November IDIDTHAT CRAFT AWARDS_November header

Best in Craft awarded to Zee Ntuli from Darling Films and 7 Films’ Gorgeous Bushman

This month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by the spreaders of amazingness; Neo Mashigo, Chief Creative Officer at M&C Saatchi Group South Africa & James Matthes, Creative Executive Officer at Pressure Cooker. Congratulations to November’s top crafters, Zee Ntuli from Darling Films and 7 Films‘ director Gorgeous Bushman.

‘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)
Samsung ‘Epic Worlds’
Darling | Zee Ntuli

Awarded by Neo Mashigo

‘How do you avoid messing up a script filled with iconic Hollywood scenes? Add the challenge of shooting on a smartphone, and the result is “Epic Stories.” The dynamic and seamless camera work adds a wow factor, providing an extra layer of depth to the storytelling. The editing and captivating sound design enhance the overall experience. This commercial goes beyond being just a large ad with many scenes; it stands out due to the director’s visionary approach and keen decision-making, keeping the audience engaged. In an industry where craftsmanship is vital, this commercial excels across numerous craft categories, with Direction standing out as the crowning achievement.’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Neo Mashigo, Chief Creative Officer at M&C Saatchi Group SA

‘Khangela’ (Short Film)

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
7 Films | Gorgeous Bushman

CRAFT MENTION (CINEMATOGRAPHY)
7 Films | Lourens van Rensburg

Awarded by James Matthes

‘From the opening shot I was completely drawn into the world of this short film. The movement of the performance, camera language and lighting all play together so impeccably. It wouldn’t be complete without a music mention from me, the vocal performance in the music took a familiar guitar arrangement to an extraordinary new height and really elevated the film. All in all a true work of art. Congrats!’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: James Matthes, Creative Executive Officer at Pressure Cooker

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)

KFC ‘You Always Win’
Carbon Films | Bruno Bossi

Awarded by Neo Mashigo

‘I appreciated the unconventional approach to the story and how the director skilfully managed to keep it cohesive. The portrayal of the frantic Game Show world offers a visual feast. The character choices were particularly noteworthy, contributing to an intriguing world that highlights everyone as a winner. This is another example of craftsmanship where various departments, led by the director, excel in their delivery.’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Neo Mashigo, Chief Creative Officer at M&C Saatchi Group SA

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Chicken Licken ‘Cure The Craving’
Patriot Films | Anton Visser

Awarded by James Matthes

‘Anton really is a master of comedic direction. The performances for me are stand out and the narrative had me engaged from beginning to end with really strong decisions in every department adding another superbly crafted spot to the Chicken Licken canon. (Full disclosure; Pressure Cooker Studios handled the music for this spot but I couldn’t let that hold back a well deserved craft mention for direction).’
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: James Matthes, Creative Executive Officer at Pressure Cooker

IDIDTHAT GUEST JUDGES:

Chief Creative Officer at M&C Saatchi Group South Africa
Neo Mashigo is the Chief Creative Officer of M&C Saatchi Group South Africa and Co-founder of I See A Different You a Soweto-born Creative Collective who set out to change the world’s view of Africa. Throughout his career, Neo has been passionate about the creativity in Africa and producing work that better represents the continent.

He is the Chairman of the Creative Circle who’s purpose is to inspire the transformation of product, people and perception through the power of creativity. Neo is also the former Chairman of the Loeries and current Board Member – Africa and the Middle East’s premier advertising award show.

Before joining M&C Saatchi Group, Neo was Executive Creative Director at two of South Africa’s largest advertising agencies, Ogilvy & Mather JHB and FCB JHB. While there, he led both these agencies to the top spot in creative ranking tables.

Neo has won several local and international awards including a Grand Prix at the Cannes Lions Festival of Creativity and The Loerie Awards. In 2019 Financial Mail Ad Focus Awards named him Industry Leader of the Year and M&C Saatchi walked away with Partnership of the Year with Nandos and Large Agency of the Year.

James Matthes, Creative Executive Officer at Pressure Cooker
James Matthes is an award-winning composer and sound & score supervisor who is the Creative Executive Officer and owner of Pressure Cooker Studios, a full-service music and audio studio in Cape Town, South Africa. He has an impressive portfolio of work in commercials and narrative productions, including Five Fingers for Marseilles, Seal Team, and Vehicle 19, among others. James is a great leader who seeks to bring out the best in his team members and is known for his kindness and generosity in his dealings with others. His unique blend of personal and professional skills has made a significant impact in the music and audio industry where he is continuously striving to build a platform for talent to flourish.