🌍 Why Africa’s VFX scene is about to explode
(and what it means for your career)
I sat down with Nosipho Van Den Bragt, who left her law career 11 years ago to build Chocolate Tribe – now working with Disney, Netflix, and Amazon on major productions.
BTW, Join our community dedicated to manager evolving in creative industries at https://masterminds.monexpansion.com/ 🔥 What we covered:
- How South Africa went from low VFX infrastructure to international partnerships
- The “Ubuntu” philosophy creating stronger creative teams
- Why being late to the game might be Africa’s biggest advantage
- 1.5 billion people, 70% under 30 – Africa’s massive creative potential
- AVIJOZI festival: Building Africa’s creative community
- The “brute force” approach: Multi-skilled artists doing 3x the work
💡 Key insight:
“It’s sometimes good to be behind because you have the benefit of perspective and you won’t repeat the mistakes of the ones that ran in front of you.” This isn’t just about one studio’s success – it’s about understanding where the VFX industry is heading and the opportunities most people aren’t seeing yet.
⏰ TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 – Introduction & FMX connection 01:19 – From lawyer to creative entrepreneur 04:38 – The massive risks of starting Chocolate Tribe 13:29 – Working with your spouse in business 15:31 – Changing Africa’s narrative through creativity 17:18 – Building talent from scratch in South Africa 20:35 – Leadership strategies and team management 23:35 – Ubuntu philosophy: “I am because you are” 32:57 – Landing Disney, Netflix & Amazon partnerships 39:32 – Government support and industry recognition 43:40 – Africa’s demographic advantage: 1.5 billion people 48:09 – The cultural shift toward creative careers 53:38 – AVIJOZI festival: Africa’s creative movement 1:09:55 – Future goals and expansion plans 1:12:32 – Barriers for young creatives entering the industry
Connect with Chocolate Tribe: https://chocolatetribe.co.za/about/
#VFXIndustry #AfricanVFX #VFXCareers #AnimationIndustry #CreativeEntrepreneur
