I am not an influencer. I am not a writer. I am not a chef. And yet here we are. I am qualified in cinema, stage and project management. My experience has prepared me for my chosen vocation: to record and tell the stories of people and places having an impact on our diverse culture. I make connections above followers. I create experiences above content. I have relationships above clients.…

Derick van Biljon

I am not an influencer. I am not a writer. I am not a chef. And yet here we are. I am qualified in cinema, stage and project management. My experience has prepared me for my chosen vocation: to record and tell the stories of people and places having an impact on our diverse culture. I make connections above followers. I create experiences above content. I have relationships above clients.…

Available to hire

I am not an influencer. I am not a writer. I am not a chef. And yet here we are. I am qualified in cinema, stage and project management. My experience has prepared me for my chosen vocation: to record and tell the stories of people and places having an impact on our diverse culture. I make connections above followers. I create experiences above content. I have relationships above clients.

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Language

English
Fluent
Afrikaans
Advanced

Work Experience

Independent Contractor at FoodieSA
November 1, 2021 - June 26, 2024
Operated as a freelancer focusing on food, lifestyle, travel, and fashion content production. Built a diverse client list, including influencers and national brands. Produced testimonial videos, promotional content, integrated campaigns, and social media projects involving concept development, filming, editing, sound, lighting, art direction, styling, and post-production.
Independent Contractor at Real World Productions
October 1, 2006 - October 31, 2021
Worked as a freelancer and contractor in the media and entertainment industries, fulfilling roles such as field cameraman, editor, scriptwriter, and post-production manager. Managed corporate event segments, travel programs, and produced food and wine culture documentaries. Additionally, took roles as head chef and sous chef, combined with art direction and set design for culinary events.
Intern/Freelancer/Performer at Self Employed
February 1, 2001 - September 30, 2006
Started career with internships and assistant roles in film and media production, acting, and stage performing. Completed 9-month internship in defense media filming, acted in theatre productions, assisted in camera, sound, and editing for TV series and industrial theatre events. Produced AV segments for events and acted as compare and team building facilitator.
Independent Contractor at FoodieSA
November 1, 2021 - June 16, 2024
Operating as a freelancer focusing on food, lifestyle, travel, and fashion. Built a client base including influencers and national brands. Produced testimonial videos, website promotion videos, product promotional assets, and integrated social media campaigns. Managed full production cycles from concept to delivery including pre-production, filming, sound and lighting, post-production editing, color grading, audio mixing/mastering, and motion graphics animation. Collaborated with photographers and digital agencies to create marketing content for noted brands and organizations.
Independent Contractor at Real World Productions
October 1, 2006 - October 31, 2021
Worked as a freelancer and contractor in media and entertainment industries. Roles included field cameraman, editor, scriptwriter, post-production manager, and director of photography. Produced corporate event segments, packaged weekly travel magazine episodes, and managed pre-production conceptualization for food-series projects. Contributed as chef and in event art direction. Provided camera, sound, and lighting for television segments. Produced entertainment video pieces for publishing clients and hosted a pop-up social club for event evenings.
Intern/Freelancer/Performer at Self Employed
February 1, 2001 - September 30, 2006
Performed stage and musical theatre productions while developing video production skills. Completed internships and assistant roles in camera, sound, lighting, and editing. Produced event audiovisual segments and acted in industrial theatre presentations. Managed production for industrial theatre roadshows and worked in film and media departments performing specialized filming. Developed foundational media production skills through practical experience in professional entertainment and theatre contexts.
Film and Video Creator at Foodie SA
January 1, 2003 - November 1, 2025
Being a film and video creator since 2003, I find great satisfaction employing my passion with experience, creativity and skill to deliver engaging, entertaining, and informative visual media at scalable budgets to the culinary, travel and lifestyle sectors in South Africa and beyond.

Education

Advanced Diploma at Akademia - Centurion
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
National Diploma at Tswane University of Technology
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2001
National Diploma at Tswane University of Technology
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1997
High School Diploma at High School Pionier
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1994
Advanced Diploma Project Management NRK Level 7 at Akademia
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
National Diploma - Musical Theatre at Tswane University of Technology
January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2001
National Diploma – Film and Video Technology at Tswane University of Technology
January 1, 1995 - December 31, 1997
High School Diploma at High School Pionier
January 1, 1991 - December 31, 1994

Qualifications

Advanced Diploma Project Management NRK Level 7
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017
Advanced Diploma Project Management NRK Level 7
January 1, 2017 - December 31, 2017

Industry Experience

Media & Entertainment, Travel & Hospitality, Retail, Professional Services, Consumer Goods