SHOWCASE
SIZZLE REEL
DOCUMENTARIES
The Whisper
Genre: Feature-length Documentary
Independent Film (2024)
The Whisper is a poignant documentary filmed in India that delves into the extraordinary lives of Lakshmi and Riya, two courageous women navigating the challenges of Fibrodysplasia Ossificans Progressiva (FOP), one of the world’s rarest and most debilitating conditions. Indian artist Pragati becomes immersed in this rare world as she joins the documentary team to capture the essence of the FOP warriors’ journeys through her art. Together, they illuminate the resilience and spirit of these individuals facing the unique struggles posed by FOP, creating a powerful narrative that transcends borders and highlights the universal strength of the human spirit.
Glory Game:
The Joost van der Westhuizen Story
Genre: Feature-length Sports Documentary
Client: Mnet Movies/kykNet
Distribution: - Theatrical: Ster-Kinekor; Nu-Metro (2014) | Broadcast: Mnet; kykNet; Showmax; Supersport (2014-Present); Sky Sports | Australia (2016-2018)
South African rugby legend and international icon, Joost van der Westhuizen, is no stranger to the spotlight. From fame on the rugby field to a scandalous fall from grace, his life has been public property. In an up-close and personal documentary, Joost shares his journey tackling ALS, a disease that has no regard for his past triumphs. A compelling tale of redemption, set against the backdrop of sporting glory, this is the story of a modern-day warrior forced to face his own human frailty.
THE VET
Client: Independent Film | Duration: 5 mins
Animal Whisperer.
Veterinary Surgeon.
Motorbike Racer.
Philosopher.
Meet Philippe Plaschner as he shares his thoughts on
Love, Life and Laughter.
GEINGOB: Man of The Hour
Client: Documentary
Client: Clive Morris Productions for DSTV
Role: Odette Schwegler: Director/Producer
Distribution: DSTV – Mnet Africa (2015)
Explore the extraordinary life of Namibian President Hage Geingob in this exclusive documentary. Our crew delves into his political history, featuring interviews with fellow freedom fighters who stood with him during Namibia's struggle for independence. With
unprecedented access, the film captures poignant moments at the tree of his birth, his old school, and personal spaces, offering a unique glimpse into the man behind the presidency. Geingob's gregarious personality, commitment to democracy, and multifaceted roles as a father and "Tweeter"; unfold in this compelling story of a lifetime dedicated to serving Namibia
and its people.
The Mighties
Client: Medical Documentary | 48 mins
What if terminal diseases could be cured? What if all it took was the right donor, with the right DNA, on the right registry? The Mighties follows the personal rollercoaster journeys of families and individuals as they experience the highs and lows of life-saving stem cell transplants: from diagnosis to donor search, to transplant and recovery. Woven into the fabric of these heart-wrenching stories are threads of fascinating medical science, balancing deep emotion with hard facts and passionate sentiment with astonishing information.
Underpinning the stories are the sobering challenges faced by families searching for donors, including those from under-served communities. Inspired and driven by the story of Mackenzie Friedman (Mighty Mack) a 1-year-old girl whose stem cell donor is an adult male in Greece.
Touching Lives
Genre: Documentary ‘Shorts’ Series (Branded Content Campaign)
Client: South African Revenue Service
Distribution: ENCA; SABC; Mnet (2012 – 2013)
The South African Revenue Service (SARS) has banked on a novel marketing campaign that encourages people to pay taxes by appealing to their emotions. The Touching Lives campaign uses television adverts in the form of ‘mini-doccies’ and billboards to feature stories of how individual and corporate taxpayers' money is touching the lives of ordinary people. One of the stories, titled "Dreaming Big," features Modjadji Ramphelo, 21, who, through a bursary from the Department of Higher Education, was the first person from her village near in Limpopo to go to university. Other stories celebrate the impact that taxpayers have across a range of sectors, including health, housing, social development, search and rescue, wildlife and the environment. The campaign was launched in 2012 and was so successful that it ran for a second season in 2013, winning the coveted Orchid accolade for excellence in advertising and contributing to an increase in SARS revenue of R1 billion.
Diamonds and Destiny
Genre: Genre: Historical Docu-drama
Client: DeBeers
Broadcast: The Big Hole Exhibition (2006 – present)
Diamonds and Destiny takes audiences back in time in the custom-built theatre at Kimberley's iconic tourist attraction. Based on Brian Roberts' book, “Kimberley: Turbulent City,” this documentary-drama period piece unfolds the riveting tale of Kimberley's origins—from the discovery of the first diamond by children along the Orange River. Through the lives of renowned figures like Barney Barnato and Cecil John Rhodes, to lesser-known real-life characters like "Champagne Charlie," the film tells the story of the rise of Kimberley from a frontier town to the epicenter of the global diamond rush. Beyond its glittering legacy, Kimberley's history intricately shaped South Africa's broader historical narrative. With
dramatized re-enactments, the 20-minute film captures the intrigue and drama that not only defined Kimberley but also left an indelible mark on South Africa's remarkable history.
The Moment:
How Sports Changed The World
Genre: Feature-length Sports Documentary
Client: 1895 Films (Los Angeles) for Red Bull
Role: Odette Schwegler: Producer/ Director (South Africa) Distribution: Amazon Prime (2023)
The Moment is a feature-length documentary about a one of the most memorable moments in sporting history, a moment that changed the world: The 1995 Rugby World Cup which helped unite a deeply divided South African nation. Bl!nk had the honour of being commissioned by 1895 Films - an Emmy and Peabody award winning company - to film and direct key material for a new documentary about events that impacted the course of history.
Tin Soldiers
Genre: Feature-length Documentary
Independent Film
Role: Executive Producer/Director
Distribution: Amazon Prime (2022-2024); Discovery Channel - TLC (2021-2022); ENCA (2020-2021)
Tin Soldiers is the deeply personal story of people afflicted with one of the world’s rarest diseases and the quest to identify those still undiagnosed and living in the dark.
A tale of courage interwoven with fascinating medical science,
this is the story of real-life ‘Tin Soldiers’ overcoming human frailty to demonstrate that within a sabotaged body, the spirit of a warrior can surge.
Better Men
Independent Film
In a country where 67% of children are raised in single parent households and 80% of the prisoner population were raised in the absence of a positive male role-model, a group of brave men step in to help raise Better Men.
Help For Healing
Genre: Documentary
Client: Aspen Pharmacare & S.A Department of Health
Distribution: World Health Organization (2015)
IHelp for Healing highlights the transformative impact of the Public Health Enhancement Fund (PHEF) in a narrative that unfolds through the voices of young rural doctors and Ph.D. students whose futures have been shaped by this ground-breaking initiative. Established by the Department of Health and the private sector, PHEF represents a collaborative effort to fortify and deliver robust healthcare to every South African.
Human Spirit
Genre: Sports Documentary ‘Shorts’ Series (Branded Content Campaign)
Client: T&W for ABSA Episode:
ABSA Cape Epic Mountain Bike Race
Role: Odette Schwegler: Producer / Director
Distribution: ENCA; SABC; Mnet (2014)
ABSA’s Human Spirit campaign redefined sports sponsorship by shifting the focus from the sport itself to the unshakable drive that propels people forward - the human spirit. Rooted in the Absa Cape Epic the campaign brought to life stories that could only be written in the dust, sweat, and triumph of this unforgiving event. Because
there are stories that only the most brutal mountain bike stage races in the world can write.
At its heart were powerful narratives like that of Hein Wagner, who made history as the first blind person to complete the Cape Epic. Paired with tandem cyclist Gerrie Olivier, Hein’s feat showcased the campaign’s core values: resilience, trust, and the will to overcome the impossible. Equally inspiring was the journey of Team Rwanda—a group of riders who had overcome immense personal and socio-political challenges to reach the start line. Their participation symbolized a new chapter for Rwandan cycling and stood as a testament to how opportunity, hope, and determination can transform lives..
Through the Human Spirit campaign, ABSA proved that in sport, as in life, it’s the will to keep going that truly counts.
Champions
Genre: Genre: Documentary
Client: UNAIDS
Distribution: World Health Organization (2016)
Champions for an AIDS-Free Generation works to ensure that all children are born free from HIV in Africa and that all people have access to quality HIV prevention and treatment services. The Champions is a distinguished group of former presidents and
influential African leaders committed to an AIDS-free generation. Individually and collectively, the Champions rally and support regional leaders towards ending the AIDS epidemic as a public health threat. This story focuses on the newly appointed
Champion, Kgalema Motlanthe, former President of South Africa, and the aspirations of children destined to become future champions in an AIDS-Free Generation.
American Idols Give Back: Angola
Genre: Genre: Documentary
Client: ExxonMobil
Role: Odette Schwegler - Director/Producer
Distribution: ABC (2008)
Idol elites, Fantasia Barrino and Elliott Yamin, went on a four-day trip to Angola as sponsored guests of ExxonMobil for the Idol Gives Back special. During the event, they distributed mosquito nets to villagers as part of the Malaria No More program. Fantasia sang "Amazing Grace," and, following the local custom of naming a new-born after a visitor, a baby boy was named "Elliott," which brought Yamin to tears. The piece was broadcast on the American Idol Season 7 Top 11 results show to an audience of 48 million people.
UNSCRIPTED ENTERTAINMENT
HANGMAN
Client: Cell C
Distribution: ENCA (2018); Black (SA streaming platform)
An original Bl!nk / Cell C production, Hangman, is a global first – wrapping unscripted entertainment around gaming and immersing viewers in the action. Hangman is a gruelling search for SA’s greatest innovators… Talent with an eye on the future and determination to build it. The competition is tough – mimicking the lives of innovators and entrepreneurs. Livelihoods literally hang in the balance.
In the game of Hangman, it's about hanging onto life in the world of business – one false move, and you're out of the game. The show is driven by Backers who ultimately decide who stays, with a shot at R1 million, and who faces the proverbial noose.
Hangman takes traditional entertainment to the next level. Viewers help determine the outcome by investing in contestants through a virtual stock exchange or by offering physical support. It's essentially a new genre of entertainment in which gaming meets reality television – live! The innovator who succeeds in garnering the support of the Backers while at the same time rallying viewer ('investor') sentiment walks away with a R1 million investment.
LIVING-IT AFRICA
Client: Mnet Africa DSTV - Mnet Africa (2007-2009)
Distribution: DSTV - Mnet Africa (2007-2009)
Living-It Africa invites viewers to step into the world of opulence as it explores the exclusive lives of Africa's rich and famous. From rubbing shoulders with royalty in Nigeria and Ghana to mingling with high-flyers across the continent, this series provides an insider's look at the lavish lifestyles and indulgent pleasures reserved for the elite. It’s a journey where luxury knows no bounds, and aspirations meet affluence, as 'Living-It Africa' unveils the glamorous lives of Africa's most influential go-getters.
#BreakTheNet
Client: Cell C
Distribution: YouTube (2016); Black (SA streaming platform)
#BreakTheNet breaks new ground in digital entertainment as it unearths the next online sensation and marks the start of a “strategic content play” by Cell C. A Cell C/Bl!nk initiative, #BTN represents a combination of traditional high-level creative television and the best trailblazing content offerings available to the YouTube generation.
Comedy duo Nic Smal and Gareth Allison of Derick Watts & The Sunday Blues anchored the show’s first season, with Darren “Whackhead” Simpson portraying the Task Master. The mentors included YouTube star Suzelle DIY, who joined Instagrammer Ofentse Mwase and online personality Theodora Lee. South African actor Blessing Xaba participated as a “celebrity” contestant.
Out of the top 30 hopefuls, the winner walked away with R250 000 and an all-paid paid trip to Hollywood.
YOU'RE HIRED
Client: South African Broadcast Corporation
Distribution: SABC 3 (2005-2007)
In You're Hired, the stakes are high as contestants compete fiercely for the ultimate dream job. Each week, two hopefuls face challenges, interviews, and real-world scenarios, both hoping to hear the life-changing words, "You're Hired!" This reality show not only delivers intense competition and entertainment but serves as a direct pathway to transforming lives and securing futures. Dreams unfold and careers take off in the pursuit of the ultimate professional breakthrough.
CURRENT AFFAIRS
CARTE BLANCHE
Genre: Investigative / Current Affairs | Client: Combined Artists | Position: Senior Researcher (1997-1999) and Director/Producer (1999 - 2016) |
Distribution: DSTV Mnet (1981 – present)
Carte Blanche is South Africa’s longest-running investigative journalism and current affairs show. Broadcast in primetime, it has earned credibility among South African viewers for its investigation into corruption, consumer issues, and current events. As a Senior Producer/Director and investigative journalist, Odette uncovered some of Carte Blanche’s biggest stories, scooping up many prestigious awards such as CNN African Journalist of the Year, WWB Legal Journalist of the Year, the Taco Kuiper Award for investigative journalism, and National Press Club Journalist of the Year.
Serving as a senior producer and director for Carte Blanche from 1997 to 2016, Odette was was instrumental in producing and directing over 100 mini-documentaries that tackled significant issues such as government corruption, child abuse, elder abuse, organized crime and environmental crimes. She has been recognized numerous times for her contributions to journalism. Notably, she was included in South Africa's 'Top 40 under 40' media list, highlighting her influence and impact in the industry.
She has also won several prestigious awards, including the CNN African Journalist of the Year and the SAB Environmental Journalist of the Year, WWB Legal Journalist of the Year and SA/USA Health Journalist of the Year.
ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS
TOUCHING LIVES
Client: SARS via Draft FCB | Episodes: 6 (per series)
The Touching Lives campaign hit home in a way that was impossible to ignore. Real people shared their stories in a fiercely personal manner. Suddenly South Africans became aware of the value of paying tax and it had a tremendous impact at the most basic level.
From an industry perspective, the Touching Lives Campaign won recognition from City Press editor, Ferial Haffajee, as well as earning a coveted ‘Orchid’ accolade.
CORPORATE CONTENT
EVERYWOMAN AWARDS
Client: Everywoman Awards | 2020: Technology Awards | 2021: Transport and Logistics Awards
Everywoman Awards was established in 1999 and is the expert in the advancement of women in business. With a presence in over 100 countries and a successful active network of over 45,000 members, everywoman is recognised globally as the professional organisation that drives the development of women at all levels.
The Everywoman Awards are an annual event celebrating the vital contribution women make to various key industries. We scripted and produced content for their virtual awards shows which included opening and closing billboards, a video profile on each award finalist and a collage type video showcasing the winners.
VISITOR CENTRE INSTALLATIONS
FREEDOM PARK
Client: Department of Sports, Art and Culture | Duration: 5 Min Animated video
A comprehensive African story 3.6 billion years in the making, from creation through the great struggles faced by the people of the continent is unpacked in the museum at Freedom Park. The story starts with African creation legends and combines indigenous African knowledge and contemporary scientific thought brought to life in a spectacular animation.
Animation: www.bugbox.co.za
