“I could be just a writer very easily. I am not a writer. I am a screenwriter, which is half a filmmaker…. But it is not an art form, because screenplays are not works of art. They are invitations to others to collaborate on a work of art.”
Paul Schrader
A systemic thinker with 20 years' experience in television production including 8 years’ experience of story engineering to mould storylines into a seamless and complex world of fiction whilst remaining fiercely disciplined with enormous respect for production deadlines and keeping the smooth-running flow of production systems going seamlessly.
Jacques is versatile and disciplined enjoying both teamwork and working in isolation at home in the trenches where time is of the essence, the clock is ticking, and deadlines can be fatal. His motto is: The show must go on whilst retaining creative integrity.
With a solid knowledge of the production line accumulated through years of experience in scheduling, he is in a unique position: He knows what is doable and can translate story into budget-appropriate scripts, without ever sacrificing quality, authenticity, or originality.
Jacques started his career as a scheduler and quickly became one of the most renowned schedulers in television circles with a talent to create, direct and mould systems into a functional and easy to follow process. His career advanced to coordinate, manage and 1st AD short and long-form series in both studio and location format such as Thisa 2 and 3, Streets of Mangaung, Liefste Kayla and Treknet .
In 2013 Jacques found his niche where he got to passionately apply his skills as a storyteller who not only understand the system of creating narrative, but also what it takes to produce a story from inception through to final cut.
Making the audience believe in the reality that has been created and fulfilling their expectations is the core of his ethical storytelling guideline. He has a strong understanding of both the story and the medium.
Jacques's skills are supported by a Degree in Live Performance from AFDA (2001), working at media agencies doing through-the-line projects creating electronic and multimedia along a longstanding career in the television medium. He completed his Masters Degree in screenwriting at AFDA in 2023 with Cum Laude and as Valedictorian. He has a special interest in stories that focus on the empowerment of previously disadvantaged and currently oppressed groups, such as LGBTI+, Special Needs and GBV. Jacques is also the co-chairperson of the SAFTAS screenwriting panel.
affiliations
Jacques is a member of the WGSA, a supporter of The Writing Studio and doing his MFA at AFDA. He also facilitates creative and writing workshops.
recent projects
Jacques worked Muvhango from 2013- 2021 and Arendsvlei from 2021-2024. He has co-written 2 feature films and written 2 television films of his own. He is currently working on Diepe Waters (since 2023) and Skemergrond (2024) with Penguin Films.
testemonials
Jacques Du Rand joined our script department in a highly competitive environment, while working continuously ay his other high-level responsibilities. I came to depend enormously on Mr Du Rand’s capabilities in the highly pressured environment in which he works at all times, and must emphasise that his integrity and commitment were exceptional, under stressful deadlines.
- Carol Shore (Head Writer)
Jacques is thorough and meticulous in his work and carries tasks out through to completion. His experience in understanding the production and script process has proven invaluable and has stretched his capabilities across different phases of television production. He is strong willed and determined to succeed in what he does, yet he remains a team player. He requires very little supervision as his personal drive and verve propel him to monitor himself and prioritise his work accordingly. His work ethic is unquestionable and will quickly show his commitment to any task in front of him.
- David Mukwevho (Producer)
I have known Jacques and worked with him periodically for almost 15 years. During this time he applied his skills in the production offices as well as in the studio and on location with equal intelligence and passion. His loyalty, commitment and tenacity makes him an invaluable asset. Jacques is a problem solver and excels under pressure. He is obsessively creative and inquisitive. This has driven him to continuously develop and expand his skills and gifts. Having worked in the major departments of a television production, serves him well as a writer honing his craft.
- Shirley Ellis (Director)
Structure, power of story and complexity of character is essential to shape a holistic production worthy script.