Looking

Back

on

the

2025/26

Production

Season

with

Gavin

Schneider

As another production season comes to a close, it's a good opportunity to reflect on the projects, challenges, locations, and moments that made it memorable.

No two seasons are ever the same. New clients, evolving briefs, changing industry trends, and the unpredictable nature of production ensure that every year brings something different. Looking back on the 2025/26 season, there is certainly a lot to be grateful for.

New Teams, New Relationships

One of the highlights of the season was welcoming several new teams to Cape Town.

"There is always an underlying nervousness before each season because things are constantly changing," says Gavin. "We were extremely fortunate to welcome some new teams this year and form new relationships that we hope will lead to many more collaborations in the future."

Introducing new clients to South Africa and showing them what makes Cape Town such a special production destination remains one of the most rewarding parts of the job.

Favourite Location of the Season

One of my favourite discoveries this season was Villa Santiago.

"It's always exciting to present new locations to clients, and Villa Santiago was certainly one of the highlights. Overlooking the shoreline of St James, it has so much character and so many interesting spaces. It feels like an avant-garde bungalow by the sea and offers something completely unique."

Locations like these continue to remind clients why Cape Town remains one of the most versatile filming destinations in the world.

The Challenge Behind the Shot

One of the biggest production challenges this season came during a Saga Travel Insurance campaign.

"We needed a location with enough altitude to convincingly create a hot-air balloon scene while still having the iconic Cape Winelands in the background. It took multiple location recces and many calls to our trusted partners before we finally found the right location."

Finding the perfect location is often far more complicated than people realise, but it's also one of the most rewarding parts of production.

When Things Don't Go According to Plan

No matter how much planning goes into a production, there will always be variables outside your control.

"We're fortunate to have a team that gets it right most of the time and our productions generally run very smoothly. That said, there are always unpredictable challenges, particularly weather, that can throw you a curveball."

Fortunately, years of experience have taught the team how to adapt quickly.

"Our crew is incredibly experienced at making last-minute schedule adjustments and finding solutions. Sometimes a bad weather day simply means approaching the day differently and making the best of the situation."

The Moments That Stand Out

When asked about the most memorable moments from the season, it's impossible to choose just one.

"There are honestly too many to single out."

One of the most rewarding moments in any production is finally getting the shot that has been meticulously planned for weeks, and sometimes months.

"So much work goes into a production before the cameras even roll. There are location recces, casting sessions, schedules, logistics, permits, and countless moving parts. When everything aligns and you finally capture the shot you've been working towards, it's an incredibly satisfying feeling."

Casting is often one of those areas where the extra effort pays off.

"We're very fortunate to have access to an incredible talent pool in Cape Town, but sometimes finding the right person for a brief requires our team to think outside the box. That might mean approaching someone in a coffee shop, stopping somebody in the street, or following up on an unexpected lead. Our team will always go above and beyond to present clients with the best possible options."

One campaign that really highlighted the strength of Cape Town's talent pool was our HSBC production. The brief required a diverse cast that authentically represented multiple backgrounds and demographics. Seeing those casts come together and ultimately watching the final campaign is always incredibly rewarding.

While those production wins are memorable, it's often the moments in between that stand out just as much.

"When a fire gets lit for a braai on set and we have the opportunity to show clients a bit of genuine South African hospitality, it's always a highlight. Everyone relaxes, stories get shared, and the atmosphere changes completely."

When It All Comes Together

We're lucky that Cape Town offers such a diverse range of incredible locations, but it's always exciting to see a location transformed into something completely different.

One standout production this season took place at Inyoni Village, where the team created a vibrant Spanish-style plaza scene.

"The set stylist did a phenomenal job, and the entire team brought so much creativity and energy to the day. It was one of those shoots where everything seemed to come together perfectly."

More broadly, I'm always proud of productions where every department comes together to elevate the final result.

"We spend so much time planning, coordinating, and problem-solving during production that we don't always stop to appreciate the final result. Looking back at the finished campaigns at the end of the season is always a reminder of why we love what we do."

What Clients Don't Always See

While clients experience the excitement of shoot days, much of the work happens long before the cameras roll.

"Production is unpredictable, and the amount of work that happens behind the scenes is enormous."

From sourcing talent and scouting locations to permits, logistics, schedules, and contingency planning, every detail requires careful attention.

Something else that often goes unnoticed is the network of relationships that make productions possible.

Having strong partnerships with location owners, suppliers, local authorities, casting agents, and organisations such as the Cape Town Film Office plays a huge role in helping productions run smoothly. This season also marked the farewell of Mfanelo, who has been a long-standing partner to both the industry and the Cape Town Film Office.

"We are incredibly grateful for the support and collaboration we've shared over the years. Building and maintaining these relationships remains one of the most important parts of what we do."

Why Cape Town Continues to Deliver

Cape Town remains one of the world's most sought-after filming destinations, and there are good reasons why.

"The diversity of locations and talent is truly unique."

Within a relatively small geographical area, productions can access beaches, mountains, vineyards, urban environments, coastal villages, luxury villas, and world-class infrastructure.

"We're able to service a huge variety of briefs because we have access to incredibly diverse locations and talent pools, all within easy reach of one another. Whether a client is looking for a European-style village, dramatic coastlines, luxury properties, vineyards, urban environments, or a multicultural cast, Cape Town consistently delivers."

Looking Ahead

As preparations begin for the next season, the excitement remains exactly the same.

"We still get excited every time a new brief lands in our inbox. It's immediately go-time."

Like much of the creative industry, production is paying close attention to the rise of AI and how it may influence future workflows.

"It's probably the most obvious shift happening right now. It's something we can't ignore."

At the same time, we're confident in the value of real-world production.

"We believe the human aspect of production is what brings emotion to a campaign. Real people, real locations, real experiences — those are the things that ultimately connect with audiences."

One Thing That Should Never Change

When asked what he hopes never changes about production life, the answer is simple.

"The people."

Technology will evolve, trends will come and go, and the industry will continue to adapt. But at the heart of every production is a group of talented people working together towards a common goal.

"The friendships, the banter, the problem-solving, the early mornings, and the feeling when everyone pulls together to make something happen — I hope that never changes."

Looking Towards the Next Season

As we close out another successful season, I'd like to thank our clients, partners, suppliers, locations, talent, and crew who continue to place their trust in us.

With another season on the horizon, we're excited to see what new briefs, creative challenges, and collaborations await. Whether you're returning to Cape Town for your next campaign or exploring South Africa as a production destination for the first time, we'd love to help bring your vision to life.

If you're planning a production for the upcoming season, get in touch with the GSP team. From casting and locations to logistics and full-service production support, we're ready to help make your next shoot a success.

We look forward to welcoming you to Cape Town.