua Malherbe
Burger King ‘Braai’
(Direction Craft)
Patriot | Anton Visser
McDonald’s ‘You’ve Gotta Try It – Survivor’
(Direction Craft)
Patriot | Anton Visser
McDonald’s ‘You’ve Gotta Try It – Rugby’
(Direction Craft)
Patriot | Anton Visser
McDonald’s ‘You’ve Gotta Try It – News’
(Direction Craft)
Spitfire | Hloni Ntsooa
Mukuru ‘Africa Month’
(Direction Craft)
Spitfire | JT & AK
Spotify ‘Have You Heard’
(Direction Craft)
The Star Film Company | Andrea Katzeff
MotorHappy ‘Aerial’
(Direction Craft)
we are_creative | Dillon Buirski
Adidas ‘Adidas Originals’
(Direction Craft)
7 Films | Adam Vinokur
Burger King ‘Braai’
(Cinematography Craft)
Left Post Productions | Saki
Chicken Licken ‘#EasyBucks Hotwings Snack – Bank Robber’
(Editing Craft)
Left Post Productions | Saki
Chicken Licken ‘#EasyBucks Hotwings Snack – Electrocution’
(Editing Craft)
Pressure Cooker Studios | Keith Kavayi (Sound & Mix) / Elben Schutte & Cobus Schutte (Music)
Chicken Licken ‘#EasyBucks Slyder – Electrocution’
(Music & Final Mix Craft)
Pressure Cooker Studios | Keith Kavayi (Sound & Mix) / Elben Schutte & Cobus Schutte (Music)
Chicken Licken ‘#EasyBucks Slyder – Popcorn’
(Music & Final Mix Craft)
Pressure Cooker Studios | Keith Kavayi (Sound & Mix) / Elben Schutte & Cobus Schutte (Music)
Chicken Licken ‘#EasyBucks Slyder – Robber’
(Music & Final Mix Craft)
