As we look back on an extraordinary year of creativity, collaboration, and innovation at Pressure Cooker Studios, our dynamic trio of producers – Astrid Iverson (Narrative), Chloe Ellis (Commercial) and Kaitlyn Du Sart (Catalogue) – share their standout picks from 2024 and their predictions that will shape 2025. These highlights showcase the talent and dedication of our team and clients while offering an inspiring glimpse into the exciting possibilities that lie ahead at our state-of-the-art Studio in Cape Town, South Africa.
Astrid Iverson: Narrative Highlights
Wrapping up this project at the end of 2023 was an accomplishment in itself, but seeing it come to life in 2024 was a milestone for me and our narrative audio team. This project pushed us to our creative and technical limits in the most rewarding ways. It challenged us to innovate in soundscape composition, learn from the incomparable Samir Foco, and collaborate with incredible creatives such as SAFTA-winning Director Mandlakayise (Mandla) Dube – united by a shared vision to make this film resonate on a global scale. Being part of a South African film crafted with such dedication, and then witnessing it embraced with enthusiasm worldwide – securing the No. 1 spot as the first ever African film to reach the summit of the Global Top 10 for English language films on Netflix not once, but twice consecutively – was nothing short of extraordinary. It’s a moment I’ll always be proud to have been part of.
Sniper was a masterpiece of teamwork, where every detail was crafted with care and precision. Our audio and music team worked in harmony to create a signature sound, collaborating closely with the teams at Post Pixies and AfterDark to ensure every note and frame aligned with the project’s vision. From the earliest stages of planning to the final moments of delivery, it was a testament to the power of collaboration where post-production relationships truly blossomed. Sniper exemplifies what’s possible when passion, trust, and dedication come together.
Extreme Airport Africa: Season 2
Working on EAA Season 2 was incredibly rewarding, thanks to the trust and synergy within our team. Keith Kavayi, our composer, led the creative process with precision, artistry, and clear vision, delivering music tracks with a signature sound that exceeded expectations. His balance of creativity and communication, along with his reliability, made him a key contributor to the Paramount project’s success.This project showcased the value of our refined processes and teamwork, highlighting what’s possible when trust, talent, and collaboration come together. It was a testament to how creativity thrives in the right environment. Go give it a watch on Amazon Prime Video.
Narrative Department 2025 Predictions
The demand for music that blends cultural authenticity with universal resonance is growing. Audiences welcome fresh, local influences, creating space for composers to innovate a signature sound. Collaborations between South African and international talent are unlocking new creative possibilities, shaping the future of music in exciting ways. We’re eager to learn, grow, and be part of this evolution.
Chloe Ellis: Commercial Highlights
Spur | ‘It’s not just a meal, it’s a family tradition’
This project was incredibly special to me, as it captured moments I share with my dad and son. The music track we created added a deeply emotional layer to an already powerful narrative by director Justice Mukheli from Romance Films. Our senior composer, Elben Schutte, and Talitha Luiters’ stunning vocals truly elevated this piece.
Director Fausto Becatti from Bioscope Films creative vision turned a tragedy into a moving piece of art. We had the opportunity to craft a signature sound so different from our usual work, while staying true to the story. This was a special experience. I’m especially proud of Kadin Madgwick, who celebrated his first win as a PCS intern on this project. Showcasing Pressure Cooker’s dedication to nurturing creativity in young people. Read more about SAB and what we did in our ‘Behind the Music’ blog.
Collaborating with Alex Smillie creatively marked a new era for me as a producer, as well as our partnership leading the commercial department together. The visuals and direction by Hallie Haller were state-of-the-art, and it’s always a pleasure partnering with Jess Schipper and the team from Fam Films.
Commercial Department 2025 Predictions
I anticipate that 2025 will see a significant shift, with more pitches evolving into one-ways – a reflection of the growing trust our clients place in us for both music and audio. I predict stronger client relationships will emerge as we become more involved early in pre-production, ensuring that by the time we reach post, every plan is aligned and every vision is crystal clear.
Kaitlyn Du Sart: Pressure Music Catalogue Highlights
Amapiano Hits 2 – Mzansi Style
It’s incredibly exciting to see this album making waves so soon after its release. The track ‘Vibe Alight’ has already secured the number one spot for the most downloaded music tracks in December 2024 on the Mama Dance Library, resonating deeply with listeners and cementing its place as a fan favourite. This track was a collaborative effort with one of our music interns, Rudy Julius, who joined us through our recent partnership with Bridges for Music. Together, we’re creating pathways that connect raw talent with the broader media industry, once again showcasing our commitment to nurturing creativity in young people. And ‘Vibe Alight’ is just the beginning!
PCS X BFM – The Alumni Collection Vol. 1
This album holds a special place in my heart as it marks our first direct collaboration outside the internship programme with talent from Bridges for Music. A powerful step in transforming mentorship into real opportunity. It’s more than just a collection of music tracks; it’s a declaration of intent. A moment where aspiring artists move beyond the classroom and into the global media industry, showcasing their creativity and carving out space for their voices to be heard. For me, the essence of this album is possibility—the promise that music, when nurtured, has the power to change lives. That’s why it stands among my top three for 2024. It represents not just where we are, but where we’re headed: a future where creativity knows no boundaries, and where music bridges gaps, opens doors, and amplifies voices that deserve to be heard.
Cinematic Amapiano – Emotional Uplift
One of my personal highlights this year has been our Cinematic Amapiano album. It’s an extraordinary blend of orchestral grandeur and the vibrant, new-age rhythms of African soundscape compositions. Amapiano, with its roots in South Africa, has rapidly gained global recognition, and this album feels like a celebration of that. The fusion of classical and contemporary – the unexpected meeting of strings and drums – creates a signature sound. It’s moments like these that fill me with pride to be South African, witnessing our music’s authenticity and brilliance reach the world stage. Amapiano isn’t just a genre; it’s a reflection of who we are as a community – dynamic, innovative, and rooted in a rich cultural heritage.
Pressure Music Catalogue 2025 Predictions
I predict our Pressure Music Catalogue will continue to be a transformative force, serving as a living archive of diverse, creative and purpose-driven music tracks. As production costs rise, the demand for precision and unforgettable signature sound will only grow. Our catalogue will stand out as a gateway for creators looking for an affordable option to music curation and a platform for composers, elevating projects and showcasing the boundless potential of collaboration and artistry.
