about me
Starting with photography, I journeyed from photojournalist to video journalist and a multimedia editor working in the news sector for a decade, before moving into the film world. I now produce, line produce and production manage on documentary feature length films, 30’ episodes for broadcast and some high-level advocacy projects -- in additional to continuing shooting stills, which will always be a part of my life!
For more of my other professional work please see my:
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LinkedIn Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurencliffordholmes/
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IMDB Profile:
BIOGRAPHY
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I am a multi-skilled filmmaker, digital media journalist, photographer and project coordinator, who shot and edited video and ran multimedia teams for top investigative news organisations and NGOs in South Africa, before moving into the documentary film world.
Starting my career in digital journalism in 2008, I helped found and lead the multimedia department for South Africa’s premier breaking news site -- News24. Here we pioneered development of online news video, audio-photo essays and other forms of digital media, in days when such digital content was still very new in South Africa.
I moved to Johannesburg to establish the Mail & Guardian’s multimedia section in 2010. I helped build and ran this department for six years, responsible for producing and overseeing daily digital news content production and distribution. The M&G’s multimedia department was recognised for being at the forefront of quality multimedia news production in South Africa, winning many inaugural multimedia awards in the country. I personally shot and edited daily news videos, photo essays, ran an online radio show and more.
I went on to freelance for several NGOs including AWARD on a USAID funded project in South Africa’s Olifants catchment area. I also worked with Human Rights Watch on a report in Malawi on the effects of big mining interests on local communities. I then turned to documentary film in 2015, taking on the role of Production Manager of factual and advocacy at Fireworx Media. I worked on multiple films and communication campaigns as outlined below, including major clients such as China Global Television Network, the Global Partnership to End Violence and the European Union Delegation to SA.
In 2018 I co-founded Story Scope with three partners, with the role of Head of Production of all documentary and advocacy projects. I have produced a 15-episode contract for CGTN’s Faces of Africa documentary series, and am co-producing a feature documentary in Libya for CGTN’s Big Story Africa documentary series. I am project coordinator and photographer on a large contract for South Africa’s National Treasury and the European Union Delegation to South Africa, which seeks to enhance the visibility of the joint development work achieved between government and the EUD.
I can turn my hand to multiple aspects of the film production process, from creative conceptualisation and pitch to project delivery. This includes; leading and conducting research and managing project development; budgeting and scheduling, producing on location, overseeing post-production and final delivery. I am capable of working on various projects simultaneously, managing feature length documentaries and documentary series for broadcast, with shoots happening all over the world from Tanzania to Washington, Cape Verde islands to Iraq, from London to Libya and many more in between. On some of these shoots I produce and manage on location, and in other cases run these films remotely working with excellent local teams.
My personal interests include spending a lot of time outdoors, riding horses, spending time with the best friends one could ask for, cooking great meals and letting my hair down to try and compensate for the busy work life! I love my pets which include my collie, Comet, who goes everywhere with me!