Ocean Driven Media (Pty) Ltd (ODM), based in Durban, has established itself as one of South Africa’s most
trusted photography and videography companies. With a team of creative professionals, the business is
dedicated to delivering high-quality visual content that brings stories to life. Its mission is simple yet
powerful: to help clients communicate their vision and achieve their goals through compelling photography,
videography, live streaming, and podcasting.

ODM specialises in corporate projects, offering a wide range of services that include filming and photographing major events, conferences, promotional films, staff portraits, and architectural
work. From sporting spectacles such as the FNB Durban 10K City Surf Run to international gatherings
like the ITU World Telecom Conference in Budapest, ODM has consistently demonstrated its ability to
capture moments that resonate long after the event ends.

Innovation and Adaptability
One of the company’s defining strengths is its ability to adapt to change. During the COVID-19 pandemic,
ODM introduced live streaming services at a time when demand for digital connectivity surged. The company not only developed expertise in this area but became a leader, even training the Durban International Convention Centre to adopt live streaming as part of its offering. Today, ODM continues to live stream sporting and corporate events worldwide, proving its ability to innovate in line with technology and client needs.

Since 2015, ODM has also worked internationally, travelling abroad several times each year to cover
conferences, television shows, and sporting events. Representing both the company and South Africa on a
global stage, the team proudly demonstrates the skills and professionalism that make South Africans highly
sought after in the creative industry.

Partnerships Built on Trust
ODM’s success lies in its strong client relationships. Over the years, the company has collaborated with
prestigious organisations including Qatar Airways, Standard Bank, Ethiopian Airways, the United
Nations, Emirates Airlines, Supersport, Tsogo Sun, and KwaZulu-Natal Tourism. Its client list reflects both
breadth and depth, spanning industries from finance and logistics to travel and events.

At the heart of these partnerships is trust. Unlike many businesses that rely heavily on formal contracts,
ODM has used only a handful of agreements in its fifteen-year history, preferring instead to build relationships on integrity and consistent delivery.

This philosophy underlines the company’s approach: honesty, reliability, and a commitment to meeting
expectations without overpromising.

A Professional Structure with a Personal Touch
ODM distinguishes itself from smaller operators by treating the enterprise as a fully fledged company
rather than a collection of individuals. With dedicated roles such as video editor, production manager, and
specialist camera operators, the team ensures that projects are delivered on time and to a consistently
high standard. This structure eliminates reliance on any single individual and provides clients with peace
of mind that the end product will always reflect the company’s professional quality.

Since 2010, ODM has operated from offices and a studio where clients can meet the team, view work, and begin long-term collaborations. The directors themselves are committed to professional growth, having attended business coaching courses that have strengthened the company’s systems and procedures, ensuring that ODM remains both creative and well-managed.

Supporting Freelancers and Building the Industry
Beyond its own operations, ODM plays a pivotal role in uplifting the photography and videography
community. The company maintains strong relationships with freelancers across South Africa,
ensuring they are fairly compensated and paid on time. In some cases, freelancers are even paid in
advance, a rare practice that reflects ODM’s respect for its collaborators.

The company also supports freelancers with affordable equipment hire, free advice, and mentorship, helping them improve their standards and build sustainable careers. ODM has nurtured young, inexperienced photographers and videographers, many of whom have gone on to establish successful businesses locally and internationally. While their departure is always bittersweet, ODM remains proud of their achievements and continues to provide guidance when needed.

A Commitment to Community
Corporate social responsibility is central to ODM’s identity. The company’s primary charitable partner
is The Restory Foundation, a non-profit organisation working in KwaMashu and Inanda. Each year, ODM
donates over R100,000 worth of time and resources to showcase the foundation’s work, creating
professional content that attracts sponsorships and broadens awareness.

The company also supports organisations such as Gift of the Givers, Ranyaka, and Made for More, producing content that helps these NGOs amplify their impact. By working in rural and underprivileged communities, ODM plays a vital role in helping messages of hope, support, and development reach wider audiences.

Looking Ahead
With a solid financial foundation generating annual revenues between R3.5 million and R4.5 million, ODM
has ambitious plans for the future. The company aims to expand its workforce while remaining true to its core values of integrity, creativity, and service excellence.

Its new branch in the United Kingdom, though still young, has already undertaken work across Europe and
continues to build its reputation in the region. In a world where visual content is more important
than ever, ODM continues to capture stories and create connections that matter.