Vox pops in reel time

The offering will be marketed to advertising agencies, retailers and brand owners and includes FeatureFocus, where a small group of shoppers are taken into a retail outlet with a facilitator and asked relevant questions, or Mystery Shopping where a "shopper" is rigged with a hidden camera and microphone and engages an assistant in various circumstances.

Research findings are delivered either on DVD or to web-based user groups.

According to Platypus Productions partner Stanley Edwards, Vox Pops will use affiliated video production companies and video journalists throughout southern Africa, eliminating the need for travel costs for clients.

They will also offer the same services internationally, through an association with Snippies, a New York-based company and Vox Pops International, a UK-based company.

"Jointly, our service will cover southern Africa, over 45 North and South American cities and over 30 in Europe, UK, Australia, and Japan."