Substance Films

We all know the Big Names and studios in the film Industry it’s time to look at a Small Film Company making a Big Impact, Substance Films. 

1. Who are Substance Films and what do you do?

Substance Films is a passionate collective of like-minded individuals, who seek to create authentic, quality TV and video productions in Africa. We believe that story-telling lies at the heart of communication, especially documentary television. Africa is a wealth of modern, unique stories, waiting to be told and look forward to bringing these stories to the world in a fresh, creative way.

Our international experience includes local and international feature films, television shows,commercials, documentaries and public service announcements. Now our focus is on letting human interest stories be heard far beyond African shores 

2. Do you have other Small Businesses as clients?

One of my most favourite clients is Matchboxology – a small agency that focusses on linking corporates with social development initiatives – they are small and so awesome to work with

3. Do you support other Small Businesses?

I like to support small business and owner-run organisations through my service providers and suppliers.  I truly value being able to speak to the owner of a business and someone who is invested in their and my good outcome from the interaction.  I work with a lot of small, awesome companies within the sphere of my work for everything from tape mastering to couriers.

4. Being as you say one of the Little Guys what have been some of your recent accomplishments?

I was invited to the Xi'an International Film Festival, which was really a "score one for the little guy" moment – I was very much the smallest organisation there and it was an amazing opportunity and our film Dying to Stop received recognition. 

5. What are some of the personal lessons you have taken from owning a Small Business?

Mainly, I think, having a small business has given me so much insight into the value of customer services and orientation of small businesses.  I am making more and more choices in my business and personal life to support owner-run businesses that are small and customer focussed, through where I choose to eat or buy my food, which clothes I buy, where I purchase my toiletries and cat food, even!  

6. How important is it for you to train young South African film makers? 

Local and international interns (my experience has generally been that even though international interns are more qualified on paper, the local ones really kick ass!  And they have all been women.)