YDA JURY 2020: Melina McDonald
Melina McDonald
Executive Producer
Darling Films
Johannesburg, South Africa
Melina has always had a passion for developing new talent and 5 years ago partnered with Lorraine Smit and started Darling Films with a group of young directors whose careers were very much ahead of them. Darling has become one of the most respected production houses in South Africa – focused on diversity and growing talent; and women make up half of the director base.
The focus of The Darling team were responsible for the Joburg Ballet project produced for TBWA in 2018/2019 which won Cannes Gold & Silver Lions; D&AD yellow and graphite pencil; gold; silver and bronze Clios; Bookmarks Gold Silver and Bronze; One Show Gold Silver and Merit; Loeries Campaign Gold; South Africa’s first ever Webby Award and one of 12 campaigns worldwide to get a certificate at the Immortal Awards.
2020 also seems to be off to a great start with Darling holding the number 1 ranking on the craft awards on Ididthat for the second year in a row and recently recognised on Mark Lives #Agencyleaders2019 as Most-admired for production excellence.
