Chris Lategan

I help directors create their vision and assist producers in making it possible. Then I wrangle cats.

Meeting creatives from around the world and collaborating to craft something unique is an endlessly rewarding process. Every project brings its own challenges, opportunities, and lessons. After more than two decades in film, I still love every part of it. I’m passionate about keeping pace with industry innovation and finding smarter, more efficient and sustainable ways to enhance the visual and emotional impact of each story.

​​Leading a team of talented professionals is one of the great joys of my work. I take pride in assembling crews who not only excel at what they do but bring integrity, intelligence, and meaning to the process. Together, we turn creative vision into tangible worlds and enjoy doing so.

​I focus on visual storytelling through detail, structure, texture and atmosphere. I approach each project with an emphasis on preparation, clear communication, and respect for the wider creative vision. I’m always looking for practical ways to support the director’s intent, the needs of camera and performance and the production design concept,

​​I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with remarkable directors including

Mira Nair, Anne Sewitsky, Sherry Hormann, Kai Wessel, Mac Premo, Liam O'Donnell, among others.

​I’ve also learned from some of the industry’s most inspiring Production Designers such as Stephanie Carroll, Kevin Phipps, Fred du Preez, Tracy Collis, John Bennett, Tom Gubb and Franz Lewis.

​My work has brought me into partnership with global production companies like Netflix, Warner Brothers, Fox Searchlight and Sony Pictures , as well as South Africa’s leading studios, Moonlighting, Film Afrika, Orange Films, Gatehouse and Farm Films.

​In every project, I aim to create sets that feel alive and environments that become characters in their own right. At the heart of it all, we love great stories.

Let us bring yours to life.

ART DIRECTOR
Bashar Shorts (2018 – The Fisher Agency)
• Middle East and North Africa Broadcast Awards, 2019 – Nominee: Best Series Design
Commercial Projects & Campaigns
• Restonic – To the Stars (2021) – Shortlisted in the Loerie Awards under 'Craft / Production Design'
• Toyota – Free to Move (2021) – Recognised in the Loerie Awards for Outstanding Visual Production
• Volkswagen Crafter (2021) – Recognised in South African Advertising & Film Craft Awards for Art Direction
• Coors – Case of the Mondays / Slow Monday (2024) – Featured during the Super Bowl broadcast, one of the most-watched advertising slots globally, and archived in the D&AD Awards (Animation category, 2025)

SET DECORATOR
Fatal Seduction (2023 – Netflix, Directed by Johnny Barbazano)
• South African Film and Television Awards (SAFTAs), 2024 – Nominated: Best Television Drama and Best Actress in a Television Drama
• Netflix Global Top 10 (Television, English): Two consecutive weeks in July 2023 (weeks of July 3 and July 10) per Netflix official Top 10 press listings
Old Righteous Blues (2022 – Disco Creative, Directed by Muneera Sallies)
• Silwerskerm (kykNET) Awards, 2023 – Winner: Best Production Design (Dean Abrahams credited)
• Silwerskerm (kykNET) Awards, 2023 – Winner: Best Score and Best Supporting Actor
• Romford Film Festival, 2024 – Winner: Best Director and Best Actor
• Panther City Film Festival, 2024 – Winner: Best Feature Film, Best Lead & Supporting Performance Awards
• Septimius Awards, 2025 – Winner: Best African Film
• National Arts & Culture Awards (South Africa), 2025 – Winner: Best Outstanding Film – Fiction
• South Africa’s Academy Awards Submission, 2025 – Official Entry for Best International Feature

PROPS MASTER
Før Mørket (2024 – Northern Lights SA / Fantefilm Co-Production)
• Amanda Awards (Norway), 2025 – Winner: Best Production Design / Scenography (Kate van der Merwe)
• Cape Town International Film Market & Festival, 2025 – Winner: Best Production Design (Kate van der Merwe)
Aufbruch ins Ungewisse (2017 – Two Oceans Productions)
• Cape Town International Film Festival, 2018 – Nominated: Best Cinematography

CONSTRUCTION COORDINATOR
Saints & Strangers (2015 – National Geographic)
• Primetime Emmy Awards, 2016 – Winner: Outstanding Visual Effects
• Primetime Emmy Awards, 2016 – Nominated: Production Design and Costume Design