An awesome abundance of raw talent – having initially accessed South Africa’s film and television industries as trainees and interns – faces the daunting career challenge of gaining entry into the industry as crew members on paths leading to emerging management roles, heads of departments, suppliers, and independent director and producer positions.
At the same time, film, television, commercial productions, stations, producers and streamers seek reliable, reputable crew members.
However, many skilled, experienced individuals – often from underrepresented communities – are inadvertently overlooked.
CREW COLLECTIVE is an equal opportunity platform with a mission to support underrepresented professionals in the film and television industry and change that narrative. More than just a database, it serves as a bridge, connecting filmmakers, producers and industry leaders with emerging and established creative industry professionals.
Based on the extremely successful www.arraycrew.com , pioneered by Ava du Vernay in the USA, this online platform seeks to amplify the voices of South African creative professionals who, despite their skills and experience, still struggle to access industry opportunities.
One CREW COLLECTIVE rising star, is Sivenkosi Hope Runeli, a passionate, professional, emerging Assistant Director (AD).
Sive’s journey from Uitenhage in the Eastern Cape to sprawling local and international production sets, showcases exactly what CREW COLLECTIVE stands for: revealing and uplifting awesome, hidden, local, South African talent.
Having moved to Cape Town in 2011, where her passion for visual storytelling took flight, Sive’s talent quickly gained attention, earning her a Film and TV Production scholarship to Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking. In 2014, she directed and won the Best Documentary at the Cape Winelands International Film Festival, marking the start of a flourishing career.
Sive launched herself into the formal film industry through the SA FILM Academy, working as an AD trainee on Maze Runner: The Death Cure. Her skills, passion and dedication have since landed her key roles on major projects, including The Woman King (2022) and White Lies (2024).
Currently, Sive is part of the Academy of Creative Excellence (ACE) program, shadowing director Lucas Ettlin on the Netflix hit series, One Piece, Season 2: Project Renaissance, under the wing of Film Afrika. With coaching & mentorship from local and global industry leaders, she’s building an inspiring career, so watch this space!
CREW COLLECTIVE’s mission is to level the playing field in the entertainment industry. It offers an expanding pool of underrepresented professionals with fresh voices and perspectives. For creatives like Sivenkosi, it’s the perfect launch pad to lift-off their careers.
Whether you’re a seasoned director or an emerging coordinator in the production office, CREW COLLECTIVE provides an exciting space for collaboration, connection and growth. It’s the go-to platform for injecting diverse talent into the creative process, ensuring that all voices are heard.
CREW COLLECTIVE opens doors for marginalized talent in a highly competitive industry. By showcasing individuals like Sive, CREW COLLECTIVE is helping shape the future of South African film and television industries, one talent at a time.
Check out www.crewcollective.org.za and join the movement to foster professional diversity & creativity in the entertainment industry.
For further information, please contact Sihlengelwe Buthelezi at hello@crewcollective.org.za
