Simba Kudzai Damien Makuvise is the founder of Damien Savant Media and an award winning and multi-talented creative with experience as a screenwriter, videographer, photographer and voiceover artist, to name a few. Who I am is hard to define, I am many things and one thing at the same time. I was born to create that’s the best description of myself I can ever give, Simba Creates.
How did you get into the media industry?
I interned as a production assistant for an amazing British Director named Richard Hughes a few years ago. From there my hands spread across many other avenues within the industry.
Which part of being a creative do you enjoy the most?
The process and that moment it all crescendos and I realise how wholesome it all feels and how natural it comes to me.
How did Damien Savant Media come to be?
It came to be after many years of being teased by a French friend who called me a creative savant as she claimed that I was able to create on the spot. A few months later I quit my job and from there I took the nickname and created my own company.
What does it take to be a successful visual artist?
I wouldn’t want to lie because I have no idea what success is, I’ve heard from wiser people saying that it differs from person to person.
Who’s been responsible for nurturing your career?
My siblings and my late mother were the ones who encouraged me to embrace my creativeness ever since I was a little boy. When I became an adult, the world was far more responsible for the bulk of my career.
What have you worked on and where can it be found?
Wow, I’ve worked on so many things with many different large and small companies, from movies to commercials, photography to just being a creative consultant. I have a website www.damiensavantmedia.com most of my released work is there.
Who have been your favourite people to work with?
My favourite people to work with were a group of fun international creatives from a company called BLNK Media here in Shanghai. Next to that would be a small project I did with some folks at National Geographic. Also Gert Kombate from CC films.
Which project has been your favourite to work on?
A shoot we did with Autason Suits was probably my favourite next to the voiceover projects I did in the Movie ‘The Box’.
What is your future vision for the brand?
To not be confined to one bit of craft as I believe the human body is a swiss army knife.
What have been the highs and lows of your career?
Opening my own studio is probably the highest point I’ve reached personally, being able to win over 8 film awards was another.
The lowest would be the plethora of times my mindset has drowned me in depressive thoughts.
What’s your view on where the Zimbabwean media industry is currently?
Zimbabwe is blessed with many creative minds and they are all scattered the world over. I think when the economic situation improves, we all wish to go home and help those who are there already with the tricks and skills we picked up outside. There are some I see online who are doing amazing things even when the situation isn’t favourable.
Where do you get inspiration when working on a project?
Everywhere, from the smallest grains of sand to the vast stars in the galaxy
What is the most important lesson life has taught you so far?
Death comes for all of us, make sure you have done all you can with the time you have before it arrives.
What are you currently working on and what can we expect from you for the rest of the year?
I’m currently working on a photo shoot for Electra Bicycles. I’m doing a write up for a feature film about the Corona Virus. I will also be wrapping up Voiceover edits for a local animation.
What is the soundtrack to your life?
What Now – Kevin Hart, Wale, & BJ the Chicago Kid.
Social media
Twitter: damiensavant
Twitter: damienkmak
Instagram: damiensavant
Instagram: savantdamienart
Website: www.damiensavantmedia.com
