Colourists in South Africa

Abdul Ghakeem Samaai | The Refinery

Honing his craft for the past 3 years under the guidance and mentorship of Kyle Stroebel, Abdul has worked on a variety of long and short form films, one of which made an appearance at the renowned Venice Film Festival. Abdul’s work continues to gain attention amongst fellow filmmakers and as such, is an exciting prospect to look out for.

Chad Naidoo | Ludus

Chad shadowed some of the best talent in the country while learning the art of colour and compositing in his early years. He has worked with a slew of big names in the industry including Dean Blumberg, Dani Hynes and Greg Rom. Not only is Chad a tour de force when it comes to colour grading, but he is a skilled online and VFX artist as well.

Jarryd Duthoit | Left

Jarryd looks to push the boundaries of Colour Grading on every project, combining old and new school grading techniques. He won the Loerie for Best Young Creative in 2020, proving that he strives for the best and won’t stop till he archives it. Jarryd has worked with the biggest directors and brand campaigns out there.

Joshua Borrill | THEN

Colour is part science, part instinct, part art, part technical wizardry and a whole lot of being able to sit in front of a computer for hours on end while you manipulate wheels till the frame pops and catches you in a whole different way. Joshua knows all of this very well and has ample experience and awards to show for it.

Kitso Monare | The Refinery

Kitso worked on set, shadowing some of the best technicians, while learning the art of colour in post production. Since then, he has collaborated on series, music videos, campaigns, commercials and short films as a colourist. His goal is to become one of the best and mentor future generations.

Kyle Stroebel | The Refinery

Kyle has been crafting unique colour palettes for over 19 years. Finishing titles for Warner Brothers, Universal and recently Netflix, while handling award-winning advertisements for major brands – Kyle has garnered respect both locally and internationally from an esteemed array of co-conspirators.

Liam Cockcroft | THEN

Can hold his own in an edit suite or on a dance floor. Sees narrative edits as an open sea of storytelling possibility. Sees a technical challenge as mental exercise. Can deadlift an online like he’s competing in the post Olympics.

Liam John Traynor | The Refinery

Having built his career on both sides of the equator – across the UK and South Africa – he’s refined his eye on everything from commercials to high-profile screen projects. At The Refinery, he now channels that experience into one passion: using colour to lift storytelling to new heights, most recently on Will Smith’s Beautiful Scars. A natural collaborator, he loves nothing more than exploring fresh techniques and pushing creative boundaries to craft visuals that resonate emotionally, connect with audiences, and let every project’s unique vision shine.

Michele Wilson | Ludus

Michele boasts a stunning reel of work. She earned her stripes in Amsterdam working for Condor Post. Michele’s company, Ludus Post Productions, was ranked best post-production facility in Africa and the Middle-East at The Loerie Awards 2018 and 2019. Michele has won Cannes Gold and Silver as well as countless Loerie Awards.

Ndumiso Mnguni | The Refinery

Ndumiso is a South African colourist interested in how colour carries feeling. His work includes Heart of the Hunter—the first African film to hit No. 1 globally on Netflix—and the acclaimed series GO!, both part of a growing body of narrative work. With each project, he’s searching for something more than just a polished image —something honest, cinematic and human.

Skye Barrow | Priest

Skye is the new genius Colourist on the block. He’s forged ahead in the last 2 years grading a feature, several documentaries as well as fashion films and music videos. On the Commercial front he has enhanced the colourisation of many OUTsurance and Woollies ads and others. He garnered his mentorship from David Grant and Donovan Bush. Skye is as colourful as a rainbow flag and grades as such.