SIMBONGA MATANDELA
Company: SOON Media
Position: First Assistant Camera (Focus Puller)/ 2nd Assistant Camera
Overview
Skilled and detail-oriented Focus Puller and Loader with hands-on experience in the film and television industry, supporting high-quality productions across telenovelas, soap operas and reality TV productions. Adept at maintaining critical focus during dynamic shots, collaborating closely with DOPs and camera operators to ensure precise camera setups, lens changes, and smooth workflow on set. Proven ability to manage camera equipment, rigging and maintenance, and thrive under the fast-paced demands of both studio and location shoots. Committed to visual storytelling with a strong understanding of cinematic techniques, set etiquette, and the technical demands of modern camera systems. Reliable, adaptable, and passionate about contributing to the success of every production.
Portfolio of Evidence
Industry Experience
Focus Puller / Camera Assistant
Freelance | South African Film & Television Industry | 2020 – Present
Worked across a wide range of television shows and film productions, providing reliable support as a focus puller and loader. Experience includes high-paced drama sets, multi-cam reality shows, and on-location shoots.
• Imbewu: The Seed – Grapevine Productions
Camera Assistant / Focus Puller on this long-running telenovela, supporting daily production needs, lens changes, and maintaining critical focus on set.
• Sibongile & The Dlaminis – Rhythm World Productions
Played a key role in the camera team, assisting with technical setup, focus pulling, and smooth camera operation in fast-paced storytelling environments.
• Isiphetho: Destiny – Black Brain Pictures
Contributed to the visual consistency and camera department workflow on this dramatic series, ensuring efficient coordination with DOPs and camera ops.
• Uzalo – Stained Glass TV
Assisted in one of South Africa’s most popular shows, ensuring clean equipment, accurate focus, and real-time support during high-pressure shoots.
• Additional Freelance Work
Contributed to various other productions including short films, independent projects, commercials, and reality TV shows such as Durban General, eHostela S3, UThando Lodumo, Saint X film, Miss Fortune Film and more in multiple crew roles across the camera department.