OUR APPROACH

Sometimes Tabletop is seen as a dark art. Our aim at Grinder Films is to make the collaboration between our team, clients and agency an open and creative process in a great environment. We believe this is the best way to achieve the imagery that is very specifically tailored to your clients needs.
We know full well that working within the present day trend of tighter budget constraints, the quality and creativity of work achievable can come under pressure. We believe in a policy of "best practices", where all production done is as time efficient and cost effective as possible without suffocating the creative process. Whatever the circumstances are, our prime focus remains to deliver the best work possible within the means at our disposal.
We have invested to create a dedicated and specifically fitted Tabletop studio allowing us to use our own infrastructure to work at the highest levels in a creative and yet cost-effective manner.

ROB PAYTON

Director / Cinematographer

Resident at Grinder & originally from the UK, Rob has a growing reputation for combining tabletop cinematography with live action and performance. "I hate it when product shots leap out of a commercial yelling "packshot"! They need to work as a piece of storytelling. Ultimately it's all about making the product look great and letting the consumer eat with their eyes."
Rob's focus on beautiful foods and liquids has been a natural progression in a career that started with 15 years as both cameraman & director at the BBC and as a commercials DOP in Europe, before turning to directing and shooting commercials here in South Africa. Food and restaurant clients include numerous campaigns for McDonalds, Knorr, Sainsburys, Asda, Nestle, Buitoni, Goodfellas, Maggi, Hilcona, Mars, Cadbury & Avonmore. He keenly embraces new technology, regularly testing & attending trade events, and shoots on many formats - from 35mm film to Phantom HD, RED One to D21. rob@grinderfilms.com

DAVID ROWLEY

Executive Producer

David's 19 years of international production experience cover both location and studio production, in-depth budgeting & negotiating along with sourcing and promoting talent. His forte as a producer, coupled with a career as a professional photographer, give him the unique ability to creatively interpret scripts and boards and provide visually stunning and cost effective solutions to our clients.
Fluent in German, he lived and worked in commercial film production in Munich for 14 years before moving to Dubai where he spent 2 years with the Middle East's leading full service production company. His last 3 years have been dedicated to producing for Moonlighting Cape Town's worldwide client-base. david@grinderfilms.com

PHILIP KEY

Managing Director

Philip is founding partner and CEO of Moonlighting, an internationally renowned production services company for commercials and feature films with offices in South Africa (since 1989), Chile and Romania. He has always had a passion for tabletop and the culinary arts and has launched Grinder following the success of previous tabletop facility Alchemy. He is also a partner in African Relish, a recreational cooking school and restaurant in the Karoo town of Prince Albert. philip@grinderfilms.com

BRANDS WE HAVE WORKED ON

WHAT OUR CLIENTS SAY
With Rob Payton directing, I am delighted to say that everything followed
His experience is in the details, and his relaxed control
is just the kind of touch that puts everyone - animals included - at ease.
Nick Mc Givney - Grey Helme Ireland
"We got exactly what we asked for, and a director who was constantly keen to
ensure we were happy. Delighted to recommend Rob, and delighted to work
with him at any time"
Grey International
"Rob Payton directs with great energy and creativity"
Aidan Dowling IIBBDO
"Thanks for the best looking burgers I have seen filmed for McDonalds"
Jonathan Burley Creative Director Leo Burnett London