I’m a Cape Town-based director and filmmaker working across commercial, branded and stock content. I enjoy building creative concepts and turning them into clear, on-set visual stories—then shaping the final deliverables with editing, motion graphics, colour, sound and finishing for different platforms. In my current high-volume role at Yuri Arcurs Productions, I plan and execute productions end-to-end, including pre-production, directing, cinematography, lighting, camera operation and post-production, with distribution and performance in mind from the start. I’ve also worked as a DOP and 1st AC on freelance commercials and social campaigns for local and international brands, and I love collaborating with agencies, brands and creative teams to produce craft-led work that still hits commercially.…

Jesse Bettencourt

I’m a Cape Town-based director and filmmaker working across commercial, branded and stock content. I enjoy building creative concepts and turning them into clear, on-set visual stories—then shaping the final deliverables with editing, motion graphics, colour, sound and finishing for different platforms. In my current high-volume role at Yuri Arcurs Productions, I plan and execute productions end-to-end, including pre-production, directing, cinematography, lighting, camera operation and post-production, with distribution and performance in mind from the start. I’ve also worked as a DOP and 1st AC on freelance commercials and social campaigns for local and international brands, and I love collaborating with agencies, brands and creative teams to produce craft-led work that still hits commercially.…

Available to hire

I’m a Cape Town-based director and filmmaker working across commercial, branded and stock content. I enjoy building creative concepts and turning them into clear, on-set visual stories—then shaping the final deliverables with editing, motion graphics, colour, sound and finishing for different platforms.

In my current high-volume role at Yuri Arcurs Productions, I plan and execute productions end-to-end, including pre-production, directing, cinematography, lighting, camera operation and post-production, with distribution and performance in mind from the start. I’ve also worked as a DOP and 1st AC on freelance commercials and social campaigns for local and international brands, and I love collaborating with agencies, brands and creative teams to produce craft-led work that still hits commercially.

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Experience Level

Intermediate
Intermediate

Work Experience

Freelance Filmmaker
September 1, 2021 - Present
Direct and/or shoot commercial and branded content across pre-production, production and post. Selected credits include 1st AC and DPO/Paygate work on Clicks campaigns (2022–2023), DOP on Clicks (2024), DOP on Sorbet social media campaign (2024), drone operator/video editor for Christian Angerer Photography (2025), and DOP/editor/colourist on Refinery social media campaign (2026). Comfortable shifting between creative direction and technical execution to match briefs and delivery requirements for social and campaign use.
Videographer / Director at Yuri Arcurs Productions (PTY) Ltd
July 1, 2021 - Present
Plan and execute high-volume video and photo productions for international commercial stock distribution. Created and delivered 21,800+ videos and 11,000+ photographs. Handle end-to-end workflows from concept and pre-production through filming, directing, cinematography, lighting and camera operation, then editing, colour, sound, pacing and final delivery. Direct talent and manage on-set performance to achieve commercially effective visual concepts. Develop motion graphics and visual treatments when needed, and lead production logistics and team workflows (including a Denmark period with a demanding three-shoots-per-week schedule).
Delivery Manager at Fireplace Roadhouse
May 1, 2020 - July 1, 2021
Worked in a delivery management role (details not provided in the resume).
Bartender at Harringtons Club
February 1, 2018 - October 1, 2018
Worked as a bartender (details not provided in the resume).

Education

Bachelor's degree, Cinematography and Film/Video Production at AFDA
January 1, 2016 - January 1, 2018

Qualifications

Add your qualifications or awards here.

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Retail