Visual storyteller, cinematographer, videographer and video editor with 11+ years of experience producing documentaries, branded campaigns, social media content and educational films across non-profit, commercial and international sectors. Passionate about authentic stories that inspire action and create meaningful impact, leading productions from concept through final delivery. My work spans community-focused documentaries, Africa-wide digital campaigns, international conference coverage and commercial productions for globally recognized brands. Experienced collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders and communities to deliver audience-focused visuals.

Kayla Petersen

Visual storyteller, cinematographer, videographer and video editor with 11+ years of experience producing documentaries, branded campaigns, social media content and educational films across non-profit, commercial and international sectors. Passionate about authentic stories that inspire action and create meaningful impact, leading productions from concept through final delivery. My work spans community-focused documentaries, Africa-wide digital campaigns, international conference coverage and commercial productions for globally recognized brands. Experienced collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders and communities to deliver audience-focused visuals.

Available to hire

Visual storyteller, cinematographer, videographer and video editor with 11+ years of experience producing documentaries, branded campaigns, social media content and educational films across non-profit, commercial and international sectors. Passionate about authentic stories that inspire action and create meaningful impact, leading productions from concept through final delivery.

My work spans community-focused documentaries, Africa-wide digital campaigns, international conference coverage and commercial productions for globally recognized brands. Experienced collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, stakeholders and communities to deliver audience-focused visuals.

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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Intermediate

Work Experience

Video Content Editor at betPawa (PawaTech)
October 20, 2023 - July 31, 2026
Produced high-performing social-first video content for betPawa’s Africa-wide digital platforms, collaborating with creative, marketing and social teams to deliver campaigns that strengthen brand engagement across multiple markets. Edited and optimized video content for social media campaigns across multiple African markets, transforming campaign ideas into engaging visual assets while ensuring consistency with brand guidelines and quality standards. Managed multiple projects simultaneously and supported cross-functional teams with planning, reporting and execution of content strategies.
Video Content Editor at pawaTech, betPawa
October 1, 2023 - Present
Create and curate video content for betPawa Africa’s social media platforms; support the Head of Social Media and Head of Brand with ideation, creation, and delivery of design content; oversee day-to-day design content editing with the creative team; collaborate with the wider business to generate new content ideas; manage content planning, reporting and quality control of all social media content.
Video Content Creator at bet.co.za
January 1, 2023 - October 31, 2023
Created engaging digital-first content across video, podcast and social media platforms, supporting brand growth through creative storytelling and platform-specific content strategies. Developed engaging podcast content for both video and audio platforms, and created platform-specific social media content designed to maximize audience engagement. Collaborated with marketing teams to develop content aligned with business goals.
Lead Photographer, Videographer & Editor at Energy Capital Power
August 1, 2021 - December 31, 2021
Travelled internationally to document high-profile energy conferences and executive events across Africa, producing photography and video content for a global audience. Covered international conferences and summits in Angola and Libya, capturing keynotes from speakers, government officials and industry leaders during major events. Produced high-quality photography and video content under demanding event schedules.
Videographer, Photographer & Video Editor at XCVIV Pictures
November 1, 2020 - July 31, 2022
Produced premium commercial photography and video campaigns for global technology brands including Sony, DJI and iStore. Planned and executed studio photography and videography projects from concept through delivery, capturing aerial content using drone technology to enhance visual storytelling.
Video Content Creator at Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation (NPO)
November 1, 2018 - March 31, 2025
Produced documentary and digital content documenting the realities, resilience and aspirations of South African communities. Worked closely with researchers, project teams and community members to create authentic visual stories supporting advocacy, fundraising and public engagement. Planned, filmed and produced documentaries, interviews and participatory storytelling projects focused on community development. Served as cinematographer on The State of the Nation documentary that won Best Message Award at the 2021 Top Indie Film Awards (Summer Edition) and received additional festival nominations. Produced promotional videos, fundraising campaigns and multimedia assets, and managed productions from planning and filming through post-production collaboration to final delivery in alignment with organizational mission.
Video Editor & Content Creator at Renegade Pictures
May 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
Edited commercial, educational and promotional content for universities, businesses and production companies, delivering polished visual storytelling across a range of industries. Edited promotional and educational videos for clients including UWC, CPUT and Rondebosch Medical Centre. Produced content for online learning platforms and university marketing campaigns, applying color grading, sound design and creative editing techniques to enhance storytelling.
Video Editor and Content Creator at Renegade Pictures
May 1, 2018 - June 30, 2019
Edited and created video content; responsible for delivering promotional and educational videos; collaborated with clients and team members; worked on projects including university promotional content and promotional videos; produced content for a range of clients including universities and healthcare providers.
Second Assistant Camera (Camera Loader) at Film Industry
March 1, 2015 - April 30, 2017
Supported camera departments on major international film and television productions, gaining valuable experience in high-end production environments. Assisted camera teams on productions including Black Sails, The Kissing Booth, Saints & Strangers and Maze Runner. Prepared, maintained and managed professional camera equipment throughout production.
Second AC (Camera Loader) at Film Industry
March 1, 2015 - April 30, 2017
Worked as a camera loader on high-profile films and series, including Black Sails, Saints and Strangers, The Kissing Booth, Maze Runner, and more; serviced camera gear; assisted the focus puller; planned photoshoots and managed BTS photography; edited final images when needed.
Lead Videographer, Photographer & Video Editor (Freelance)
February 1, 2015 - Present
Operated as an independent filmmaker and content creator, partnering with NGOs, universities, commercial brands and production companies to produce high-quality visual content from concept development through final delivery. Managed production stages including concept development, filming, lighting, editing, color grading and delivery. Produced content for organizations including Sony, DJI, iStore, UWC and CPUT. Built strong client relationships leading to repeat business and long-term collaborations, delivering projects ranging from promotional campaigns to documentary and social media content.
Lead Videographer, Photographer & Editor at Self Employment (Freelance)
February 1, 2015 - Present
Spearhead concept development, filming and editing for a wide range of clients; produced video content including scripting, shooting and post-production; created promotional and documentary content for brands such as Sony, DJI and iStore; conducted studio and field photography; produced drone content; managed multiple projects end-to-end; developed content strategies and studio-ready content; delivered content for education, marketing and fundraising initiatives.

Education

Diploma at Cape Peninsular University of Technology
January 1, 2015 - January 26, 2026
Diploma in Film & Video Technology at Cape Peninsula University of Technology
January 1, 2014 - August 22, 2026

Qualifications

Udemy: After Effects - Motion Graphics and Date Visualization
April 10, 2025 - April 17, 2025
The Shorts Film School: YouTube, Instagram Reels
May 11, 2025 - May 30, 2025
LinkedIn Learning: Communication Foundations
December 17, 2025 - December 30, 2025
LinkedIn Learning: How to use ChatGPT for Content Creation
January 21, 2026 - January 21, 2026
LinkedIn Learning: Social Media Marketing Strategy: TikTok and Instagram Reels
January 11, 2030 - January 26, 2026
AI and Generative AI for Video Content Creation
January 8, 2026 - January 26, 2026
Film and Video Technology
January 19, 2012 - December 10, 2014
Diploma in Film and Video Technology
Driving Licence (Code 10)
January 11, 2030 - August 22, 2026

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Education, Non-Profit Organization, Professional Services, Energy & Utilities, Retail