Sonette Ellis

I am a Production Manager, Line Producer and producer that have over 29 years’ experience in the South African as well as international television industry. I have worked on all genres of television from dramas to from advertising to wildlife to reality to dramas, to sitcoms and children's programs.

I excel in a challenging environment. Deadlines do not phase me as it is part of television. I am a typical project manager; everything must be perfect. I excel in putting all the necessary operational systems in place such as macro/micro schedules, budgets, crews, as well as sourcing the necessary suppliers. Having produced my own shows (extreme sport, magazine show, talk show, cooking show etc), I understand the challenges of marrying a creative idea with a non-existing budget.
Having worked in the industry so long, I know all the principles to ensure all safety nets are in place without compromising the budget or schedules. Established relationships are a valued commodity and it has helped me to execute high quality productions at low budgets without sacrificing quality or production values.
Television is my passion and I excel in completing any project within time and budget whilst having great fun.
 

COMPANY:   CLIVE MORRIS PRODUCTIONS 
PRODUCTION:  Longest running environmental show in the world for SABC2 called “50/50” ; “VeldFokus” – viewer participation competition.
POSITION:   Assistant Content Producer
PERIOD:   March 2022 to December 2022 
DUTIES:   
• Series producer “Veldfokus” and Adventure series
• Conceptualizing and researching program content 
• Arranging and scheduling all local and international internally content
• Selecting “Veldfokus” competition entries
• Scriptwriting: “VeldFokus” studio links, all other segments relating to “50/50”
• All communication relating to final episode broadcasts 
• including writing of press releases; informing participants of broadcast dates.
• Assisting with translations
• Handling all public queries pertaining to “50/50”
• In absence of Line Producer and Production Manager handling all month-end payments and production admin
• Wrapping all financial and program content

COMPANY:   DiPrente Film Production company
PRODUCTION:  “57”- Netflix Documentary
POSITION:   Clip clearance and Archive researcher
PERIOD:   August 2021 to November 2021 
DUTIES:   
• Research and source South African archive footage 
• Negotiating footage rate with international content holders such as BBC, Gallo, AP, AFP etc
• Searching for B-Roll footage on various platforms that will enhance documentary message.

PLUS: Media consultant for wildlife animal sanctuary with above the line media and social media strategies for the relocation of their animals campaign.

COMPANY:   CLIVE MORRIS PRODUCTIONS 
PRODUCTION:  Longest running environmental show in the world for SABC2 called “50/50” 
POSITION:   Assistant Content Producer
PERIOD:   March 2020 to October 2020 
DUTIES:   
• Conceptualizing and researching program content 
• Arranging and scheduling all local and international internally content
• Selecting “Veldfokus” competition entries
• Scriptwriting: “VeldFokus” studio links, all other segments relating to “50/50”
• All communication relating to final episode broadcasts including writing of press releases; informing participants of broadcast dates.
• Assisting with translations
• Handling all public queries pertaining to “50/50”
• Wrapping all financial and program content

COMPANY:   HOPLITE ENTERTAINMENT PORTFOLIO ONE 
PRODUCTIONS:  “Ring of Champions”- Reality doccie series on various MMA fighters across Europe and America. 
“Slope Slap”- Extreme ski- adventure reality series shot in South Africa with 48 international contestants.
“Proof”-Investigative paranormal series with well-known international experts on episodic themes

POSITION:   Snr Production Manager/ Content Producer: Proof
PERIOD:   July 2018 to Nov 2019 
DUTIES:  
• Compilation of initial series budgets 
• Co-Ordinating all Zoom meetings with Hollywood Co-Producers and international production teams across various time zones.
• Set up and maintaining all administrative documents for various productions
• Crisis management
• Admin wrap up of all productions 
• Budget finalization upon completion of all productions
 

“Ring of Champions: Reality doccie series on various MMA fighters across Europe and America.
• Compiling MMA fighter contender list for approval by channel
• Upon approval making contact agents and fighters 
• Co-Ordinating all international travel with Line Producer
• Arranging all European and American visas
• Arranging carnets
• Drawing up shoot schedules 
• Sourcing local and international crew 
• Sourcing all local and international crew and equipment and negotiating rates
• Finalizing all fighters and crew contracts
• Compiling daily callsheets and shoot schedules
• Arranging all international shoot permits at locations such as American national parks and European museums.
• Researching and arranging B-Roll locations
• Creating and maintaining Google Drive documents
• Sourcing East Block language translators 
• Subtitle quality controller

“Slope Slap”: Extreme ski-adventure reality series with 48 international contestants shot in South Africa

• Arranging recce of two suitable ski-resorts in South Africa
• Assisting in securing location
• Location recce
• Drawing up of macro and micro production schedules
• Co-Ordinating, in accordance with Line Producer, all accommodation arrangement for 48 contestants
• Sourcing all crew and equipment and negotiating rates as per budget
• Finalizing all contracts: crew, accommodation etc.
• Arranging travel and accommodation schedules for international production team and international presenters, including various private charter flights to remote location
• Ensuring all health and safety procedures are in place such as extra medical personnel, extra medical equipment for high altitude conditions, advising international participants of necessary vaccinations needed for South Africa
• All resort liaison and crisis 8 days without electricity; no heating; no internet/cell phone reception
• Presenter and contestant conflict and panic and many more
• Contestant assistance during shoots especially in terms of medical emergencies
• Finalizing contestant contracts and payments 
• Wrapping up of production

“Proof”- Investigative paranormal series with well-known international experts on episodic themes.
• Sourcing of on-line video clips as per episode theme.
• Negotiating clip fees and usage rights of above clips.
• Securing international usage rights of above clips for European, American and African territories 
• Meticulous record keeping of all YouTube; Vimeo; Facebook and Instagram videos clips used to ensure are all territories are legally compliant
• Continuous communication with legal team to ensure all content is in-line with potential international broadcasters mandates.
• Budget control
• Script approvals and changes 
• Off-line edits with editor; final approvals before client approvals
• On-Line approvals before client approvals

  
COMPANY:   Flat Art Studios
PRODUCTIONS:  Mnet reality show: “Let’s Eat with Siphokazi Season 3”- Food/Talk show with winner of well-known food competition show in South Africa 
POSITION:   Line Producer
PERIOD:   April to June 2018 
DUTIES:  
• Content conceptualization
• Budget compilation and managing
• Celebrity selection, agent negotiation, contract finalization
• Production micro and macro scheduling
• Crew (+-15 members) sourcing, negotiating, and contracting.
• Post-production scheduling, overseeing and managing.
• Off-Line approvals, client approvals and corrections overseeing.

COMPANY:   MEDIAFIX
PRODUCTIONS:  SABC sitcom “Knie Diep In Die Warm Water”, “Dorpie”
POSITION:   Associate Producer
PERIOD:   JULY –NOV 2017
DUTIES:  
• Mentoring young producers to ensure commissioned sitcom is produced according to SABC requirements.
• Casting
• Crew selection, negotiation, contracting.
• Scheduling
• Mentoring young crew members with new duties.
• Conceptualising new content ideas

COMPANY:   HOGARTH–OGILVY
CLIENTS:   PHILIPS, COCA COLA, CAT, FANTA, MOTOROLA
POSITION:   Snr International Broadcast Producer 
PERIOD:   APRIL– JUNE 2017
• Transcreation of international television commercials, on-line videos or Facebook content
• International client liaison
• Compiling of budgets
• International voice over selection
• Voice talent selection, presenting to client for selection, booking through agents.
• Setting up of multi time zone voice over recordings
• Overseeing voice over sessions, edits and final mix
• Client approvals
• Delivery to international stations
• Reconciliation of budget and project
 

COMPANY:   Coal Stove Pictures
PRODUCTION:  SABC 3 Drama “Thula’s Vine”
POSITION:   Snr Production Manager 
PERIOD:   15 NOVEMBER 2016– 17 MARCH 2017

COMPANY:   BRAINS AT WORK
PRODUCTION:  Mnet Reality shows “Dineo’s Diary Season 5 & The Ranakas”
POSITION:   Line Producer
PERIOD:   MID DECEMBER 2015 – 10 NOVEMBER 2016

COMPANY:   VUSION MEDIA
PRODUCTION:  Etv game show “MVP Jam Game Show”
POSITION:   Line Producer
PERIOD:   SEPTEMBER – MID DECEMBER 2015

COMPANY:   VUSION MEDIA
PRODUCTION:  SABC 1 sitcom “Ithuba Sabc 1 Sitcom “
POSITION:   Line Producer 
PERIOD:   OCTOBER 2014 – FEBRUARY 2015

COMPANY:   DANIE ODENDAAL PRODUCTIONS
PRODUCTION:  SABC 2 soapie “7de Laan”
POSITION:   Snr Production Manager 
PERIOD:   NOVEMBER 2013 – AUGUST 2014

COMPANY:   URBAN BREW STUDIOS
POSITION:   Snr Producer:SABC1 youth show YoTV– SABC 1 Youth Show 
PERIOD:   APRIL  2012 – OCTOBER 2013
PRODUCTIONS: 
• WHAT’S IN THE FRIDGE” (12 min cooking program);
• YO HAMBO (12 min extreme sport program); 
• BLUE COUCH (24 min talk show)
• MINO MANIA - (24 min music entertainment show); 
• COMEDY KHONA (12 min comedy show);

COMPANY:   MOVES FOR LIFE/CHESSA
POSITION:   Media & Marketing Liaison: Garry Kasparov Campaign
PERIOD:   OCT-NOV 2011
DUTIES: 
• Arranging and coordinating of sponsorships for Garry Kasparov visit
• Arranging of media coverage for GK visit
• Issuing of press releases
• Event Management of chess simultane 
   
COMPANY:   Burnt Onion Productions
PRODUCTION:  SABC 1 sitcom “My Perfect Family” 
POSITION:   Line Producer 
PERIOD:   11 July – 9 September 2011

COMPANY:  ETIKET ADVERTISING AGENCY
POSITION:  Operation Manager And Line Producer 
PERIOD:   NOVEMBER 2010 – APRIL 2011

COMPANY:   LAZY BUFFALO PRODUCTIONS
POSITION:   Concept Developer 
PERIOD:   APRIL – JUNE 2010
 
COMPANY:   NATURAL HISTORY UNIT AFRICA
POSTION:  Manager Wildlife Film Academy  
PERIOD:  OCTOBER 2007-SEPTEMBER 2009
 
COMPANY:   ROAD ACCIDENT FUND
POSITION:  Client Liaison And Claims
PERIOD:  JAN 2007-SEPT 2007

COMPANY:  FACTION MEDIA, THL ADVERTISING AGENVY
POSITION:  Senior Production Manager
PERIOD:  JUNE 2006-SEPT 2006

COMPANY:  SPECTRO PRODUCTIONS
POSITION:  Production Manager
PRODUCTION:  “VILLA ROSA” 
PERIOD:  AUG 2004-MAY 2006

COMPANY:  PAUL ZWICK PRODUCTIONS
POSITION  Production Manager
PRODUCTION:   ESKOM “Make your mark” 
PERIOD:  APRIL 2003-DECEMBER 2003

COMPANY:  TSWELOPELE PRODUCTIONS
POSITION:  Production Manager
PRODUCTION:  “PASELLA” 
PERIOD:  APRIL 2002 – MARCH 2003

COMPANY:  RED PEPPER PICTURES
POSITION:  Associate Producer 
PRODUCTION:  “CRAZ-e” & “ANIMAL NEWS NETWORK”  
PERIOD:  Aug 2000- April 2002

COMPANY:  PROMOTIONS
POSITION: Assistant Director, Producer, Line Producer, Production Manager
PERIOD:  July 1996-Aug 2000
PRODUCTIONS: “MEMOIRS” &“MAAK ‘N LAS SEASON 1-7 
  
COMPANY:  YOUNG AND RUBICAM, JOHANNESBURGH 
DURATION  Sep 1994-Jul 1996
 

High School - Cillie, Port Elizabeth 1997

Degree in Communication- University of Orange Free State 1998-1990