Lights, camera, Cape Town

Behind the scenes with Mannequin, the production company which is building a bridge between local talent and global cinema from the heart of the city

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ike casting, soundtrack and wardrobe, location plays a vital role in enhancing a film's tone and the viewing experience.

Over the years, Cape Town has been a sought-after film location for local and international filmmakers alike. Popular films such as Avengers: Age of Ultron, Mad Max: Fury Road, The Woman King and Safe House have been shot in and around the city.

The team at South African independent film production company Mannequin know all there is to know about shooting there.

Founded in 2007 by partners Delon Bakker and Kyle Ambrose, and later joined by Morgan Pather, Mannequin is a vertically integrated film group spanning development, financing, production and physical production services.

I arrived at their offices in Bryanston, Johannesburg, a bit early for our meeting. The boardroom becomes a refuge from the typing and phone calls in the open-plan office. The walls are plastered with posters from some of the films Mannequin has produced, including Rogue and the recently released London Calling, starring Josh Duhamel.

Sitting across from Bakker and Ambrose, is like speaking to one person. The 18-year friendship that started in film school is evident in their synergy, finishing each other's sentences during the interview.

Having initially studied directing, over the years the duo have harnessed their skills in producing and running a film company.

Though the pair agree on the overlaps of their managerial titles in a growing South African film industry, they do have specific roles. Bakker is Mannequin's chief executive officer, overseeing development, strategy and financing, while Ambrose is head of production, in charge of convincing international partners of the benefits of filming in South Africa.