South Africa’s film and advertising industry gathered in Johannesburg last week to celebrate the launch of VRtuosus, a real-time virtual production studio now available locally. Hyde Park on a Wednesday night and honestly, what a jol! Drinks in hand, familiar faces from every corner of the local industry catching up across a room that felt equal parts reunion and reveal. Directors, DPs, producers, agency creatives and marketers had all made the trip to experience the new VRtuosus studios and if the turnout was any indication, South Africa’s film and advertising world was paying attention.

The brief says “sunset in the Alps.” The budget says “parking lot in Joburg.” It’s a tale as old as time in South African production. Enter VRtuosus, a Joburg-based film tech studio using real-time virtual production, already proven on major productions globally. Directors can now achieve visuals that are often only possible with Hollywood-level budgets, right here in Joburg. Ad world, it’s our time.