The Directors: Nelis Botha
Nelis is known for his attention to detail and commitment to authenticity. He crafts narratives that challenge norms and captivate audiences.
With a love for both photography and film, Nelis seamlessly blends raw intimacy with cinematic richness. His portfolio includes acclaimed work for brands like adidas, Levi’s, Bacardi, Oakley, Volkswagen, and Audi, showcasing his ability to connect with diverse audiences.
Driven by a passion for storytelling, Nelis continues to push boundaries and leave a lasting impact on every project he undertakes.
LBB> What elements of a script sets one apart from the other and what sort of scripts get you excited to shoot them?
Nelis> At the heart of every script lies its ability to tell a compelling story. Storytelling transcends boundaries of genre, style, and medium. I’m drawn to narratives that are not only engaging but also possess a profound emotional connection.
For me, it’s a fine balance between simplicity married with depth. As a filmmaker, I'm always on the lookout for scripts that challenge the status quo, that push the boundaries of conventional storytelling and explore new territories.
In essence, the scripts that get me excited to shoot are the ones that possess a unique voice, a distinct vision, and a commitment to authentic storytelling.
LBB> How do you approach creating a treatment for a spot?
Nelis> Being a visual person, I'm constantly soaking in inspiration from the world around me. I prefer to let the visuals lead the way, rather than getting bogged down in just the writing.
I start by gathering images, creating mood boards, listening to different tracks, etc. It's like piecing together a puzzle, letting the visuals guide me as I build the treatment step by step. I then break down the script to its core idea - understanding what it's truly about at its essence.
Throughout the treatment development process, I prioritise collaboration and communication with the agency to ensure that their vision is accurately captured and brought to life. I also incorporate feedback and revisions as needed to refine the treatment until it meets the client's expectations and sets the stage for a successful production.
LBB> If the script is for a brand that you're not familiar with/ don’t have a big affinity with or a market you're new to, how important is it for you to do research and understand that strategic and contextual side of the ad? If it’s important to you, how do you do it?
Nelis> You need to understand the brand fully, know exactly what they’ve made in the past, and trust the creatives on the job. Research is key in this process. I immerse myself in the brand's history, studying previous campaigns, brand messaging, and audience demographics.
Coming from an agency background, I understand the work that goes into the campaigns before it reaches production. Collaboration with the creative team is so important. I rely on their expertise and insights to gain a deeper understanding of the brand's strategic direction and messaging goals.
While I respect the groundwork laid by the agency, I strive to bring a fresh perspective to the table. It's about striking a balance between honouring the brand's objectives and injecting new energy and creativity into the campaign.
LBB> For you, what is the most important working relationship for a director to have with another person in making an ad? And why?
Nelis> It’s difficult to pinpoint one person; it all depends on the project. However, for me, the most important working relationships often revolve around the producer and the DP.
My producer is my guiding light. I hold so much respect for their ability to keep everything on track, manage schedules, and ensure the happiness of the entire team. Their support allows me to focus on creative execution with peace of mind.
Equally important is my relationship with the DP for the shoot. As someone who shares a common language and understanding of visual storytelling, they are my trusted collaborator in realising the creative vision. We often find ourselves in the trenches together, aligning our perspectives and fine-tuning every shot to capture the essence of the story.
LBB> What type of work are you most passionate about - is there a particular genre or subject matter or style you are most drawn to?
Nelis> Recently, I am drawn to very technical ads - The challenge of pushing boundaries. In recent years, there's been so much innovation in ads, and I always aim to create something new and groundbreaking. Breaking rules and exploring new territory keeps me motivated. Ultimately, I want to create ads that captivate audiences while pushing the limits of what's possible in filmmaking.
LBB> What misconception about you or your work do you most often encounter and why is it wrong?
Nelis> One common misconception I often encounter is being pigeonholed into a specific style or type of work. People tend to assume that because I've excelled in a particular area or genre, that's all I can do. However, the truth is, I thrive on variety and wearing different hats creatively.
While I may have a signature style or area of expertise, I enjoy exploring diverse projects and pushing myself outside of my comfort zone.
LBB> What’s the craziest problem you’ve come across in the course of a production – and how did you solve it?
Nelis> A recent challenge I faced during a production was when we had to shoot a project in less than a week. Originally scheduled for a month later, our main talent suddenly had to leave for the FIFA Women's World Cup earlier than expected.
It was a race against time, but luckily, I had an amazing production team. We hustled to streamline everything to pull off the shoot. Despite the pressure, we stayed focused, adapted quickly, and delivered a successful production that exceeded everyone's expectations.
LBB> How do you strike the balance between being open/collaborative with the agency and brand client while also protecting the idea?
Nelis> Balancing collaboration with the agency and client while safeguarding the idea is all about picking my battles and seeing the bigger picture. Yes, I'm creating for a brand, but it's also my work. So, while I'm open to input, I know when to stand my ground to protect the essence of the idea. It's about finding that sweet spot between respecting the client's objectives and staying true to my creative vision.
LBB> What are your thoughts on opening up the production world to a more diverse pool of talent? Are you open to mentoring and apprenticeships on set?
Nelis> YES to both. The more diverse, the better, and I love to share everything I know. I believe in sharing the knowledge and experiences I've gained throughout my career. I was once the young kid trying to figure everything out, and I know first-hand the value of guidance and support from experienced professionals.
Breaking into the industry can be intimidating, and many aspiring filmmakers may feel hesitant to put themselves out there. However, I've found that reaching out and engaging with people in the industry can lead to incredible opportunities and connections.
LBB> How do you feel the pandemic has influenced the way you work? Have you picked up new habits that you feel will stick around for a long time?
Nelis> Zoom calls are here to stay, we move faster with meetings, quick chats, castings, etc. but nothing beats meeting face-to-face: It’s always so tricky to read the room over a computer screen.
LBB> Your work is now presented in so many different formats - to what extent do you keep each in mind while you're working (and, equally, to what degree is it possible to do so)?
Nelis> Keeping different formats in mind is always important in today's multimedia landscape, no pun intended. I always consider various formats, especially for online content where social media platforms have specific requirements. It's crucial to ensure that the content translates well across different formats, whether it's traditional widescreen or vertical formats for social media.
LBB> What’s your relationship with new technology and, if at all, how do you incorporate future-facing tech into your work (e.g. virtual production, interactive storytelling, AI/data-driven visuals etc)?
Nelis> I have an open approach to new technology, recognising its potential to enhance and streamline our creative processes. While it's still early days for AI to fully take over our jobs, I believe in embracing technological advancements rather than resisting them. Rather than viewing technology as a threat, I see it as a tool to augment our capabilities and unlock new creative possibilities.
LBB> Which pieces of work do you feel really show off what you do best – and why?
Nelis> Adidas: 'Remember My Name' - This film tells the story of five different female athletes, delving into the challenges they face in their respective sports. Through authentic storytelling, I highlight the struggles, triumphs, and resilience of these athletes, allowing viewers to connect with their journeys on a personal level.
'We Are EGG' - This project showcases the ability to collaborate effectively and adapt to challenging circumstances. Shot in the middle of lockdown, it required creative problem-solving and resilience to overcome logistical hurdles. Despite the limitations imposed by the pandemic, the resulting film exudes a youthful and fresh energy that resonates with audiences, particularly within the retail space.
Adidas: 'Home of Classics' - Illustrating how the simplest ideas can be the most effective. Use your limitations to your advantage. One day, one shot per cast member, focusing on styling and what can be achieved in camera.
Oakley - 'One Obsession' - Shot over three days in three different cities, this project pushed Oakley, traditionally known as a sport brand, into the lifestyle space.
