Quizzical Pictures is one of South Africa's leading film and television production houses.
Quizzical Pictures is a pioneering force in the South African film and television industry.
A Black-owned company (Level 2 BBBEE), we are known for consistently pushing creative boundaries for over three decades. Our impressive award collection includes such prestigious honours as the Peabody Award for Intersexions and a Rose d'Or for Hopeville, and five international Emmy nominations.
RECENT WORK
A mysterious woman infiltrates a powerful beauty empire family, seeking revenge for a tragic past. Dark secrets unravel as she plots to destroy them from within.
A criminal profiler haunted by her own childhood abduction, hunts a serial killer, using her traumatic experiences to understand his twisted mind.
An investigative journalist’s estranged brother is murdered in his Cape Town mansion and his teenage children are the prime suspects.
When an undercover cop is tasked with investigating a massive gold heist in Johannesburg, he’s forced to choose between his conscience and the law.
A desperate mother sets a New Year's wedding challenge for her three bachelor sons, with the family home as the prize for the first one to tie the knot.
This thrilling Afrikaans medical drama series offers a gripping portrayal of the challenges faced by healthcare professionals in Jo’burg public hospital.
NEWS & UPDATES
March 8th -
2024
Review
Thinus Fereira
REVIEW | Export-quality White Lies M-Net's most Netflix-like drama series ever.
"White Lies, a high-quality eight-episode show produced by Quizzical Pictures and Fremantle and filmed in Cape Town with lead director John Trengrove, feels like the most Netflix-like series M-Net has ever done. The series is an arrestingly engrossing murder mystery-whodunnit that you won't easily figure out although the clues are obvious. It understatedly screams TV production ambition.
February 15 - 2023
Variety
Naman Ramachandran
‘Reyka’ Producer Quizzical Pictures Sets Crime Series ‘Murder by the Sea’ From ‘White Lies’ Writer Darrel Bristow-Bovey (EXCLUSIVE)
The series is set in Blaasgat, a fictional coastal town named after its giant blowhole. When Lennart Cato, a local man-made-good, is found dead inside a papier-mâché whale on the opening night of a new Whale Museum that he’s funding, the locals turn to town resident and retired old-school thespian Lawrence Mantooth for answers.
October 6 - 2022
Now In SA
Staff Writer
Kim Engelbrecht Becomes 5th African nominated for Emmys Best Actress
Hot on the heels of her 2022 South African Film and Television Award (SAFTA) Best Actress win, the internationally acclaimed South African actress Kim Engelbrecht has added another feather to her cap with an International Emmy nomination for her title role in the M-Net crime series, “Reyka.’
September 20 - 2022
Press Release
Quizzical Pictures
Quizzical Pictures prepares for a bright future.
Quizzical Pictures, one of South Africa’s most celebrated film and television production companies is on the move.
The company is now 71% black owned, with Odirile Mekwa buying into the company and taking over as Managing Director.
AWARDS & ACCOLADES
Renowned for its outstanding productions, Quizzical Pictures’ commitment to quality has been recognized through a multitude of industry awards garnered both at home and abroad.
Quizzical Pictures is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives that resonate with audiences. Our impressive portfolio boasts a string of hit shows, including groundbreaking series like Intersexions and Savage Beauty, beloved classics such as Heartlines and Rhythm City, and iNumber Number.
OUR LEGACY
For over three decades, Quizzical Pictures has been a cornerstone of South African storytelling, crafting beloved films and television shows that have captured the nation's heart.
We've laughed, cried, and cheered alongside millions as our films and television shows have become cherished parts of the national tapestry.
Our much loved daily drama ran from 2007 to 2021. Centered around the music industry, the series delved into the lives of characters striving for success amidst the challenges of the entertainment world. The drama unfolded with gripping storylines while also tackling social issues relevant to South African audiences.
From 2012 to 2015, Quizzical Pictures had the pleasure of producing the first three seasons of MasterChef SA, the South African version of the popular cooking competition show. Home cooks compete in culinary challenges, while judges assess their dishes based on taste, presentation, and originality.
Produced in Partnership with The Discovery Learning Alliance, The Lucky Specials told the story of a small-town cover who dream ream of stardom while working as a miners by day, and struggling to battle the scourge of tuberculosis, rampant in Southern Africa today.
Desert Rose is a South African crime drama set in the harsh Namaqualand desert. The series follows the Greyling family, reunited after a decade apart to confront a mountain of debt left by their absent father. A complex web of secrets, lies, and dark family history unfolds as they navigate their troubled past in the desolate landscape.
As part of our longstanding creative collaborations with the Heartiness NGO, Beyond the River was a feature film which told the true story of two men overcoming racial barriers to win a grueling canoe marathon. Steve and Duma, from different worlds, must unite to navigate the treacherous river and their own inner struggles.
Hosted by the late, great Johnny Clegg, "A Country Imagined" is a South African documentary series exploring the nation's soul through art. Jonny travels across stunning landscapes, showcasing how artists – from the famous to the unknown – have interpreted and shaped South Africa's identity.
MTV Shuga: Down South tackled real-life issues faced by young people, exploring themes of love, heartbreak, betrayal, and difficult decisions, while focusing on the challenges presented by pregnancy and HIV. The show also addresses topics like "blessers," living with HIV, and the experiences of the LGBTQ+ community.
Umlilo is a drama series following the lives of the polygamous Dlamini family. When the patriarch decides to take a third wife, their seemingly perfect world is shattered by secrets, lies, and betrayal. From shocking revelations to unexpected alliances, Umlilo keeps viewers on the edge of their seats with its dramatic twists and turns.
4Play is a South African drama series following the lives and loves of four thirty-something women navigating contemporary Johannesburg. The show delves into their complex relationships, careers, and personal journeys.
Hard Copy is a newsroom drama series following the staff of a fictional newspaper navigating the cutthroat world of journalism. It aired on SABC3 from 2005 to 2008 and was revived for a fourth season in 2016. Balancing news reporting with sensationalism, the series explores the ethical dilemmas faced by media professionals. .
Inside Story follows Kalu, a promising young footballer from Kenya who moves to Johannesburg to pursue his dream. His life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers he's HIV positive. The film intertwines Kalu's emotional journey with stunning animation that visualizes the HIV virus within the human body, offering a powerful and informative look at the disease.
Nothing for Mahala is a comedy-drama that follows Axe Gumede, a flashy property agent living beyond his means. When his lavish lifestyle catches up with him, he's sentenced to community service at an old age home. There, he clashes with a grumpy old man, Hendrik, while learning valuable life lessons about money, relationships, and finding true worth beyond material possessions.
The Lab is a drama series that delves into the high-stakes world of investment banking. Focusing on the lives of ambitious professionals at Luzipho, Atkins & Bhengu Merchant Bank, the show explores power struggles, corporate intrigue, and personal relationships amidst the fast-paced financial landscape. It aired on South African television from 2006 onwards.
Tsha Tsha was Quizzical Pictures' first drama series, which follows the lives of young people navigating love, sex, and relationships in a world impacted by HIV/AIDS. The show delves into the challenges faced by youth in rural South Africa, offering a powerful portrayal of their experiences. Tsha Tsha aired on SABC1 from 2003 to 2007, making a significant impact on viewers and sparking important conversations about HIV prevention and education.
Those Who Can't is a South African comedy series following the chaotic lives of teachers at an elite private school. The absurd humor highlights the stark contrast between their professional facades and their childish antics. The show aired on SABC3 from 2015 to 2016, quickly becoming a local favorite for its witty dialogue and relatable characters.
Ya Lla is a South African drama series set in the gritty mining town of Welkom. It follows a young man's rise to power as he takes control of a once-legendary gang. The series explores themes of ambition, power, and the corrupting influence of wealth. Ya Lla aired on Mzansi Magic in 2015.
Class Act was a South African reality TV competition that sought to discover the country's next big acting stars. Aspiring actors faced a series of challenges, mentored by industry professionals, with the ultimate prize being a coveted role in a major production. The show aired on SABC1 in 2010 and 2011, captivating audiences with its raw talent and dramatic transformations.
The Girl From St Agnes, a Showmax original, is a South African teen murder mystery. A student's death at the elite St. Agnes boarding school disrupts the perfect facade, revealing dark secrets. A determined teacher becomes suspicious and delves into the truth behind the tragedy. As secrets unravel, the students and staff become entangled in a web of lies and hidden motives.
meet the TEAM
MANAGING DIRECTOR
& EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
& EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
SENIOR PRODUCER
& EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
HEAD OF DEVELOPMENT
& EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
HEAD OF FINANCE
CONTACT US
QUIZZICAL PICTURES
Physical Address:
3rd Floor
139 Greenway
Greenside
Johannesburg
2193
Telephone: +27 11 726 2828
Email: quizzical@quizzical.co.za
