writing samples
SHORT FORM (Commercial)
• read me •
LONG FORM (Narrative)
• available upon request •
modus operandi
“Real magic can never be made by offering someone else’s liver.
You must tear out your own, and not expect to get it back.”
– Peter S. Beagle, The Last Unicorn
“One man armed with the right word may do what an army of swordsmen cannot.”
– Robin Hobb, The Golden Fool
“It’s up to the artist to use language that can be understood…”
– Robert A. Heinlein, Stranger in a Strange Land
“I’ll tell you the truth and it’s up to you to live with it.”
– William Goldman, The Princess Bride
“Don’t let the bastards grind you down.”
– Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale
TESTIMONIALS
Kelsey is hands-down one of the best writers in South Africa. Insightful and creative, she knows her craft and she is a joy to work with. I would highly recommend her.
Gavin Sher
Writer, Development Producer & NFVF Script Editor
I met Kelsey Egan almost eleven years ago when she first arrived in South Africa to work. Even at that time I was struck by her incredible work ethic, her attention to detail and her drive to ensure that her work was precise and attained the highest level of professionalism. I find that she is unique in combining a creative energy, a production and business head and ability to take the minutiae of a project and see its overall vision and what it can become. A rare trait!
As the owner of Sunrise Productions I can’t speak highly enough of our interactions with Kelsey Egan on the several projects we have worked on together. She brings great energy and life to any creative team and layered into that is an amazing work ethic. She goes above and beyond the call of duty and is not only a talented writer but one who genuinely brings passion for the craft and a wonderful level of professionalism. We will absolutely look for opportunities to work with her on future projects.
I have had several opportunities to work with Kelsey over the past 6 years. I am always struck by her dedication, tenacity and pursuit for perfection. Kelsey’s attention to detail is remarkable and clearly visible in all her works. Her fearless approach to a challenge makes her an asset to any production.
I’m working with her. I haven’t once regretted it. And I regret working with most people, so that says a lot.
Kelsey is an experienced genre writer, with an instinct for well-engineered action, innovative structure and subtle character work. She’s driven as an independent writer and collaborative on a team, with a rare gift for both spotting plot problems and coming up with quick, creative solutions.
Kelsey Egan is a pleasure to work with: fast, creative and versatile. She takes on the toughest briefs and nails them every time.
Kelsey is an assured director with an emotional fluidity that shines through her work. As a writer, she has a deep understanding of story and nuance that clearly informs her directing.
Kelsey is a natural born storyteller who throws herself into her art. Watch this space.
Kelsey is a hard working professional filmmaker who has shown a steely commitment to her craft. Her perseverance and determination to motivate her teams to bring out their creativity for the sake of their art and a common vision as clearly articulated by Kelsey is a pleasure to see in action.
Kelsey is one of those uniquely talented human beings who has the ability to produce as well as she directs. As a producer, I found great comfort in knowing that my director’s got my back on every detail; it’s rare to find a deeply thoughtful, strong and intelligent creative mind with the ability to rock at real life and not just float around unrealistic dreamland.
I have had the pleasure of working with Kelsey and she is an absolute pleasure to work with. Kelsey always gets the job done with attention to detail and can handle any size production with ease. She exhibits a rare understanding and respect for the creative process and can take a project from development stage up to delivery. I sincerely hope I get to work with Kelsey in the future.
CREDITS
| THE FIX | Feature Film | 2023 | Crave Pictures |
| GLASSHOUSE | Feature Film | 2021 | Local Motion Pictures, Crave Pictures, Showmax |
| TRACKERS | Drama Series | 2018 | Three River Fiction, Scene 23, M-Net |
| MELODY | Drama Series | 2018 | Gemini Twins, SABC 2 |
| THE BULL | Narrative Short | 2018 | Crave Pictures |
| EXPOSURE | Drama Series | 2017 | Sunrise Productions |
| GOLD DIGGERS | Drama Series | 2016-2017 | Urban Brew, eTV |
| MUNKI & TRUNK | Animated Series | 2016 | Sunrise Productions, Aardman |
| DEADMAN’S HAND | Narrative Short | 2016 | 48 Hour Film Project |
| RED HERRING | Narrative Short | 2014 | The Big Five |
| ANGER MANAGEMENT PSA: BANG! BANG! BANG! | Video Short | 2014 | Crave Pictures, Pistoleros Films, DStv |
| FEIYU: ‘EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED’ | Spec Ad | 2011 | Crave Pictures |
| BONGEZIWE MABANDLA: ‘GUNUZA’ | Music Video | 2012 | Bob the Dog, Crave Pictures, Sony Music Entertainment |
| JAKKALS: ‘RUM TRIFLE’ | Music Video | 2012 | Crave Pictures, DStv |
| 21TH STREET | Narrative Short | 2010 | Crave Pictures |
| AFRIOCEANS CONSERVATION ALLIANCE PSA: ‘YOU WOULDN’T POLLUTE YOUR OWN HOME’ | Video Short | 2010 | Crave Pictures, AfriOceans Conservation Alliance |
| DEATH VALLEY BLUES BAND: ‘MY BABY DON’T LOVE ME NO MORE’ | Music Video | 2010 | Crave Pictures, Option B, DStv |
| GARGOYLE | Narrative Short | 2009 | Thousand Hugs Productions, Shorts International, IndieFlix |
