South African editor Kobus Loots of Cape Town-based Upstairs Post Production
has the distinction of having 31 edits featured in Shots Magazine, regarded as
the foremost source of information for the international commercial industry.
In addition Loots was the subject of a feature article by Ryan Watson in the
December 2012 edition of Shots.
“We were very honored that Kobus was featured in Shots and it is great to see
South African talent taking its place in the international creative arena. The
recognition by Shots proves that Kobus is one of the finest commercial editors in
the world. He is considered the oracle of commercial editing in South Africa and
has been in the industry for over 25 years,’ says Mark Ash of Upstairs Post
Production.
Loots adds: “It is a great privilege to be recognised by Shots. I am proud of how
well South Africa has done in the international creative arena over the years and
am glad that I have been part of this.’
He is something of a late starter in post-production, only moving into editing at
age 30 after studying law and practising as a Public Prosecutor. Commencing his
career under editor Sabrina O’Sullivan, Loots then moved to Cutaways where he
became a part owner. After many years he left Cutaways to open his own
company, Elevator, which thrived for several years. Following a much-deserved
two-year sabbatical from editing, Loots joined Upstairs Post Production.
During his career, Loots has been awarded Grand Prix, Gold and Silver Loerie
Awards and edited Cannes Lions winners, as well as the trailer for South Africa’s
Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear- winning film, U-Carmen eKhayelitsha.
Ash notes that Upstairs Post Production is also very excited that Metropolitan
Republic’s FNB’s Dog, directed by Velocity’s Greg Gray and edited by Loots, was
short-listed in the Shots TVC of the Year Awards category.
“Eleven of the best adverts of the year that appeared in Shots issues number
132 to 138 have been selected,’ Ash explains.
Recent jobs for Upstairs Post Production includes the new Nedbank TVC. This
was directed by Kim Geldenhuys of Egg Films who travelled to Morocco for the
shoot. It was produced by Kerry Hosford and Colin Howard. Prior to this Upstairs
edited Standard Bank’s Moving Forward TVC, another Geldenhuys project. The
commercial was featured in Shots and the Between10and5’s Creative Showcase,
all within days of airing on TV.
“2013 is expected to be a bumper year for Upstairs Post Production,’ states Ash.
“Despite the fiscal cliff and the bad economic times we’re off to a great start with
a calendar filled with work. While budgets have been tight, the creative energy
in the industry is still alive
and well.’
