Darling Films

Darling by name, Darlings by reputation.

Johannesburg

Directors: Alexa Wilson / Chloe Coetsee / Director Kit / Gale Maimane / Jeana Theron / Louis Minnar / Ross Garrett / Slim / Thea Small / Zee Ntuli
Producers: Lorraine Smit / Melina McDonald

Awarded by IDIDTHAT

MTN ‘Babies’
Darling | Chloe Coetsee
January 2024

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Alan Irvin, Director at They Films

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Danni Pinch, ECD at Accenture Song

Alan’s comment: ‘This spot really stood out in terms of craft, from selecting cast and directing of performances to choosing a location and art direction, wardrobe etc. A beautifully crafted piece of work and the director should be incredibly proud.’

Danni’s comment: ‘A fun, feel-good ad that doesn’t take itself too seriously – this was great timeline cleanser when I saw it in my feed recently. It has a distinctive style, builds nicely and really keeps things moving. The director totally captured the fun in the idea. A shout out to the music choice as well. Filing this under bonkers but fun.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
Samsung ‘Epic Worlds’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Neo Mashigo, Chief Creative Officer at M&C Saatchi Group SA
November 2023

Neo’s comment: ‘How do you avoid messing up a script filled with iconic Hollywood scenes? Add the challenge of shooting on a smartphone, and the result is “Epic Stories.” The dynamic and seamless camera work adds a wow factor, providing an extra layer of depth to the storytelling. The editing and captivating sound design enhance the overall experience. This commercial goes beyond being just a large ad with many scenes; it stands out due to the director’s visionary approach and keen decision-making, keeping the audience engaged. In an industry where craftsmanship is vital, this commercial excels across numerous craft categories, with Direction standing out as the crowning achievement.’

Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
Bongeziwe Mabandla ‘Soze (The Child Inside)’
September 2023

BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Katlego Baaitse, Director at Spitfire Films

CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
– IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Kirk Gainsford, Chief Creative Officer, MullenLowe SA

Katlego’s comment: ‘One cannot help but think about their inner child when watching, ‘Soze (the child inside)’. The director’s storytelling prowess is nothing short of exquisite. We the audience are taken on a character’s journey that really asks you to look inward, or at the very least, makes you curious about your inner child. The film immerses you in its style and visually arresting aesthetic while being emotive at the same time. The director reveals themselves as not just a filmmaker but a true craftsman.’

Kirk’s comment: ‘You can’t not give this piece a mention. Very compelling. Well done Zee.’

AWARDED: BEST OF CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Slim
MTN ‘Rugby’ (Directors Cut) & ‘Silent Choir’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Ian Gabriel, Director at Giant Films
August 2023

Ian’s comment: ‘Together these commercials celebrate relationship, unity and overarching family between South Africa’s 60 million in a very physically powerful emotive way, with a significant evolution of meaning taking us from the inaugural, into the second spot. It’s a celebration delivered in the safe hands of a director and team who demonstrate total belief in the values of the message, utilizing powerful anthemic method, constant rhythm and simple storytelling aimed at harnessing the power of great voices and bodies unified in movement – in itself a time honoured South African tradition. The commercial anticipates what victory may taste like for the 60 million ‘siblings’ of our nation – should an unprecedented historic 4th Rugby World Cup win, be ours! Irresistibly anthemic and hypnotic, it’s the second iteration that stands out and gives meaning to the whole when the massed choir is joined by a powerful and poignant ‘silent’ layer, to commemorate the landmark real-life decision to recognize ‘Signing ‘as the twelfth legal official language of the South African Republic. The silent St Vincent School for the deaf signers, who sign and move in rhythmic syncopation and counterpoint with the powerful singing and motion of the voiced choir, offers a truly emotive, participatory experience for anyone who watches these commercials, elevating the possible transitory sporting hopes of a nation to a lasting special moment of historic representation and achievement for all South Africans. Congratulations Slim. In my view, these 2 commercials together make you the deserving winner of the Direction Craft Award for this month. Hats off as well to the choreographers (Eugene Baloyi and Zoyi Muendane) and choir leader (whose name I couldn’t establish) who joined you in putting this emotive and uplifting performance piece together!’

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Slim
MTN ‘Chase’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Nkanyezi Masango, CCO at DENTSU CREATIVE
July 2023

Nkanyezi’s comment: ‘The level of craft in MTN ads has been consistent for a while now. Thanks to Slim and the Darlings, it has been sustained in MTN Chase.’

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
Ford Ranger ‘Unlimit Your World’ (Director’s Cut)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Tebogo Malope, Director at The Star Film Company
April 2023

Tebogo’s comment: ‘There’s a time where we all wanted to shoot car commercials because they had a sense of scale, cinema and grandeur. Today we all want to shoot chicken. Zee manages to ingest a sense of scale in this commercial that gave me nostalgia. It’s cinema and once again shows us the brilliance of Zee. Well done.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Slim
Chicken Licken ‘Soul Sisters’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Jacquie Mullany, Creative Director at HelloFCB+
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Grant De Sousa, Director at They
October 2022

Jacquie’s comment: ‘My eyes, MY EYES! This is truly an orgasmic experience of the senses. I was blown away by the level of craft in this piece. From the moody grade to the music that got me chair dancing like I had them ants in my pants. Top-class choreography, casting, effects… And the timing – it had me wondering when it would end and desperately hoping it never would. Well done, Slim. Hats off.’

Grant’s comment: ‘Choreography is tough at the best of times. But to pull it off in this manner with wire rigs is no mean feat. Stylistically and tonally it’s spot-on for the brand without feeling too forced. It’s well cast and I love the mixed use of actual dancers and normal humans. The adam’s apple jiving gets me every time. The spot takes me back to the Fatboy Slim “Push the Tempo” music video. Which is the biggest compliment I can pay the director.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
MTN ‘Voice’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Nkanyezi Masango, Group Executive Creative Director at King James
July 2022

Nkanyezi’s comment: ‘This is an ambitious idea. It relies on so many components to work: performance, animation and storytelling. If just one of those elements is compromised, the whole thing would tumble like a house of cards. But Zee Ntuli not only managed to make each of these work – he elevated them so much that they’re not distracting from the narrative. That’s the purpose of craft, to get out of the way. Zee understood the assignment and delivered. It’s a magnificent achievement.’

Darling Films | Slim
MTN ‘Feet’
April 2022

BEST IN CRAFT (Direction)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: AK, Director at Spitfire

CRAFT MENTION (Direction)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Carl Willoughby, Executive Creative Director at TBWA Hunt Lascaris

Sibusiso’s comment: ‘A beautiful way to dress an ugly subject. I think this piece is a powerful message told in the most elegant way. Its power lies in the idea of a protective bridal gown, and makes us question the safety of women in marriage. It’s a haunting film, powerfully executed.’

Lourens’ comment: ‘My special mention goes to Jeana for her direction on Bride Armour. Again it is the love of her craft that turns a really difficult subject into a visually stunning and entertaining piece of communication. The director has done an incredible job with a sensitive subject through beautiful images which are also thought-provoking and hard-hitting. Through the use of her craft, Jeana manages to land a difficult South African truth by giving her audience access to her ideas and inviting them into her poetic world. Sublime use storytelling craft! Beautiful work, well done.’

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Jeana Theron
CBL ‘Bridal Armour’
February 2022

IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Sibusiso Sitole, CCO and Co-Founder of The Odd Number
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Lourens van Rensburg, Director at 7Films.

Sibusiso’s comment: ‘A beautiful way to dress an ugly subject. I think this piece is a powerful message told in the most elegant way. Its power lies in the idea of a protective bridal gown, and makes us question the safety of women in marriage. It’s a haunting film, powerfully executed.’

Lourens’ comment: ‘My special mention goes to Jeana for her direction on Bride Armour. Again it is the love of her craft that turns a really difficult subject into a visually stunning and entertaining piece of communication. The director has done an incredible job with a sensitive subject through beautiful images which are also thought-provoking and hard-hitting. Through the use of her craft, Jeana manages to land a difficult South African truth by giving her audience access to her ideas and inviting them into her poetic world. Sublime use storytelling craft! Beautiful work, well done.’

Darling Films | Jeana Theron
Scottish Leader ‘Revenge’
December 2021

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Steph van Niekerk, Creative Director at Grey/WPP Liquid

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Mark Ash, Senior Editor at LUDUS Post Productions

Steph’s comment: ‘Full Disclosure: I work at Grey/Wpp Liquid but I don’t touch this account. Even so, I was hard-pressed to find anything more deserving of best of craft this month and I’ll tell you why. Someone took the old cocktail/ intrinsic video and elevated it to something cinematic and beautiful. This alone deserves a nod. The images are beautifully shot and edited together to create a visceral feast for the eyes. Love the grade, the music and the pace – all of which is crafted with a delicate hand. Go and have a look, it’s oddly satisfying to watch. Big ups to Jeana and the team.’

Mark’s comment: ‘Beauty at its best. The micro shots work fantastically. These are difficult to execute successfully. This film is wonderfully directed and the use of sound design is superb. The change from the staccato Tango music to a Waltz/Foxtrot track effortlessly creates high-drama and a really lovely ebb and flow that add to the aspirational nature of the final product and brand.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
KFC ’50th’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Kabelo Moshapalo, Chief Creative Officer Ogilvy Johannesburg
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Tebza, Director at The Star Film Company.
November 2021

Kabelo’s comment: ‘The first piece that stands out is from the agency that I recently joined. The work speaks for itself. It is simply an enjoyable spot. It is beautifully shot with great casting and performances to match. It takes you on a journey that is refreshing with every watch. Zee nails every shot, from the very intimate, to the awkward, somewhat comedic, and that jolt of high energy at the end. Slick and clean camera work that builds anticipation at the right moments as well as the gradual suspense frame after frame, and then boom, so much excitement that rekindles that feeling of those moments that we all have missed since the whole world has turned upside down.’

Tebza’s comment: ‘Once again Zee illustrates why he is a special talent, the pacing of this ad is perfect. The rhythm has the sensibility of a jazz song . You’re not sure what the next frame will give you but you know it’s gonna be delicious, sumptuous. The attention to detail that Zee has permeates throughout all his work and he takes it to another level on this. I’ve watched this ad numerous times but I’m delighted each time. Bravo Zee. Oh, and salute on that slick finger-licking moment.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli & Slim
MTN ‘One Last Push’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Bruno Bossi, Director and Owner of Carbon Films
September 2021

Bruno’s comment: ‘Navigating a script that speaks to a current mood and relies heavily on capturing nuanced performances is not an easy task. Getting the tone right is tricky. Zee manages to capture the tone in a visually arresting way while still showing restraint with each character. It could have wandered off into the well-trodden space of everyday frustrations with something we are all familiar with, or it could have been just another beautifully shot spot. But instead, the spot engages with the audience on a deeper level. Textured locations, deliberate camera moves and well-chosen cast combined with interesting personal moments make this spot resonate with the audience and hopefully does give them one last push. The director’s job also doesn’t end until the edit is done and having a firm hand in the edit room is what takes this piece over the line. Another great spot for the ever-growing body of work for Zee.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
Pam Golding ‘Farai’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Peter Khoury, Chief Creative Officer at TBWA \ Hunt Lascaris
August 2021

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Alan Irvin, Director & Co-Owner at They Shoot Films

Peter’s comment: ‘When you tell a story you can use realism or symbolism. The majority of the stories we tell today embrace realism, I suppose it’s the time we’re living in. Ross, however always seems to bring an artful symbolism to his work that makes it captivating, ethereal and distinctive. Faral for Pam Golding is no different. The framing, edit, grade, VO and subject matter all combine to mesmerise you in a story worth watching.’

Alan’s comment: ‘Visually a beautiful film. Every image showcases Ross’s photographic prowess and strong visual eye. I must say, I didn’t feel much emotion for the hero and his love for bees. It took me a while to realise that the beekeeper and the runner were the same guy. In fact, I only realised this after reading the end line. A bit more emotion and it definitely would have elevated the film to winner status. At least that’s my 5 cents worth! Nevertheless, Ross, this is a film to be extremely proud of. On a side note, it’s awesome to see brands like Pam Golding stepping out of their comfort zone and making communication that really sticks out from their competitors. To quote another famous bee lover: “Sometimes the smallest things take up the most room in your heart.” —Winnie the Pooh’

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films |  Zee Ntuli
Solidarity Fund ‘Wise Words’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Mpho Twala, Partner and Director at The Rudeboy Collective
July 2021

Mpho’s comment: ‘I love everything about this commercial. Zee has given this spot the right amount of drama, emotion and humanity. From cinematography to the seamless transitions through these well-articulated worlds of characters. Zee represents all that is great in the commercial (filmmaking) space. All his creative decisions are informed by research and an understanding of his market. He’s a reminder why (the future of) advertising is in good hands. A star that continues to rise above the rest, with the work he and his team produce.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
Standard Bank ‘Feeding the Nation’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Anton Visser, director at Patriot Films
May 2021

Anton’s comment: ‘Corporate ads can sometimes be pompous and heavy-handed, but I found this piece by Ross Garrett for Standard Bank to be incredibly warm and understated. And that’s what gives it its power. It’s beautiful but authentic, strong but humble. That’s tonally a very difficult thing to pull off, which is why this deserves a Best in Craft for direction. Think of all the ways the execution could have rung false or been pretentious. Instead, the cinematography, performance, music, editing and narration are all used sparingly and in perfect harmony to make a piece that shouts loudly by speaking softly.’

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
VW Amarok ‘Back to the End’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Trevor Clarence, Director at Your Girlfriend
February 2021

Trevor’s comment: ‘Just a gorgeously crafted piece of work. Well done.’

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Slim
Aware.org ‘If you Drink, Don’t Drive’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Claudi Potter, Creative Director at Joe Public United
December 2020

Claudi’s comment: “We’ve all become a little desensitised to drinking and driving commercials, which often resort to shock tactics to make us stop and think. But this concept has shifted the focus from the driver to the passenger seats, and it was executed in a way that had the right impact. Kudos to Slim for the sincere performances and simple storytelling.”

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Director Kit
Afro Punk ‘Dare to Fly’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Lebogang Rasethaba, director at Egg Films/Arcade
November  2020

Lebogang’s comment: “I just love this spot. When I watch the Afro Punk piece I see a mark of excellence. Director Kit is making such great work, on repeat as if rehearsed she just gets better, stronger, smarter.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Chloe Coetsee
Savanna ‘Launch’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Fran Luckin, CCO Grey Africa
September 2020

Fran’s comment: “Again with the confessions: this piece of work was done for our agency. But I want to applaud the director here, for using restraint and superb judgement to let the script and the actor shine.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Director Kit (Co-Directed by Vuyo Mpantsha – ISAD)
Netflix ‘Made by Africans, Watched by the World’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Dani Hynes, Director at Made Films
July 2020

Dani’s comment: “Made by Africans deserves a shout-out for being a perfect blend of excellent art direction, amazing wardrobe, authentic and powerful moments with our continent’s most incredible creators, actors, writers, artists and talent. A compelling and breathtaking showcase for all the world to see. Nicely done!

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
Standard Bank ‘It Can Be’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Sibusiso Sitole, CCO and co-founder of The Odd Number
June 2020

Sibusiso’s comment: “Easily the sexiest bank commercial I’ve seen in a very long time! Ross Garett is obviously in his element, the shots are a menagerie of grades, textures, colours and styles that work beautifully together to create a film that is a credible glimpse into a youthful state of being. The sheer attitude of the visuals, the voice-over, and the shots are so captivating you’re left wanting more. Well done to Standard Bank for being brave enough to make such a stunning piece of film.”

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
Johnnie Walker ‘Trevor Noah’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, ECD at Black River FC
JANUARY 2020

Judges Comment: “Since 1999, the Johnnie Walker brand has been telling people to “Keep Walking”, inspiring people to think of their own journey of progression. This month Best of Reel for direction, goes to Ross Garret’s, Johnnie Walker “Trevor Noah” which without a doubt inspires progress. Through a fresh, modern fast-paced direction style, Ross managed to honour the brands history, where it has come from, and where it’s heading. If you break down the story being told, it is a very simple one and one we know. But through his loose camera work, dynamic editing approach, old school projector effects, music, sound and visuals, he has managed to create a film that keeps you engaged and inspires you to ‘keep walking’. Nicely done!!!!”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
Bonitas ‘Winning , Surviving and Family’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Graeme Jenner, ECD of King James Group JHB
November 2019

Judges Comment: “I saw the running boy ad on TV, which is weird because who sees ads on TV anymore? Not me generally, it must have been half time during the rugby or something, but anyway, it stood out to me. I think it’s the simplicity, the commitment to getting it in (what is seemingly) one shot and the camera being really intimate with the characters in the scene that make it feel fresh and interesting. Sometimes less is more and that’s certainly the case here.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
MTN ‘Autograph’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Neo Mashigo, CCO at M&C Saatchi Abel Group
September 2019

Judges Comment: “The rugby narrative is delivered in an unexpected yet impactful way that gives one ‘the feels’. I love how the director delivered the story of the lone rugby supporter in a family of soccer lovers. Zee got us to root for Die Bokke by drawing us closer to the trials of the lead and touching on our affinity for family bonds. Nice one Zee and team!”

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
#BlameNoMore A Call for Change
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Nikki Taylor-Garrett, CD at TBWA Hunt Lascaris
August 2019

Judges Comment: “The success of this film relied entirely on Zee Ntuli achieving perfect balance between keeping the story raw enough to do justice to the script and subject matter, but bearable enough to watch until the end. A heavy task handled delicately with thoughtful casting and direction, clever lighting and intuitive camera work from Tom Revington (DOP).”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
Joburg Ballet X Superbalist ‘Rehearsals for UNBOUND’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Ahmed Tilly, CCO at FCB Africa
July 2019

Judges Comment: “A special mention for direction to Ross Garrett for “Joburg Ballet X Superbalist”. It’s not easy to capture the power of dance. Ross did it as artfully as the dancers captured the emotion of the subject matter. Great camera movement, simple and clean location, uncluttered yet so powerful. Well done Ross. These were beautiful to watch.”

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Chloe Coetsee
MTN ‘Springbok World Cup’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Claudi Potter, CD at Joe Public United
June 2019

Judges Comment: “A supporter ad is bound to be a cheese fest, and can easily turn into something that feels more like shared shame, than shared pride. However, Chloe managed to keep the performances real and likeable, and the track is perfect. Getting sportsmen to act like real people also deserves a nod. Love the well-considered opening sequence as well.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
OUTsurance ‘The Calling; Linda’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Fran Luckin, CCO at Grey Africa
May 2019

Judges Comment: “I love the treatment of the voice-over: the unscripted feel and performance give the ad an emotional depth. The hand-held camera, which restlessly alternates between close up intimacy and moving behind and around things, gives a real sense of how a child might experience the events of the story: fragmented, uncertain, but also at very close quarters. The grade and lighting give the visuals a rich cinematic moodiness, turning the humble setting of the home, the hospital and the shop into a theatre for tragedy and heartbreak”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Gale Maimane
Edgars ‘Winter Blues’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Tseliso Rangaka, Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy Cape Town
April 2019

Judges Comment: “I like the unusual storytelling here. The lead is believable and comfortably takes us through the offbeat edit. While one of the most interesting ad soundtracks I’ve heard in a while, weaves around what could have been just another clothing catalogue for Edgars.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Chloe Coetsee
Consol ‘City, Pool & Bar’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Vanessa Pearson, Founder and ECD at House of Brave
February 2019

Judges Comment: “Chloe at her best having fun, fun, fun with tongue firmly in cheek. Liking the melodrama of these ever so simple spots. No dramatic sweeping or swooping of camera just wonderful direction of simple, single-minded performances. Nicely offset by the choice of music.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Chloe Coetsee
Nando’s ‘You People’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Juliet Honey, Creative Director at Net#work BBDO
December 2018

Judges Comment: “Another Nandos’ ad that makes us take a good, long laugh at ourselves. Great casting, timing and performance keep it extra spicey.”

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Zee Ntuli
MTN ‘The Steve Tshwete Story’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Bridget Johnson, Consulting Executive Creative Director at WICK
September 2018

Judges Comment: “Congrats to Zee Ntuli from Darling Films for MTN ‘The Steve Tshwete Story’. This is a really compelling piece of film. It draws you in with those beautiful, evocative early morning shots on the way to Robben Island and then holds your attention with a combination of interesting framing, considered sound design, edit and a restrained script. Really, really nicely done.”

AWARDED: BEST IN CRAFT (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
MTN ‘MTN Sounds The Call: The Os du Randt Story’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Kabelo Moshapalo, Executive Creative Director, TBWA\ Johannesburg
August 2018

Judges Comment: “It’s tough having to talk up a project that you have close ties to, but this piece is truly epic. A larger than life story brought to life in the most fitting and meaningful way. A raw and gritty emotional journey of a legend being reborn told through captivating visual metaphors and moving sound design. An old story retold in a way that appeals to a new, younger audience.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Jeana Theron
MTN ‘The Laurie Kay Story’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Molefi Thulo, Creative Director at Ogilvy Johannesburg
July 2018

Judges Comment: “Last, but certainly not least a shout-out to Jeana for bringing this story to life. South Africans never tire of talking about this particular Rugby World Cup, and this commercial definitely evokes those memories, only here it’s told from the point of view of the pilot who flew a 747 over the stadium. Clever twists in the storytelling and an interesting visual treatment.”

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
Joburg Ballet ‘#BiteSizeBallet No.2’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Roanna Williams, Executive Creative Director at Joe Public
September 2017

Judges Comment: “So, I’m going to be honest. When I viewed this ad, my first reaction was WTF. Then I walked away and got distracted but not for long as the ad kept popping back into my head. I am not a ballet fan at all. But what this piece did do was make me think of ballet, something I have not done in years. So, on second viewing, although it did not have me doing pirouettes or grand jetè’s, it did change my perception of the Joburg ballet. By using popular newsworthy events with an edgy soundtrack and creating bite-sized ballet stints out of them, makes this dance style more contemporary and accessible to ballet philistines like me. I look forward to more palatable #bitesizeballet.

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Chloe Coetsee
SABC TV Licences ‘Island’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Jonathan Beggs, Chief Creative Officer at Saatchi & Saatchi
December 2015

Judges Comment: “Darling’s Chloe Coetzee directs a quirky spot for SABC TV Licences – with fantastic casting, awkward performances and daft production design….which all adds up to a director that really cares about the details.

AWARDED: CRAFT MENTION (DIRECTION)
Darling Films | Ross Garrett
Ithuba Holdings Lotto ‘Dream Census’
IDIDTHAT Guest Judge: Michael Lees-Rolfe, Creative Director at FoxP2
September 2015

Judges Comment: “What could so easily have been a dull and familiar spot, this piece entitled ‘Dream Census’ feels intriguing and human thanks to beautifully observed portraiture from Ross Garret and the Darling Films team, and for navigating this tricky subject matter so elegantly, the team deserve a special mention.

Featured Work 

IDIDTHAT Featured Stories

Darling Films is asking you to swipe right on Darling Fling

November 28th, 2023|Comments Off on Darling Films is asking you to swipe right on Darling Fling

Darling Films is asking people to have a fling, a Darling Fling. Executive Producer heavyweights Lorraine Smit and Melina McDonald have launched Darling Fling with Mmameyi Mphahlele appointed as the Executive Producer. Darling Fling is an extension of Darling Films and a new offering that will bring any of your wildest creative ideas to life by sourcing the right talent for your project. With the trio’s years of creative problem-solving experience and the production backing of Darling, you know you’re gonna have a safe fling.

IDIDTHAT Craft Awards August 2023

September 6th, 2023|Comments Off on IDIDTHAT Craft Awards August 2023

This month’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by the distinguished Brendan Hoffmann, ECD at Joe Public Cape Town and the esteemed Ian Gabriel, Director at Giant Films Thank you sirs! Congratulations to Production Designer (or if you prefer, Art Director) Louise Knepscheld on her work for Kruger and Slim from Darling Films for his MTN spots. Well done you crafty beauties!

IDIDTHAT Craft Awards June 2023

July 5th, 2023|Comments Off on IDIDTHAT Craft Awards June 2023

June’s IDIDTHAT.co Craft Awards were judged by two creative powerhouses armed with their impeccable artistic palates; Camilla Clerke, Executive Creative Director at Ogilvy South Africa & Thina Zibi, Independent Director. Thank you for lending us your fiery brilliance. Congratulations to Slim from Darling Films for being awarded Best in Craft by both judges - BOOM.