Mixing mediums with Kaylee Kruser

Kaylee Kruser, a producer whose career has unfolded across radio, television, and film each medium sharpening her instinct for storytelling and her ability to connect with audiences. Whether she’s traveling the country to tell conservation stories in Africa from Within or steering the fast-paced energy of Afternoon Drive with John Maytham, she brings a people-first, audience-focused philosophy to every project.

Q. What skills from radio have translated surprisingly well into your work in visual media?

Scripting lines, and keeping it punchy – radio helps with writing, especially shorter sentences. Understanding what people are interested in – live radio teaches you that – because you get real time reactions. This helps with content production. 

Q. How do you balance your journalistic instincts with the creative freedom of film production?    

They go together; it takes a lot of creativity to present facts in a way that keeps the audience listening – people think journalism isn’t a creative thing – when in fact it is. I mostly produce reality and talk – so creativity comes with how we put something together – and I find being a journalist helps with that. It helps conceptualise a format that makes sense, and how to break down information, in a way that’s not too cerebral, but for people to understand and relate to. 

Q. Do you have a favourite, out of the projects you’ve worked on? 

Yes, Africa from Within is a massive highlight – getting to travel the country and see all it has to offer in the name of conservation of the environment, and our animals. A close second is producing Afternoon Drive with John Maytham – the GOAT of talk radio in my opinion. 

Q. How would you describe your producing style?

I don’t know – I think my style is probably people focused – or audience focused. I try to remember the show (radio or tv) is not about what I enjoy – but about what the audience enjoys. I also like to have a diverse range of voices – it shows how our thoughts are shaped around how we live, and what we’ve experienced. 

Q. Television is evolving quickly, what shifts in the TV industry excite you the most right now?
I think at the moment – I like that more SA writers and Directors are getting their flowers for the amazing work they produce! I think that it’s so dope that we are being recognised on the world stage – for series and film. 

Q. How do you see the rise of streaming platforms affecting opportunities for South African creators?Gambit films is one example of how well these streaming services can work for SA creators, Showmax too. Lots of locally produced shows on these platforms, and hopefully this means more opportunities will come for other SA creators. 

Q. Do you think traditional broadcast TV still has a place in the future media ecosystem?

Absolutely – most South Africans are still reliable on traditional TV, for access to information. We have not yet managed to evolve it in a way where it can compete with streaming services, but I think if we can produce quality content for traditional TV – it can be part of our lives for a long time. 

Q. What trends in storytelling or production style do you think will define the next few years?

I think Inclusivity, and Diversity will define it, we need to stay inclusive – all races, all genders, and all sexualities and all ages – these trends mix storytelling with a mirror to the society we live in. 

Q. How has audience behavior changed the way you think about producing content?

The audience is always at the forefront of my thoughts when producing content – so I put myself in the shoes of the target audience and then take it from there. From audience reaction, we are able to gauge what they enjoy and what they don’t – with an open mind. Factors like public holidays, live sport, and loadshedding can influence audience behaviour. 

Q. What pressures or expectations in today’s TV industry do you think viewers don’t always see?

Channels look at numbers and we ultimately work for channels – they don’t know the way we have to explain our choices and defend our content. 

Q. How has the local film community influenced your journey as a producer?

It’s influenced me positively – I draw so much inspiration from local producers and actors etc. Shimmy Isaacs, Ephraim Gordon, Melissa De Vries and Amy Jeptha – they’ve all inspired me. 

Q. What opportunities do you think Cape Town offers emerging filmmakers that they might not find elsewhere?

Location. Lots of international films come here to shoot. Also – Cape Town is so culturally diverse – this is something that leaves emerging filmmakers with a location that has millions of stories. 

Q. What kinds of projects or stories are you drawn to producing now?

Current affairs and historical documentaries. 

Q. What’s next for you, any upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?

Right now, I am happy in the projects I am working on – with others in between. I’ve got a documentary being released next year that I worked on as a producer. I also have a potential new show that I will be producing starting next year.