Greatstock expands Corbis production relationship with local shoots

Corbis art director Tobias Prasse joined the Greatstock teams in and around Johannesburg after extensive pre-production, adding his experience to the shoots, which included both stills and motion.

Armed with extensive visual references and first-hand knowledge of worldwide trends, Prasse spent an intensive week together with Greatstock photographers and cinematographers, Michael Meyersfeld, Miles Goodall, Des Ellis, Graham de Lacy and Grant Difford - and Greatstock production teams.

Shoot locations included a leading factory near Springs, beautiful homes and offices in Parktown and Dunkeld.

"The shoot reflects our growing production profile with Corbis, with whom we have enjoyed an excellent relationship for many years," says Greatstock's MD Margi Sheard. "We do follow rapidly-changing trends in the global footage and stills market, but having Tobias giving us the benefit of up-to-the-minute trends, as well as his finely nuanced art direction was a great experience and learning opportunity for all involved. Corbis saw the potential of our experience in producing high-level lifestyle imagery, and this collaboration is set to continue. They were very enthused by the images and experience all round."

Cast was specially selected to give imagery maximum international appeal, as well as addressing the needs of the local market - which has long been the focus of Greatstock's production efforts, marketed under the aFRIKA label.

"We covered local families, factory workers and management teams, office workers and social settings with black and white cast members, so expect to see these images on our website very soon," according to Greatstock's Clinton Nortje.

"Tobias Prasse and Corbis executive Gavin Booth were both very enthusiastic about their experience here, and further shoots are expected to follow shortly."

For more information contact Greatstock on tel. (011) 880 7826, fax (011) 788 9996 or email: az.oc.kcotstaerg@seiriuqne.