The Durban FilmMart (DFM) 2024, South African post-production giants The Refinery and Sound & Motion Studios have revealed their new state-of-the-art facilities in Johannesburg.
This development comes exactly one year after the two companies first announced their strategic partnership at DFM 2023, marking a significant milestone in the country’s film and television industry.
The new facilities, located at Peter Place Office Park, represent a major leap forward for both companies, according to a statement. The Refinery, South Africa’s leading picture post facility, now boasts 12 offline suites, two grade theatres, and a cutting-edge VFX team. This expansion is seamlessly integrated with their existing Cape Town branch, creating a formidable network of post-production capabilities.
Alastair Orr, CEO of The Refinery, expressed his excitement about the new space, saying, “We’re thrilled to re-open The Refinery with its cutting-edge Johannesburg facility. Our trendy new space is set to offer clients a fun, relaxed and creative environment while we get the hard work done!”
Sound & Motion Studios, known for its expertise in audio post-production, has also significantly upgraded its capabilities. Simon Ratcliffe, MD of Sound & Motion, commented on the timing of the partnership, stating, “We’d all decided to unite our companies under one roof in Johannesburg a few years ago, so this partnership with The Refinery couldn’t have come at a better time.”
The new Sound & Motion facilities include Dolby Atmos, cinema, music, and editorial spaces. These are connected to their other branches and associates in Cape Town, Amsterdam, LA, and Lagos, creating a global network of audio post-production resources.
Over the past year, this powerhouse duo has been working tirelessly, completing hundreds of hours of content for both local and international clients across various sectors, including streaming, broadcast, gaming, and theatrical releases.
This announcement at DFM 2024 has sent waves of excitement through the South African film and television industry, promising enhanced capabilities and potentially attracting more international productions to the country. As the industry continues to evolve, this strategic partnership between The Refinery and Sound & Motion Studios positions South Africa as a major player in the global post-production landscape.
- Featured image: Simon Ratcliffe, MD of Sound and Motion and Sbonelo Mvuyana, Executive Chairman of The First Order Group/DFM
