When it comes to comedy in advertising, few directors in South Africa understand the craft like Together Films’ Bevan Cullinan. His latest Christmas commercial for Spar, created with TBWA Durban, is packed with British humour, hilarious local insights, and viral appeal, the 3-minute spot is a comedic gem. Go Bevan!
Executive Producer Gaye Leong unpacks Together Films’ approach to establishing and living their own brand values through a process that emphasises the importance of being human-centric, outlining a clear storytelling journey, involving the right people, and creating impactful endings. With this approach, Together Films is able to tell, and create, compelling stories. This ensures that their work – ranging from commercials to content to documentaries – resonates with audiences, addressing their needs and fostering a meaningful connection with the brand.
It was while shooting one of the first commercials to be filmed in South Africa during lockdown, that Executive Producer Gaye Leong officially launched Together Films. The foundation of the company was laid and the mission statement clear – Together we can do anything, no matter the times. Now, four years and a growing roster of talent later Gaye shares some of the top industry trends her production company has encountered, adapted to and rolled with, Together.
Michael Rodrigues, who is fast establishing himself as a stylistic director with a captivating and moving visual language, has joined Together Films’ director roster. Michael's reel spans commercials, films, and music videos. His work has earned him recognition at festivals worldwide, including a recent win at the BAFTA-qualifying Aesthetica Film Festival for Best Music Video and, ahem, a few IDIDTHAT Craft Awards.
This month's IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by two industry heavy-hitters, the honourable Suhana Gordhan, Executive Creative Director at Duke Group and Karien Cherry, Director at Giant Films. We bow down in your presence! Big congratulations to editing-maestro Saki Bergh from Left Post for taking Best in Craft for January!
‘These are two incredibly powerful and established directors that are at the top of their game. Catharine Cooke and Alessandra Scherillo are genius storytellers who both bring such unique perspectives.’ Says Executive Producer Gaye Leong of the new additions to the Together roster. We find out more about their combined experience of over 60 years, Emmy and Oscar noms, SAFTA wins, big brands, Al Pacino, Tilda Swinton, Monte Carlo…we’re not gonna lie, we’re a little intimidated.
We interrogate one of South Africa's most trusted comedy and performance directors, Bevan Cullinan, on how he’s approached directing over 300 commercials. Thank us later for this rare insight into this weird and wonderful comedy mind.
June’s IDIDTHAT Craft Awards were judged by Sibusiso Sitole (CCO at The Odd Number) and Evy Katz (Editor at Left Post). Best in Craft was awarded to Telekom ‘Cyber Mobbing’ for Direction, Editing, and Cinematography. Huge congrats to the team - Kim Geldenhuys, Adam Bentel, and Matthias Graatz.
After working together for the last five years, Director Malo 8 and Producer Gaye Leong proved that they are not here to play when they shot and produced one of the first commercials to be filmed in South Africa during lockdown, and for McDonald’s no less. We know, right?! Launching a new company during lockdown, what is this sorcery?
