YG15 Showcase: SJ
By Brett McKenzie on Nov 15, 2017
Shining the spotlight on this year's Young Guns winners
Young Guns 15, arguably the most prestigious portfolio-based competition for creatives under 30, is going out with a bang! This year's winners were unveiled earlier this month, and it's safe to say that this is one of the most eclectically talented classes in Young Guns history.
This Thursday is the traditional Young Guns ceremony and party, (you've scored your tickets, right?) and nearly all of this year's winners will be travelling from across the globe, across the country, or across the Williamsburg Bridge to attend. Ahead of the festivities, the One Club for Creativity is highlighting many of the winners you'll be able to meet.
SJ
Film + Commercial Director
Based In: Cape Town, South Africa
Originally from: Johannesburg, South Africa
7films.co.za
What does winning this award mean to you?
Young Guns means a lot to me. It confirms that I can perform on a global standard which has always seemed like something out of reach for me.
"Young Guns means a lot to me. It confirms that I can perform on a global standard which has always seemed like something out of reach for me."
What sorts of challenges have you encountered to get where you are today?
There are a lot of challenges, but I think the most prominent is working with limited resources and budgets, but expected to consistently match global standards and high client expectations. I try to surround myself with a solid team and I work hard for them, I try to inspire them and do good by them. I find that when you treat people with respect and dignity; They want to work harder for you. Because of this, I find that people go beyond the call of duty and deliver more than I can afford. We become a family.
How did you decide what to enter?
I just tried to pick of body of work that was diverse enough to cover as much of my range as possible. I have a sweet spot for a lot of my work, but the hardest thing was that I didn't think my work was good enough to enter!
What keeps you going, creatively speaking?
Filmmaking is a highly collaborative medium and something that drives us working with other creative and inspiring people. Both of us are driven by the continual need to make work that expresses different emotions, concepts, or ideas that we have at the time.
Now that you’re a Young Guns winner, what’s next?
Creativity is an extension of my being; not being creative would be like asking me to hold my breath.
SJ and his fellow winners will be honored at the Young Guns 15 Ceremony + Party, taking place on Thursday, November 16 at Highline Stages in Manhattan's Meatpacking District.
Young Guns 15 is presented in proud partnership with Shutterstock, Levene/Leavitt and MTV.
Related
