Louis Neethling is an award-winning producer and director, who has a career spanning almost 30 years.

Louis started his career in 1993 as a children’s TV presenter on a Deaf programme for the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), for which he was nominated for an Artes Award. Having worked over a period of time in South Africa on a variety of TV programmes, Louis took on a variety of roles including runner, researcher, production assistant, assistant director, director, and executive producer. With the skills gained, Louis directed more than 100 episodes of the world’s first Deaf continuing drama series, “Young & Speechless”, for the SABC.

In 2001 Louis moved to the UK and worked with the BBC as a director and assistant producer for various factual TV shows, including directing five series of ‘Switch’. He later directed and produced two series of BSL Zone’s “Small World”, which was broadcast on Film4 and Sky on Demand, making history as the world’s first sign language sitcom! In 2022 he directed and produced three episodes of BSL Zone’s mockumentary series “Coffee Morning Club”.

Known internationally for his work in Deaf media, Louis’ media portfolio includes having directed ten episodes of “Inte Varre An Andra”, the world’s first Deaf Swedish comedy drama for SVT. In addition to writing and directing several programmes for L’oeil et la main for France5, and directing for RTE’s “Hands On” in Ireland for several years. 

Recognised for his impressive work in Deaf media, Louis has won awards for “Coming Out”, “Tree Fairy”, “Four Deaf Yorkshiremen”, “Departure Lounge”, “Still Here”, “Fairytale of London Town”, and many more! He was also awarded an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Arts by the University of Wolverhampton in 2021.

For more information about Louis Neethling, visit his websites: www.louisneethling.co.uk and www.muttandjeffpictures.com

Thursday 16th November 2023 | Deaffest on Tour 2023 | Arlington Arts Centre | Presentation & Workshop

‘How to Succeed, then Fail, then Succeed Again in Film and TV’ presentation by Louis Neethling, Producer & Director

Award-winning Producer and Director Louis Neethling, who has nearly 30 years of media experience under his belt, will lead a presentation in sharing his experiences as a filmmaker.  Always learning in his job, Louis has produced films, documentaries, drama series, and even tried his hand in the mockumentary genre. Producing and directing some of the episodes of the “Coffee Morning Club” mockumentary series that was released in July 2023 on Film4, Sky on Demand, and Together TV.

With his extensive knowledge, Louis will highlight the career opportunities available in the media industry and take you on an exciting journey to find out what role[s] you feel are right for you. Of course, like in like any career, there are highs and lows which Louis will share. He will also advise you on how to perceive failures as an opportunity to improve and succeed.  Louis will educate you on what it means to work independently and as a team player in the media industry, plus, the importance of sharing your work with other people. Focusing especially on Deaf people who work in the media industry and where we can teach one another and learn from each other’s experiences.

’Step by Step Guide to Making a Short Film’ workshop with Louis Neethling, Producer & Director

Learn how to make a short film during this workshop with Louis Neethling through his step by step process!