Savanna ''Dumbell', 'Demure' and '5am'' (Director's Cut)

Savanna ”Dumbell’, ‘Demure’ and ‘5am” (Director’s Cut)

IDIDTHAT Craft Awards January 2025 – View Showcase

Savanna ”Dumbell’, ‘Demure’ and ‘5am” (Director’s Cut)
Darling Films | Thea Small

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Awarded by Mzonke Maloney

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Awarded by Verona Meyer

Judge’s comment: ‘I really love Thea’s Savanna pieces. They feel concise, with simple but clear insights. It’s a great example of how effective quintessential ad work like this can be. They’re not talking to everyone at the same time, the focus is laser sharp. The casting and performance are wonderful, the characters are immediately recognisable, and each scenario unnervingly familiar. The comedy is subtle and sophisticated and they do well to avoid the stereotypically high pitched, fast talking comedy voice trope that seems unfortunately endemic to South African ads. Each word here feels like it lands exactly where it ought to, aligning carefully with the piece’s elegant camera work. This series of ads make the product the point even in its absence, showing up at the very end but never feeling like it’s missing. Thea has her hand on the dial all the way through, tuning everything to perfection. ‘ – Mzonke Maloney, Director at Carbon Films

Judge’s comment: ‘I thought this campaign deserved a mention because it’s so refreshing in its simplicity. There’s nowhere for a director to hide with a script like this – everything hinges on the performance, and I think Thea did a great job of delivering really charming characters and smiles all round.‘ – Verona Meyer, Executive Creative Director at M&C Saatchi Abel

CREDITS
Client/Brand: Savanna
Brand Manager: Kolosa Kokolo
Brand Manager: Robert Weeder

Agency: TBWA Hunt Lascaris
Executive Creative Director: Steph Van Niekerk
Creative Group Head: Kevin Radebe
Copy Writer: Peter Maluleke
Art Director: Rosemary Mabasa
TV Producer: Rachel Andreotti
Account Management:
Business Lead: Debbie Laing
Group Account Director: Sizakele Masombuka

Production:
Film Production: Darling Films
Director: Thea Small
Exec Producers: Melina McDonald & Lorraine Smit
Producer: Saskia Finlayson
DOP: Jason Prins
Assistant Director: Graham Hickson & Zuko Nqoro
Production Manager: Nikki Bowden
Production Intern: Levy Mpofu
Casting: Casting Directors
Production Art Director: Julie Bonnet
Wardrobe Stylist: Carla Uys & Lebo Lubisi
Packs / Product: Bianca Delides
Key Grips: Tyler Geldenhuys
Gaffer / Lighting: Andre Beumer
Hair & Makeup: Monray Louw
Unit Manager: Douglas Machango & Michael Dube
Catering: Umsamo Cuisine