Why the Commercial World Needs to Hear More About Johannesburg

South Africa is a land of extraordinary diversity, offering a vast choice of locations to suit almost any production brief. Yet, one region remains surprisingly underutilised in commercial filmmaking. It’s time we talked about the city of Gold, Johannesburg, located in the province of Gauteng... round two 😉

Johannesburg and its surrounding areas provide a wealth of opportunities for productions seeking fresh and dynamic backdrops. Sleek urban skylines, historic monuments, expansive natural settings.

We are well aware of the fact that Johannesburg comes with a somewhat tarnished reputation as a city. Historically known for its high crime rates and volatile politics, we realise it's going to take a bolder type of client to look past its history and some of the stories that surround the bustling city. 

Most local agencies insist on filming in Johannesburg due to the fact that production costs are far lower for local work than Cape Town. Having grown up and spent most of her life in Johannesburg, Groundglass’ founder Janette De Villiers knows how to navigate the complexities of production in the city seamlessly.

Having produced numerous stills shoots, and having shot the majority of her company's local work in Johannesburg, Janette can confidently say that the city of Johannesburg is an undiscovered gem just waiting to be showcased to the world.

Johannesburg isn’t as polished for service work as Cape Town. That extends further than just film. While Cape Town is geared to tourism and was built on the backs of its service industries - Joburg is its working cousin. The city is a melting pot of cultures, The country’s business hub, and remains the gateway to the continent. There is more happening in Johannesburg culturally and in the arts than in the rest of the country combined.

What's more, this versatility comes at a lower cost than many other destinations, including Cape Town, which has long been celebrated for its affordability. For international crews looking to stretch their budgets even further, Johannesburg delivers unmatched value without compromising on quality.

Accommodation and amenities in Johannesburg meet international standards, and it is a much larger city than Cape Town with a lot to offer in its surrounding areas. From the magnificent Magaliesburg mountains to the undulating hills of the Midlands, just a few hours out of town.

When it comes to production resources, Gauteng doesn’t disappoint. The region boasts an abundance of top-tier suppliers and gear, readily available from reputable rental houses ensuring that every technical need is met. Moreover, Gauteng’s crew base is highly experienced and sought after, having honed their skills over many decades working in local film, TV production, a mix of international high-end feature films, and global commercials.

As for safety, crime exists in Johannesburg, just as it does in any major city. It's easy to forget what the filmmaking landscape in South Africa was like when productions started coming to the country in the 1980s. South Africa was politically volatile then, yet Cape Town remained an attractive location despite its challenges, just as Johannesburg does today. South Africa has changed significantly over the past 30 years, and for those seeking fresh locations with some African edginess, Johannesburg is the place to be.