Service production is where the real money is. Big studios have the budgets, and South Africa has the talent and locations. Lungile Mayindi, creative director and founder of Iron Heart Films, shares some tips on how to make money as a service production company for big international studios.

BE A SERVICE PRODUCTION COMPANY, NOT JUST A LOCAL STUDIO

Foreign studios don’t set up shop from scratch – they hire local service companies to handle: 

• Crew hiring 
• Location scouting 
• Permits & logistics 
• Gear rentals 
• Production management 

If you can handle everything for them, they WILL call.

NETWORK LIKE A BOSS 

The big studios won’t find you – you need to make sure your name is in the right rooms.

• Join international production directories (Mandy, Production Hub, etc.) 
• Attend global film markets (AFM, Cannes, Berlinale) 
• Work with SA Tourism & Film Commissions to get listed as a go-to service company

BUILD A SOLID CREW DATABASE 

International shoots hire locally for most crew roles. Have a pre-vetted, reliable database of DPs, gaffers, grips, makeup artists, etc. The faster you can staff up a shoot, the more attractive your company is.

PARTNER WITH LOCATION SCOUTS & FIXERS 

South Africa has insane landscapes – from Cape Town’s beaches to Joburg’s gritty cityscapes to the Kalahari desert. International studios need someone who knows the spots & can secure permits FAST. Be that plug.

OWN OR HAVE ACCESS TO HIGH-END GEAR 

Foreign productions want top-tier cameras, lenses, lighting & sound gear. Either own it or have strong relationships with rental houses. 

Bonus: Offer competitive gear + crew packages for a full-service experience

MASTER THE PAPERWORK GAME

International shoots need: 

• Film permits & location clearance 
• Work visas for foreign cast/crew 
• Insurance & contracts 

Know the system inside out so you can make their lives easier (and charge a premium for it 😉).

OFFER POST-PRODUCTION SERVICES 

Editing, VFX, color-grading – if you can handle post-production, it’s an extra revenue stream. Set up high-speed remote workflows so overseas clients can review cuts from anywhere.

MARKET YOURSELF INTERNATIONALLY 

Your website must be sleek, professional and have killer case studies. 

Social media should highlight past productions, BTS content & testimonials. Get listed in global production directories like KFTV and The Location Guide.

THINK BEYOND JUST HOLLYWOOD 

Bollywood, Nollywood, and European productions are also shooting in SA. Build relationships with UK, Indian, and African studios – they’re more budget- friendly than Hollywood but still bring serious money.

FINAL THOUGHTS? 

Service production is where the real money is. Big studios have the budgets, and SA has the talent and locations. To win, your company must be: 

• Well-connected 
• Highly efficient
• Plugged into the global industry 
• Ready to handle ANYTHING 

What tips can you add? Mail us at in**@********co.za 

For more content like this, follow Lungile on Linkedin or visit https://www.ironheartfilmsstudio.co.za/