Director Andrew Kyriako (AK) of commercial production company Spitfire Films and producer Liesl Karpinski of Aces Up Post Production have set up a creative collective situated at Albury Park Office Park in Dunkeld, Johannesburg.
Soon to be added to the collective is a multi-purpose recording studio, with final mix services and a music offering.
The office space offers freelancers a free desk to work at and an edit suite which can be rented out. A mini art gallery can also be found within the space and is used as a platform for artists to display their craft.
Says Karpinski: “The idea was to create a one-stop-shop environment for all creative needs. For instance, Anita Schonauer’s casting agency, The Star Factory, makes use of the creative office environment regularly and says the concept of a creative collective is just what the industry needs.
“It’s wonderful to have the opportunity to just share space with like-minded individuals and makes coming to work a pleasure. We will be having a launch party before winter.’
Karpinski and AK chose the Dunkeld location because it is central but also because it has a “creative vibe’.
“Being just across the road from Hyde Park Corner it’s close to good restaurants and the studio space just spoke to us. We feel like we are part of a bigger picture here,’ comments Karpinski.
There are already media hubs in Milpark, Highlands North, Randburg and Bryanston. As to whether there is any danger of having too many hubs in Johannesburg, Karpinski responds: “There can ever be enough creativity and entrepreneurship in South Africa – at least that is our experience.’
She notes that while there is no formal link between Spitfire Films and Aces Up, there is symbiosis. “This means if a piece of animation or a reference has to be done quickly, we can do it because Aces Up is an animation and digital boutique. However, each job is treated individually and we ensure that we retain professional integrity with our clients. We do whatever is right for the job.’
screen africa magazine – march 2013
