Focusing on honing her craft by directing big-scale Netflix productions across genres over the past two years, Darling Films’ Director Kit is now bringing all that experience back to commercial sets full-time. We’ve pulled together a few standout scenes that show just how much range and muscle she’s built. Welcome back to Ad Land, Kit, we missed you!

“The past two years I’ve practically lived on set, sometimes 62-day shoots, 5am or 2am call times, day after day. I feel like, working in longform has made me sharper, faster, a more visually expressive director. But my heart’s always been in commercials. I never really left. It’s exciting to be able to bring all of that experience back to the ad world,” says Kit.

From car chases to on-foot pursuits and near-accident sequences, Kit’s built up an eye for action.

“My experience directing longform has pushed my interest and expertise in VFX and the way I approach shooting cars has changed completely. I see solutions differently now,” Kit explains.

“Comedy, kids and animals are a wild combo. It has to feel effortless, which usually means it’s technically very difficult. But working with great wranglers and a tight team made it fun,” says Kit.

“What stands out about Kit now is the sheer variety of genres she’s worked in, from comedy to action to drama and stunt work. That kind of range is rare, especially in commercial directors. It brings a new energy and a fresh lens to every brief,” says Melina McDonald, Executive Producer at Darling Films. Kit has also just wrapped a brand-new Netflix action-comedy series with thriller undertones, set to drop later this year.

Take the award-winning Netflix original ‘Blood & Water’ for example. The average scene was 35 seconds to 1 minute. That’s roughly 84 scenes per 49-minute episode. “I approached each of these scenes like I would a commercial, they are after all the same length. I wrote treatments for each one. Every scene had to land fast, with clear visual storytelling and emotion. It’s the same muscle I use in commercials just strengthened over time,” adds Director Kit.

One of Kit’s biggest strengths is how she captures intimacy and connection. Whether it’s between friends, family or strangers, she brings out performances that feel lived-in and real.

Kit’s not just a powerhouse on set, the industry’s been paying attention. She was named one of the Mail & Guardian’s Top 200 Young South Africans, made it onto the Forbes 30 Under 30 Africa list the same year, and was recognised as one of Facebook Africa’s Top 13 Inspiring Women, with her story featured in their commemorative book. She’s sat on the D&AD Awards judging panel, was honoured as a Nedbank Changemaker in 2022, and most recently, is giving back as an NFVF Youth Filmmakers Mentor. So yes mam, she has got receipts.

Director Kit on the cover of Africa Forbes named one of the 30 under 30, line-up of Ted X SA, onstage at the Nedbank x Youth live event, speaker at ARIFF, on the panel for Reel to Reality Film Fest

“Kit has always been calm, collaborative, and incredible on set. Clients and agencies love working with her. After these two intense years in long-form, it feels like that strength has levelled up. She’s even more confident, more considered, and more in command of the craft,” says Lorraine Smit, Executive Producer at Darling Films.

Wanna (s)talk some more? Check out Darling Films on IDIDTHAT and Company Website.