Firehouse Effects is: An award-winning Cape Town based special effects company operating primarily in South Africa. We pride ourselves in over delivering on budget. This is constantly achieved by following our standard company ethos:
A Firehouse is a family and so is Firehouse Effects. We are a collective of friends and family that take pride in our work. When people think of a firehouse they think of commitment, courage and honor. We feel this best describes us as we are committed to our clients and have the courage to take on anything and have great pride in what we do. Like a firehouse we are a band of skilled professionals with everyone bringing different expertise to strengthen our knowledge pool and resources. We continue to develop and train our crew in many disciplines to improve and hone our skills. We stay connected to other industries and do small projects to keep up to date with the latest and most relevant technologies, while remaining safety conscious, efficient and profitable. With a background in fabrication of emergency service vehicles and gear, several volunteer fire fighters on our crew, and a bunch of rock climbers, we understand risk and are extremely safety
conscious.
Since its inception as a special effects and fabrication company in 2007, Gravitron has been committed to excelling within our industry and upholding international standards by consistently delivering high-quality work and impeccable service. The company prides itself on ethical business practices, environmental sensitivity, and creating innovative, pioneering work. Our exceptional results are a testament to our highly skilled, well-qualified, and enthusiastic team, Gravitron’s most valued asset.
I-Rigging: Film and Commercials is a premier set rigging and lifting specialist company based in Cape Town, proudly servicing the film, commercial, live events and industrial sectors with tailored technical solutions since 2004. From conceptual rig design to safe, precise on-set execution, the team brings over two decades of expertise to every project, making creative visions a reality whether on studio floors or rugged outdoor locations.
At the helm of film rigging is Romeo Ndirini, Film Head of Department. Romeo is an experienced Rigging Supervisor and General Manager at I-Rigging Solutions with a strong background working across motion picture productions, where his deep industry knowledge ensures high-impact rigging for dynamic camera rigs, aerials, stunts and complex set requirements.
Leading the commercials and special projects division is Mark Bowen-Davies, who brings practical rigging leadership and creative problem-solving to commercial campaigns and bespoke installations. Together, Romeo and Mark blend technical rigging discipline with creative collaboration, delivering innovative, safe and efficient solutions for producers, directors and creative teams.
I-Rigging continues to build long-standing industry relationships, trusted for reliability, safety and rigging mastery across both film and commercial productions.
Max Poolman, the company’s Special Effects Supervisor and Director, is a qualified pyro technician with over 40 years experience in the features, commercials and TV industry.
Working from a fully equipped, light-engineering workshop and well-stocked SFX store, we are able to design and build complex mechanical rigs, and custom manufacture wind, rain, snow & fire.
Our team of professional SFX technicians and fabricators, enable us to provide world class physical effects and services to our international and local partners.
With over 25 years within the film industry we will take care of your valuable product providing world class professional and efficient view to ease your load and complete peace of mind. Transportation, open and enclosed for complete security and efficiency specialising in confidential concept and pre-production vehicles. We are your 1 stop shop for any motor vehicle related shoots. Precision driving with a database for supply across all ethnic groups from bike riders to car and truck to match your artist selection as close as possible. Coded Auto Detailing Technicians from Stills to TVC to Features.
In 2016, with over 20 years of experience in the South African film industry and an unceasing passion for Stunts and Special effects, John Smith founded SFX&Stunt Inc. With the belief that there are no short cuts to the top and having invested many years working his way up the ranks, John decided to build a company with the aim of synergizing the SFX and Stunt departments. Surrounding himself with an experienced team of Technicians, co-oridinators and stuntmen, with a shared desire for excellence, SFX&Stunt Inc. was born.
The company continues to grow, mentoring new technicians, training new stuntmen and expanding to two new premises. Offering our dynamic package of SFX and Stunts in the expanding South African film industry, we at SFX&Stunt Inc. are passionate about what we do and how we can best help you to achieve your vision.
By combining Stunts and SFX into one department, we are able to cater to all your requirements, through our unique service offering to our clients! As an established Stunt and SFX Co-ordinating team in the South African film industry, we have access to an extensive database of Stunt performers and SFX technicians. We understand that each project has its own and unique challenges and we can cater to them all! For explosive attention to detail, SFX&Stunt Inc. will get the job done, on time and on budget.
“IF IT WERE EASY, THEN EVERYBODY WOULD BE DOING IT.”
~ John Smith
Stephan Pretorius is trusted in the South African film industry, working in the vehicle and action vehicle department. With years of hands-on experience and a background as a qualified mechanic, he plays a key role in supporting productions with all vehicle-related needs.
He specializes in sourcing and supplying a wide range of vehicles ~ classic cars, modern models, trucks, and other specialty vehicles based on specific requests from film companies. Whether a production needs a period correct car or a rugged bakkie for a remote shoot, he has the network and knowledge to find and deliver it on time.
On set, he works as a vehicle wrangler, moving vehicles safely and efficiently as needed during filming. His responsibilities include positioning vehicles for scenes, maintaining continuity, and ensuring that each vehicle is camera-ready. With his truck license, he is also able to transport larger vehicles or tow trailers between locations, making him highly adaptable on set.
In addition, he serves as an on-set mechanic, handling unexpected issues and ensuring all vehicles remain in good working order throughout production. His calm demeanor, practical skillset, and deep understanding of both film logistics and mechanics make him an invaluable asset to any crew.
