Fixing the future: The invisible engines behind the scenes

IN THE glitzy world of film and commercial production, cameras roll, actors deliver, and directors call the shots. But behind every seamless scene and every perfectly framed commercial lies an invisible engine ensuring that chaos never reaches the audience. 

In KwaZulu-Natal, one of the province’s most indispensable engines is Nerusha Maharaj-Sadapal, from Durban, a fixer whose expertise has quietly shaped countless local and international productions.

The KwaZulu-Natal Tourism and Film Authority (KZNTAFA) is central to supporting local film professionals like Maharaj-Sadapal, providing the tools, connections, and guidance needed to turn complex productions into seamless experiences.

From facilitating access to unique locations and navigating permits and local regulations, to linking creatives with key stakeholders, KZNTAFA ensures that fixers can focus on problem-solving and execution without logistical roadblocks. 

This comprehensive support not only strengthens the skills and visibility of professionals like Maharaj-Sadapal but also showcases KwaZulu-Natal’s diverse landscapes, vibrant communities, and production-ready infrastructure, reinforcing the province’s status as a top choice for national and international film projects.  

The invisible force behind the camera

A fixer, in the film world, is a problem-solver, coordinator, and magician rolled into one. Maharaj-Sadapal describes her role with a mix of pride and exhilaration: “A typical shoot day starts before sunrise on location, ensuring the crew, cast, locations, permits, catering, security, and even the weather plan are all aligned. If they’re not, I troubleshoot in real time - from traffic reroutes to last-minute action vehicle changes or even a ‘simple’ meal swap for a crew or cast member. 

‘’My day wraps when the last crew member leaves, the props and equipment are cleared, and the location owner is happy with how the day ran. In between, it’s organized chaos - and I love it.”

Her days are long, intense, and often unpredictable. Yet it’s precisely this unpredictability that fuels her creativity and problem-solving. “I remember a time working on a feature film, a key location fell through on the day of shooting. I quickly arranged another property we had shot in, using the back exterior and other rooms as a completely different character’s home. With the Art department working their magic, the audience would never know they were looking at the same house,” Maharaj-Sadapal recalls. 

This ability to turn logistical headaches into invisible miracles is why she is so highly sought after.

Championing KwaZulu-Natal on the Global Stage

Maharaj-Sadapal’s influence extends far beyond just keeping a production on schedule. She has become an ambassador for KwaZulu-Natal, showcasing the province’s landscapes, culture, and people to global audiences. 

“I remove the noise, obstacles, and distractions - whether it’s navigating local regulations, sourcing unique locations or keeping the production on budget and on schedule. My role ensures the client enjoys a smooth, efficient shoot and leaves KZN with not only a beautiful product, but also an enjoyable experience they’ll want to repeat,” she explains.

Her portfolio includes high-profile international productions and commercials that highlight KwaZulu-Natal on the world stage. She cites the reality show 90 Day Fiancé as a particularly memorable project: “It was incredible to see our local culture, cuisine, and spectacular locations showcased to millions of viewers on TLC. The international crew loved the experience, of course, and it broke many of the stereotypes they had about Africa and KZN in particular.” 

Other campaigns, such as Mummy’s Club: Sugar n Spice and Knorrox’s “I Give a Bull,” allowed her to celebrate Durban’s rich Indian heritage and highlight local community initiatives, cementing the province’s reputation as a vibrant, welcoming destination.

Why KZN is a Filmmaker’s Dream

So what makes KwaZulu-Natal such a magnet for commercial productions? “Location, location, location! From mountains and beaches to cityscapes, rural charm, wildlife, and wetlands - we have it all within a few hours’ drive. 

‘’Add passionate crew, strong stakeholder support, and competitive costs, and KZN becomes a production dream. The province has also been under-shot, so we’re excited to see more national agencies & productions choosing to film here,” Maharaj-Sadapal says.

Her work has tangible economic impacts as well; securing repeat clients and bigger productions has helped boost the province’s visibility in the global film industry. “As a film fixer, I’m proud to have secured significantly more work from a national retailer that previously shot mainly in other provinces. After experiencing what we can offer, from cost savings to fast turnaround times - they now choose to do the majority of their shoots in KZN. We’ve also built strong relationships with the Nollywood industry, leading to repeat projects and valuable referrals since the very first time we assisted them in 2019.”

The Reward Behind the Scenes

Despite her crucial role, Maharaj-Sadapal prefers the satisfaction of seeing her team shine over personal accolades. “It’s the joy of seeing everything come together, the project well executed, the client happy, and the team proud - knowing I helped make it happen is incredibly rewarding!”

As the South African film industry evolves, women like Maharaj-Sadapal are reshaping the landscape of production logistics. “Women are breaking old moulds - leading with efficiency, resilience, and fresh perspectives. Our presence is shifting the industry toward more inclusive teams and smoother workflows. While we may not be where we ultimately need to be, we have come a long way. Support from stakeholders and organizations such as Sisters Working in Film & TV (SWIFT) is helping to create a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for female filmmakers,” she says.

Through her work, Maharaj-Sadapal exemplifies the often-invisible hands that turn creative visions into reality. Every flawless scene, every compelling commercial, and every seamless shoot owes a debt to her meticulous planning, quick thinking, and unwavering dedication. In the words of one producer who has worked with her, she doesn’t just fix problems - she fixes the future of KwaZulu-Natal’s film industry.

SUNDAY TRIBUNE