Twofold began as a natural evolution of two creative minds coming together. Simba started with still photography, using a hand-me-down camera from their older brother, while Wesley always had a passion for film and motion. Although they worked as individuals, they soon realised they needed a platform to showcase their visual storytelling. This led to the birth of Twofold as a duo and production company.
From the start, their synergy in art was undeniable. Simba brings a strong narrative approach, while Wesley focuses on the technical aspects, making them the perfect director-cinematographer team. Their work is deeply influenced by textures, the mechanics of how things function, nostalgic moments from their nomadic upbringing and moving between countries.
The Creative Process.
Like most creatives, their process begins with inspiration and research. Some ideas form naturally, guided by intuition, while others require deep exploration. Once they define the narrative and message they want to convey, they shift into technical preparation, bringing in fellow creatives for specialised roles like styling and lighting. The final steps include execution, post-production, packaging and distribution of the project.
Staying Innovative in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape.
Innovation comes from balancing current trends with authenticity. Twofold believes in constantly developing their unique voice while keeping their creative process flexible. They embrace spontaneous ideas, take risks, remain open to learning, and ensuring their work remains fresh and impactful.
Working with South African Brands.
Collaborating with South African brands is an exciting challenge for Twofold. They appreciate the opportunity but hope for more creative freedom from brands to explore and tell stories in unique ways. The key to a successful collaboration is alignment with their creative vision and goals. They seek brands that value the creative community over chasing trends and numbers but rather prefer partnerships that foster long-term relationships rather than one-off transactions.
A Campaign That Stands Out.
One project that deeply resonated with Twofold was the Acqua for Life campaign by Armani. They documented the impact of clean water access in a village, capturing not just the infrastructure but the real human stories behind it. This project reinforced their belief in the power of visual storytelling and left them with a profound appreciation for community resilience and sustainable solutions.
Capturing the Essence of a South African Brand.
Understanding a brand’s vision, messaging, and past successes is key to creating compelling visuals. Twofold ensures they decipher briefs thoroughly to align their creative approach with what the brand aims to achieve.
Trends in South African Brand Campaigns.
Short-form video content is dominating, with platforms like TikTok and Instagram in the form of reels driving storytelling and product promotion. Inclusivity is also a major trend, with brands embracing diverse representation and cultural heritage to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Twofold’s Contribution to the Creative Landscape.
As young and emerging creatives, Twofold brings a fresh, dynamic, and unconventional approach to storytelling. Their work challenges traditional cinema structures by blending genres and pushing creative boundaries.
Challenges of Being a Brand on the Rise.
Breaking into the industry comes with hurdles. One major challenge is that brands only offer work based on past projects, making it difficult for newcomers to gain trust without a portfolio. Additionally, many opportunities come with creative and budgetary constraints.
Building a Client Base.
Patience is key. Twofold understands that success takes time, and in the meantime, they focus on mastering their craft. Opportunities arise when passion and dedication are evident in the work.
Key Turning Points for Twofold.
Quality work attracts like-minded individuals and clients. By prioritising excellence and maintaining a human-first approach in communication and relationships, Twofold has steadily gained recognition.
Balancing Artistic Vision and Market Demands.
Twofold stays true to their artistic vision while adapting to industry trends. They integrate new developments strategically, ensuring their originality remains intact.
Campaigns That Elevated Twofold
Projects like Adidas’ Home of Classics, Nomzamo Mbatha with Levi’s, Little Simz for Highsnobiety, and Vans Europe have put Twofold on the map, solidifying their reputation in the industry.
The Future of Creativity in the Digital Age
Digital platforms are democratising creativity, allowing anyone to showcase their work without traditional industry barriers. These platforms foster connections and provide resources, ultimately challenging and reshaping how cinema is received.
Maintaining an Impactful Online Presence.
An online presence is often the first impression of a filmmaker’s work. Twofold ensures their digital footprint reflects their quality and innovation by only showcasing their best work. They also enjoy sharing behind-the-scenes content, making their audience feel involved and reinforcing trust in their ability to deliver high-value projects.
As a brand on the rise, Twofold continues to push boundaries, tell authentic stories, and carve out a unique space in the creative industry. Their journey is a testament to patience, passion, and a relentless pursuit of artistic excellence.
