18 years ago, Jacqui Pearson and Saki Bergh became the new owners of Left Post and set out to carve their own space in the post-production industry. With Jacqui Pearson’s background in broadcast and Saki Bergh’s expertise in editing, they transformed Left Post Production from a small start-up company into an award-winning post powerhouse. Their partnership is one for the history books, a partnership that has produced some of our country’s iconic work from the past two decades and played a huge part in shaping South Africa’s post industry. Congratulations you legends!

Saki and Jacqui’s journey is not just about success but about the people, values, and the bold decisions that have shaped their path. As they celebrate their 18th birthday, Jacqui and Saki reflect on the milestones, challenges, and the culture that has defined Left.

‘Without the incredible team members we have today, and those who began their careers with us and are now thriving elsewhere, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We are forever grateful to everyone who has been with us and for the contributions they have made’ – Saki Bergh, Owner and Editor at Left. 

[INTERVIEW]

Q: What inspired you to start Left Post Production 18 years ago? Can you share the initial vision for the company?

Jacqui: We set out to create a culture that not only shapes the work we do but also empowers the people who make it happen. When I left the agency world as a new mom of two, I saw an opportunity to build something different—a company that I could shape on my own terms. I wanted to embrace this industry in a way that allowed me to lead with both heart and purpose. Our vision was always about more than just the work; it was about mentoring and nurturing talent, helping them to succeed both within and beyond Left. Our culture is what it is today because of the incredible people who have been part of our journey. Once a Lefty, always a Lefty. And with each new person who joins, our culture only grows richer.

Saki: Unfortunately, we have no romantic story of how we got our name ‘Left’ as we bought the company from Terraplane (I was the in-house Editor there at the time and Jacqui came from TBWA where she was the Head of Broadcast) but we embraced the name, appreciating its representation of out-of-the-box thinking, perfectly aligning with our innovative mindset.

Nando’s ‘Dictator’

Q: What are some of the most significant milestones the company has achieved over the past 18 years?

Saki: Reflecting on our journey, we’ve hit several significant milestones. Within just six years of opening, Left Post Productions was ranked the #1 Edit House at the 2012 Loeries. In 2016, we achieved another major milestone by being ranked both the #1 Edit House and the #1 Post House at the Loerie Awards. This recognition was especially rewarding, as we were the first edit house to acquire a Flame compositing tool, anticipating industry changes and the need for a one-stop shop.

Jacqui: Definitely honoured to have consistently worked on creative excellence with creative geniuses from both production houses and agencies and still the consistency is there.  18 years on and that is what I am proud of.

Q: What is something you could never have anticipated for Left 18 years ago?

Jacqui: That a small creative business especially in Post Production would be going strong, if not stronger 18 years later.   

Saki: We never anticipated the immense effort required to keep a company running, even amidst success, in a rapidly evolving and challenging industry. Despite this, there’s enormous satisfaction in getting things right and consistently producing outstanding work.

The fabulous Left team. From top left – Carolyn Vosloo, Joe De Ornelas, Mo Chopdat, Zama Mnyakeni, Khenso Maluleke, Mumsie, Tsoane Sehume, Sihle Sokutu, Saki Bergh, Jacqui Pearson, Ilhaam Mullagee, missing: Evy Katz

Q: How would you describe the culture at Left Post Production? What values are most important to you as leaders?

Jacqui: It’s always been about the people. We’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a loyal, passionate, and talented team by our side. Our team is like family, and we’ve had the pleasure of mentoring young talents who have gone on to excel both locally and globally in their fields. It’s something we’re really proud of. And over the years, we’ve built strong, lasting relationships with our clients and suppliers, which makes the journey even more rewarding.

Saki: The culture at Left evolved organically over the years, influenced by Jacqui’s agency background and my non-traditional post-production experience. We managed Left in a way that felt natural to us, fostering a culture of freedom and equality where everyone’s voice is valued. Employees are encouraged to be bold and follow their instincts while upholding the high standards expected in our industry. We have instilled values of hard work, honesty, and always striving for excellence, believing that the rest will naturally fall into place.

Q: What were some of your favourite projects over the years?

Jacqui: WOW! That’s a tough one. One of my favourite was a Vodacom TVC called ‘Dictator’ that Saki worked on. Of course, we are also very proud of Umbrella Men 1 which we waited for 11 years along with director Barker to edit and post-produce. In fact 3 of the feature films Left has done post on were selected for The Toronto Film Festival, so not only are we commercials driving but styling on features too. 

Q: What were some of your fondest memories?

Jacqui: Saki and I getting on a plane to Cape Town not knowing each other and both very different individuals and having to go and tell the world about this new little post-production company. 

Saki: One of our fondest memories is acquiring the building where our current Johannesburg office is located. We envisioned creating a space that would attract like-minded individuals, transforming it into a vibrant hub of creativity, of which we are immensely proud.

Q: How has the company adapted to changes and trends in the industry over the years?

Jacqui: We started a longform production business as well as a VR and AR business, but soon realised that we needed to stick to The ONE Thing (which is, ironically, also a book by Gary Keller that both Saki and I read years ago. Often, when we get sidetracked or veer off course, we remind each other that we need to stay the course).

Saki: The industry has changed radically since we first started, with shrinking budgets and dramatic advancements in technology. Recognising these shifts, we saw the need for a one-stop shop to manage smaller budgets while still meeting our clients’ high expectations. A model that most post-production houses have followed. To adapt, we expanded our services at Left to include colour grading and online compositing, allowing us to offer comprehensive package deals that align with budget constraints, but still adhering to the highest standard expected from our clients.

Q: If you could go back 18 years, what advice would you give yourself?

Jacqui: To have been more confident in myself, it’s easy to be intimidated by the big creative names and to feel I’m not worthy to be working with incredible talents.    

Saki: If we could go back 18 years and give ourselves advice, it would be to stop worrying, believe in ourselves more, and have patience. We’ve learned that nothing lasts forever, and the most important aspect of running a company is its people. Without the incredible team members we have today, and those who began their careers with us and are now thriving elsewhere, we wouldn’t be where we are today. We are forever grateful to everyone who has been with us and for the contributions they have made.

Chicken Licken ‘Monkey’

Q: What was the biggest learning you’ve had over the years?

Jacqui: No matter what is thrown your way, (because trust me we are at the end of the food chain…and the food has a higher placement than Post haha) always have dignity and grace in your practice. It’s also OK to say no to a job if the deliverables are going to be unrealistic and therefore compromise Left and the sanity of your people. Listen to your gut.

Q: What’s the secret to Left’s success?

Jacqui: Honesty, Integrity, Respect and Teamwork…and knowing what and where the industry is going.  (Lucky for me I’m nosey and inquisitive, and it helps that I am driven by people and interpersonal relationships).

Saki: The secret to Left’s success lies in its people, hard work, an unwavering commitment to the highest standards, and a positive kind of naivety. We trusted our instincts and believed that things would work out, and they did.