From dance to film sets, Marcelle Du Toit redefines production

Marcelle du Toit, producer and partner at Stage 5 Films, has helped shape some of the most ambitious film and television projects across South Africa. With a career that began in dance and evolved into high-level production, she brings a rare blend of creativity, strategy, and technical expertise to every project.

In this Q&A, Marcelle shares her journey, the challenges and triumphs of producing in today’s filmmaking landscape.

Stage 5 Films

Stage 5 Films is a full-service production company specialising in films, documentaries, and series. The team produces original content from script to screen, specialise in co-productions, and offer production services for international partners. Stage 5 Films is based in Cape Town but operates across three territories: South Africa, Mauritius, and Portugal. Stage 5 Films’ approach combines strategic production with a commitment to delivering powerful narratives packaged in technical excellence. 

Q. How did you first get started in the film and production industry?

I come from a professional dancing background. I trained classically for 18 years and performed both locally and internationally. I was initially cast in commercials that required dancers, which gave me my first glimpse behind the camera. Unfortunately, I picked up an injury in my early twenties that ended my performing career. That setback became a turning point, it pushed me to transition into film production, where I could still be part of the creative process but in a different capacity. I went on to complete a postgraduate degree with a double major in Producing and Art Direction, which gave me the foundation I needed to build a career on the other side of the lens. 

Q. What inspired you to start or join Stage 5 Productions?

I joined Stage 5 Films in 2013, drawn by two things: the opportunity to tell meaningful stories that reflect the complexity and beauty of Africa, and the company’s unwavering commitment to creative excellence. 

Dylan Voogt, my business partner, had built a reputation for delivering exceptional work under the most challenging conditions, and I was inspired by that commitment to quality.

I was excited to contribute my strategic and operational expertise to scale that vision. Together, we focus on creating a company that international producers can trust implicitly, while fostering an environment where creatives, local and international, can do their best work. 

Q. What are some of the most memorable projects you’ve worked on so far?

There are so many, but a few stand out. “Five Fingers for Marseilles” was a defining project for us, shooting a contemporary African Western in the dead of winter at 2,000 meters altitude in Lady Grey. The conditions were brutal, but the result was a film that premiered at Toronto International Film Festival and put South African genre filmmaking on the map.

“Prisoners of Paradise ” (now titled “Ambleside”) was another milestone. Our first major production in Mauritius during the height of the Covid pandemic, required us to operate across three territories simultaneously. We shot for seven weeks with 200+ crew members from five different countries, all while maintaining zero Covid cases throughout the six-month production period. What made this project particularly challenging was that we had to establish completely new systems in real-time. The success of the film wasn’t just about delivering a beautiful period drama, it proved we could execute large-scale international productions under the most difficult circumstances. 

Then there’s “Liberty”, the Danish mini-series that premiered at Berlinale. That production taught us so much about Danish filmmaking culture – their pragmatic, minimal, and deeply respectful approach to production has influenced how we work to this day. It marked the beginning of a meaningful partnership with the team at Zentropa. We’ve since collaborated on “The Dreamer – Becoming Karen Blixen”, which premiered at Cannes Series, and we’re now in development on our third series together. It’s a relationship that continues to inspire us.

Q. Stage 5 has become a familiar name in Cape Town’s production scene, what do you think sets your company apart?

I think it’s our combination of creative sensibility and production rigour. We’re not just a service company – we think like producers and creative partners. We approach every project from a story-first perspective. We’re also known for saying what we do and doing what we say. Integrity, and honesty are non-negotiable for us. Producers and investors know they can trust us with their budgets, their schedules, and their creative vision. And importantly, we’ve built deep relationships across the continent, which means we can deliver authentic African stories with the production values international audiences expect.

Q. What do you love most about filming in Cape Town?

The accessibility and proximity of locations is incredible. Within an hour’s drive, you can shoot mountains, beaches, urban landscapes, townships, wine estates, and semi-desert. That diversity, combined with world-class crew, infrastructure, and a favourable exchange makes Cape Town a truly world-class filming destination. There’s also something about the light here that’s just magic! 

Q. From your perspective, what makes Cape Town such a strong location for local and international productions?

It’s the diversity of locations you’re able to shoot within a short period of time, combined with the depth of local talent. Cape Town can double for almost anywhere in the world.But beyond locations, it’s the people. We have experienced, professional crews who’ve worked on international productions for decades. There’s also a problem-solving culture here. Our teams are used to making big ideas work on tight budgets, and they bring creativity and resourcefulness to every challenge. 

Combine that with strong financial infrastructure, completion bonding services, favourable exchange rates, and sophisticated production support systems, and you have a complete package for producers.

Q. The industry is always evolving, how do you see the Cape Town production landscape changing in the next few years?

We’re living in a content landscape dominated by algorithms that prioritise safe, familiar formulas. Audiences are saturated with regurgitated narratives, and I think that’s creating a genuine appetite for stories that feel authentic and culturally specific. African stories offer exactly that – complexity, nuance, and perspectives that haven’t been commodified yet. Cape Town has the infrastructure and talent to deliver those stories at scale.We’re also seeing more sophisticated financing structures and co-production models emerging, which will enable bigger, more ambitious projects. Technology continues to democratise production, but I hope we don’t lose the collaborative, grounded approach that makes Cape Town special. The real competitive advantage will be in scaling up while preserving the relationships and craftsmanship that define our work. That human element is what will cut through the noise.

Q. What challenges have you faced working in film, and how have you overcome them?

The global economic climate affects our industry directly – exchange rates, financing structures, investor confidence… These pressures are amplified by rapid technological shifts that are fundamentally changing how we work. It requires continuous adaptation on multiple fronts simultaneously. We’ve had to become increasingly sophisticated in how we structure deals, manage risk, and integrate new technologies without losing sight of what makes compelling storytelling.

Then there are the logistical challenges, like shooting during a pandemic, or filming in remote locations with extreme weather conditions. The way we’ve overcome these challenges is through meticulous planning, transparent communication, and building strong relationships with partners who trust us. We also invest heavily in our team, hiring people who share our values and empowering them to solve problems creatively.

Q. What makes you remain passionate about the industry?

Our industry is ever-evolving, and change is our constant. What keeps me passionate is working with talented, dedicated people who care deeply about their craft and storytelling. The passion, innovation, and solution-oriented nature of our crew continues to inspire me. I also love that every project is different – new stories, new challenges, new collaborations. 

Q. What advice would you give to emerging filmmakers or producers starting out in Cape Town?Perseverance and tenacity are essential. This industry will test you, and you have to be willing to keep going when things get tough. Build genuine relationships. This is a relationship-driven industry, and your reputation is everything. Be someone people want to work with.Invest in craft. Learn your discipline deeply. Understand not just the creative side but also the business, legal, and financial aspects.And finally, collaborate. Filmmaking is a team sport. Listen, be open to other perspectives, and create environments where everyone can do their best work.

Q. Can you share a behind-the-scenes moment that captures what life on set is really like for you?

One moment that stands out was during “Five Fingers for Marseilles”. We were shooting on top of a mountain plateau in the middle of winter, and a snowstorm rolled in unexpectedly. Roads were blocked, equipment was at risk, and we were racing against the clock.Our team of local farmers with tractors helped recover vehicles, crew members worked swiftly to protect equipment, the AD and director quickly reworked the schedule… Everyone just stepped up, no drama, no complaints. We adapted, we problem-solved, and we got the shot.Set life can be intense, unpredictable, and collaborative. It’s about trusting the team, staying calm under pressure, and investing in the collective effort. 

Q. What’s next for you and Stage 5 Productions? Any exciting projects on the horizon?

We’re currently in pre-production on a feature film in Mauritius. A dark comedy that should be great fun! We’re planning to shoot part of it in Rodrigues, which will be another island to add to our growing list of filming destinations. Beyond that, we’re developing several original projects and building out our production slate across all three territories. We’re also looking at how emerging technologies can enhance storytelling without losing the human element that makes cinema powerful. The goal remains the same: to tell compelling stories with integrity, to support bold creative visions, and to continue building Stage 5 Films as a production partner that filmmakers and investors can trust anywhere in the world.