Executive Committee & Oversight Committee

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Chairperson & Head of the Advocacy / Lobbying Portfolio

Whitemore , "N.White," is a certified DI Colourist, Post-Production Professional, and Multimedia Content Creative with over 15 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree in Journalism & Media Studies. His work includes projects for major broadcasters, governments, production & post-prouduction houses, corporates, and advertising agencies across Southern African countries. Throughout his career, White has worked on high-profile projects that demand precision, creativity, and an in-depth understanding of visual storytelling. His unique ability to merge technical expertise with artistic vision has consistently set his work apart. He blends his artistic vision with advocacy for the film/TV industry, ensuring each project he undertakes epitomises the pinnacle of artistic excellence and professional standards. This dedication extends to his lobbying efforts, where he strives to champion the needs and growth of the Film and TV sector, with a focus on Post-Production. Additionally, White serves as a jury member for various local and international film and TV awards. He is Co-Chairperson of the SAFTAs (The South African Film and Television Awards) Craft Awards Jury for the Technical Panel 3A and is an ExCo member for several local and international professional organisations. Guided by the belief that “collaboration is the new creativity,” his servant leadership style defines his role as SAFAITS’ Chairperson & Head of the Advocacy Portfolio. 

Vice Chairperson &

Advocacy / Lobbying 

Officer

Sondia is a versatile professional in the film and television industry with over a decade of experience, bringing expertise, integrity, and dedication to every project she undertakes. As a senior Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) and DI Colourist, she has worked extensively across both on-set and post-production environments, contributing to a wide array of productions including films, series, and commercials. Her technical prowess is matched by her ability to navigate complex digital workflows, ensuring seamless collaboration between production teams, DITs, and post-production departments.

What sets Sondia apart is her deep appreciation for the human element of the industry. She brings to her work a spirit of collaboration and fairness, co-creating with others in ways that honour creative expression while upholding professional standards. Her strategic insight and problem-solving acumen have made her a sought-after technical specialist, while her commitment to ethical working practices underpins everything she does.

Passionate about professional development and industry upliftment, Sondia champions skills training, advocates for crew rights, and actively promotes a culture of care and respect within the post-production community. As Vice Chairperson and Advocacy / Lobbying Officer of SAFAITS, she plays a vital leadership role in shaping policy, building unity, and advancing the shared vision of a world-class, values-driven film and television industry in South Africa.

International Director of Training & Professional Development (Certification & Standards)

 Paul “The Kung Fu Colourist” is an experienced senior DI Colourist whose career began in South Africa from 1994 to 2009 before moving to Taiwan, where he has been based ever since. His portfolio encompasses a broad range of genres, including TV commercials, feature films, documentaries, TV series, short films, and music videos, each reflecting his versatility and creative vision. A Dolby-certified colourist, Paul’s approach blends technical precision with a deep understanding of storytelling, making him a sought-after expert in the global colour grading industry. Over the years, Paul has worked on numerous high-profile projects, establishing a reputation for delivering excellence in both artistic and technical aspects. Beyond his work on productions, he is dedicated to education, regularly teaching colour grading techniques to companies and individuals, helping to shape the next generation of colourists. His passion for nurturing talent, alongside his focus on maintaining high professional standards, has made him a respected mentor and industry leader. Driven by the idea that “passing on knowledge is the best way to keep learning”, Paul’s dedication to knowledge-sharing and fostering global skill development perfectly defines his role as SAFAITS’ International Director of Training & Professional Development (Certification & Standards).

National Director of Training & Professional Development (Certification & Standards)

Misha has over 13 years of experience across various facets of post-production, with a strong passion for Colour Grading. His expertise spans narrative, reality, and documentary projects, where he skilfully balances colour science with creative vision to bring stories to life. Certified in Dolby Vision and SMPTE Colour Managed Workflows, Misha combines technical prowess with a deep understanding of industry standards. A solution-oriented professional, his interest in technology and best practices drives him to continually seek new ways to optimise workflows, enabling DI Colourists to focus on artistry. Known for his adaptability, he views himself as a perpetual student of the craft, continually evolving to keep pace with industry innovations. Beyond his technical skills, Misha is deeply committed to advocacy and mentoring. He believes that sharing knowledge is essential for the growth of the profession and actively works to create training programmes and resources that provide meaningful guidance for emerging DI Colourists. His approach not only fosters individual development but also strengthens the community by establishing robust learning opportunities within SAFAITS. This dedication to nurturing talent and maintaining high standards defines his role as SAFAITS’ National Director of Training & Professional Development (Certification & Standards).

Mentorship and Career Development Officer

Craig's career as a digital intermediate colourist began over 20 years ago at the Video Lab in Johannesburg, working at top post-production houses across South Africa and gaining international experience at SVC in London in the early 90s. Fourteen years ago, he launched Pudding Telecine Services, initially featuring a C-Reality and 2K Davinci, which evolved into a DI grading facility with two Baselights, a Northlight scanner, and a Resolve system. Now available for freelance work on Baselight and Davinci Resolve, Craig’s experience makes him a sought-after expert in mentoring and career development.

Training & Professional Development Officer 

Natasha “Tash” is a multi-talented creative with experience across various departments in the film and television industry. She has recently specialised in digital intermediate (DI) colour grading, where her keen eye for detail and visual storytelling has made her a valuable contributor to both narrative and commercial projects.

Over time, her work has sparked a passion for professional development — particularly training that leads to real-world employment. She believes in embedding learning within production environments, equipping creatives with the skills and access needed to build lasting careers in post-production finishing.

Training and Development Officer for Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs)

Jerry is a self-taught digital imaging technician and digital intermediate colourist with over a decade of experience in the industry. His dedication to his craft drives him to continuously refine his colour grading abilities and other film-related skills. Jerry is equally passionate about skill development, mentoring junior professionals, and elevating industry standards through knowledge sharing. As Training and Development Officer for DITs at SAFAITS, he is committed to expanding professional opportunities and ensuring that the next generation is equipped with the expertise to thrive.

Mentorship and Career Development Officer

Nic began his journey in digital intermediate colour grading in 2004 and has since become one of South Africa’s top commercial digital intermediate colourists. With a strong film background, he believes that even in the digital age, meticulous discipline and dedication to colour grading are essential to enhancing the viewer’s experience. In 2015, Nic founded Comfort and Fame, a boutique colour grading studio with bases in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Known for his creative eye, Nic prides himself in his ability to transform any form of acquisition into stunning visual art. His extensive experience makes him the ideal fit for nurturing new talent as SAFAITS' Mentorship and Career Development Officer.

Communications and Marketing Officer

Bongiwe "Bongi" is an emerging talent in editing, specialising in both offline and online projects. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she brings a fresh and dynamic perspective to every piece she edits. As a skilled digital intermediate colourist, Bongiwe enhances visual narratives, ensuring each frame evokes the intended emotion and tone. A dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion, she draws inspiration from her unique industry experiences. Her drive to shape compelling stories aligns perfectly with her role as SAFAITS’ Communications and Marketing Officer.

Social Media Manager

Henry  "The Personality Hire" is a young DI Colourist bursting onto the scene with passion, commitment, and joie de vivre. She hopes to implement high-quality Colour Workflow as a standard of the South African Film and TV industry (and make some pretty pictures along the ride!). When she’s not watching reality TV or listening to Taylor Swift—watching stimulating documentaries and listening to very cool music—she can be found working away in her dark cave (office) with her best friends (cats and DaVinci Resolve). Currently, she is the in-house colourist at Homebrew, mentored by Senior Colourist Misha Beare. Her unique blend of creativity, technical skill, and enthusiasm for visual storytelling, along with her ongoing efforts in driving SAFAITS’ digital presence, make her an invaluable asset in the role of Social Media Manager.

Policy and Legal Affairs Officer /

Information Officer for POPI and PAIA compliance

Regardt is the co-owner of POST CT, an independent post-production facility in Cape Town. With over 18 years of experience in the post-production industry, he specialises as a commercial finishing artist. After graduating from AFDA in 2004 with honours in Editing, he pursued further training from the International Colourist Academy and the Imaging Science Foundation. In 2011, he joined POST CT as an editor and DI Colourist, working on hundreds of commercials, feature films, and long-form TV. His comprehensive industry knowledge and commitment to professional standards make him ideally suited for his role overseeing Policy and Legal Affairs at SAFAITS.

Events & Conferences Coordinator

Robyn is a DI Colourist with a rich background in visual arts. She holds Master’s degrees in Visual Arts and Education (University of Barcelona) and Fine Arts (University of Cape Town). Starting in printmaking, photography, and experimental filmmaking, Robyn developed a nuanced understanding of colour, light, and the moving image. Her artistic sensibilities, collaborative nature, and technical expertise allowed her to transition seamlessly into the role of a DI Colourist, bringing an intuitive eye to her grading work. This blend of skills makes her an excellent fit for overseeing SAFAITS’ Events and Conference Coordination, ensuring creative synergy across projects.

Advocacy and Lobbying Officer

Warwick Allan is a certified DI Colourist, founder and managing director of Mushroom Media, a highly regarded post-production company that he has successfully led for over 20 years. Throughout his career, Warwick has been at the forefront of innovation within the post-production sector, consistently pushing boundaries to deliver cutting-edge solutions. His unwavering commitment to excellence has driven his ambition to position the South African post-production industry as a formidable player on the global stage, capable of competing with the very best in the world.

Passionate about the film and television industry, Warwick is deeply invested in nurturing and developing local talent. He believes in equipping professionals with the skills and knowledge required to perform at the highest international standards, ensuring they can meet the demands of an ever-evolving industry. 

Beyond his work within Mushroom Media, Warwick is a proactive collaborator, engaging with industry peers, organisations, and stakeholders to promote sustainable growth, foster innovation, and raise the bar for the South African film and television industry on a global scale.

 Training and Development Officer for Visual Effects (VFX) Artists

Jonathan Alenskas ( Jono ) is a British-South African VFX Supervisor and Artist with over 20 years of experience in post-production and on-set filming. He has contributed to a multitude of international films, television shows, and commercials, working across various departments and often multitasking to ensure seamless project execution.

Jonathan's diverse skill set makes him an adept lead and supervising artist, with a particular focus on overseeing projects from both creative and logistical standpoints. His expertise lies in job oversight, scheduling, and tracking work, always with a keen eye for artistic and creative integrity. Currently, Jonathan dedicates his talents to VFX Supervision, Production, and Consultancy.

He excels in breaking down projects, planning and implementing effective solutions, and creatively leading and managing teams. Driven by his passion for storytelling and a fascination with the art of visual effects, Jonathan has established himself as a sought after VFX supervisor. His dedication to the craft consistently adds significant value to the productions he oversees and the teams he collaborates with.

Training and Development Officer for Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs)

Richard is a seasoned digital imaging and post-production professional whose multifaceted career spans feature films, documentaries, television series, commercials, stereoscopic 3D, and cutting-edge virtual production. With a background that bridges both the creative and technical realms, Richard is recognised for his proficiency as a colourist, editor, and post-production supervisor, with a particular specialisation in high-volume multicam workflows and the design and implementation of complex colour and look pipelines.

His career began on set as a camera assistant and operator, giving him a unique perspective and hands-on understanding of image acquisition — a foundation that continues to inform his work as a Digital Imaging Technician (DIT) and technical director. This blend of production and post-production expertise enables him to effectively manage the seamless integration of visual quality and on-set efficiency, particularly in fast-paced or technically demanding environments.

Richard has contributed to a number of high-profile international productions. Notable credits include Avengers: Age of Ultron, Chappie, and the epic North African shoot of The Kingdoms of Fire, which involved five intensive months of large-format action sequences in the Sahara Desert. His work with Netflix has been equally impressive, having served on visually ambitious projects such as Dark, 1899, and Damsel — all of which demanded exceptional precision in both colour science and data workflow management.

Most recently, Richard has expanded into the realm of virtual production, serving as a Virtual Production Supervisor on several high-end projects. Among them is The Phoenician Scheme, a visually stylised production directed by Wes Anderson, which demonstrates Richard’s ability to adapt to the forefront of cinematic innovation.

In his current capacity as Training and Development Officer for Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs) for SAFAITS, Richard plays a vital role in shaping the next generation of DITs professionals. Through his mentorship and training initiatives, he brings international best practices, emerging technologies, and field-based wisdom to bear — helping to elevate South African DITs to world-class standards and ensuring their readiness for both local and global productions.

Executive Administrator

Thea Aboud began her career in industrial engineering at Iscor before transitioning into various roles within local, provincial, and national government. Over the years, she expanded her expertise to include accounting, procurement, and human resources. After 17 years in public service, she founded Shacabanga Consulting, where she has since worked as a strategist and capacity-building advisor. In collaboration with New Horizons, Thea has facilitated Business Implementation Plans for governmental departments, non-profit organisations, and private sector entities across South Africa and the African continent.

In a bold entrepreneurial move, she went on to run a successful take-away, bakery, and general dealer in the Eastern Cape, before returning to Johannesburg in 2010 to establish the Writers' Guild of South Africa (WGSA), where she continues to serve as Executive Officer in partnership with the WGSA Council. Her extensive client base includes the Documentary Filmmakers’ Association (DFA), the South African Screen Federation (SASFED), Sisters Working in Film and Television (SWIFT), the Southern African Freelancers’ Association (SAFREA), and the South African Science Journalists’ Association.

Thea’s strengths lie in organisational development, systems analysis, financial management, strategic planning, and project implementation. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA), and her contributions have significantly enhanced the capacity and governance of the organisations she supports. In addition to her administrative and consultancy work, she is also a credited screenwriter for children’s programming and has a vibrant background as a ballet, ballroom, and Latin American dancer and trainer.

In her most recent role, Thea proudly serves as Executive Administrator for SAFAITS. Her wealth of experience, precision in systems design, and unwavering commitment to operational excellence have made her an indispensable part of the SAFAITS engine room — helping to ensure that the society runs with the professionalism, accountability, and strategic foresight required to drive the post-production finishing & DITs sector forward.