Welcome!
So, I wanted to take some time to introduce myself, share my journey, and talk about my experiences running a production company.
Who Am I?
My name is Lungile, and I’m a Johannesburg-based filmmaker. I run a production company called IronHeart Films, and I’m passionate about filmmaking, advertising, and marketing. Oh, and I also love horror movies!
How I Got Started in the Industry
I started my journey in TV and film over a decade ago. Here’s a quick breakdown of my background:
✔️ Studied filmmaking in 2007-2008, focusing on directing, writing, producing, and visual effects.
✔️ Dropped out due to high tuition costs—my family couldn’t afford to continue paying.
✔️ Jumped straight into the film industry and started working on music videos and feature films.
✔️ Worked as a production assistant—long hours, tough work, but a great learning experience.
✔️ Missed the 2010 FIFA World Cup because I was grinding on a 4-week night shoot!
✔️ Eventually transitioned into TV promos and advertising, writing and producing mini-ads for TV shows.
What does that mean? If there was a new season of The Flash or Real Housewives of Atlanta, I’d get a brief from the broadcaster (DStv, the South African equivalent of HBO/Cable). My job was to:
📌 Watch a few episodes.
📌 Write a script to promote the show.
📌 Come up with a creative marketing concept (because you can’t just say “New season of Flash – it’s bigger and better!” every time).
I worked on concepts, scripting, and editing for several TV networks, learning the ins and outs of production and post-production.
Starting My Own Production Company 🎬
A year ago, I decided to go solo. I wanted to:
✔️ Run my own production company.
✔️ Freelance full-time and work for myself.
✔️ Have creative control over my projects.
Was it easy? Hell no. Running a production company is crazy challenging because:
✔️ Competition is fierce – there are tons of other production companies out there.
✔️ Clients can be shady – some take FOREVER to pay, and you have to chase them down for your money.
✔️ You have to manage EVERYTHING – finding work, dealing with finances, handling marketing, and delivering quality projects.
But at the same time, it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
Lessons I’ve Learned as an Entrepreneur
1️⃣ You Have to Be Self-Disciplined
When you work for yourself, no one tells you what to do.
📌 You have to wake up early and plan your day.
📌 You have to actively look for clients.
📌 You need to market yourself constantly (which is why I started this YouTube channel).
2️⃣ Marketing is Everything
🔹 People won’t hire you if they don’t know you exist.
🔹 I realized I needed to make more videos, build awareness about my work, and position my company.
🔹 I’ve worked on short films, marketing videos, and more, but I don’t want to just “sell” myself—I’ll drop links below if you’re interested.
3️⃣ Running a Business = Constant Learning
Since starting my production company, I’ve had to educate myself on:
📌 Accounting & Finance – because I need to manage budgets and pricing.
📌 Marketing & Branding – to stand out from competitors.
📌 Technical Skills – always upgrading my skills in writing, editing, and grading.
I’ve been reading business books, watching tons of YouTube videos (like The Futur), and just learning every single day.
4️⃣ Differentiation is Key
One major thing I’ve realized:
🔹 If every production company offers the same thing, how do clients choose?
To stand out, you need to be the BEST at something specific.
📌 Example: If you ONLY focus on sports production, clients will associate you with high-quality sports content.
📌 Another Example: If you specialize in reality shows, you’ll dominate that niche.
Being a generalist is risky because clients can’t tell the difference between you and your competitors.
Final Thoughts: The Hustle Never Stops
Running a production company is hard work, but it’s also exciting.
✔️ You have to stay on your toes.
✔️ Always be learning and improving.
✔️ Find your unique angle in the industry.
And that’s where I am today—building my brand, working on exciting projects, and constantly learning.
What’s Next?
If you liked this type of content, let me know!
✔️ Drop a comment below – tell me what you think!
✔️ Hit the Like & Subscribe button – helps me create more content.
✔️ Tell me what topics you’d like me to cover next!
I’d love to share more about my experiences in:
📌 Filmmaking & production
📌 Marketing & branding strategies
📌 Navigating the business side of the industry
Until next time, peace out! ✌️🎬
