Meet AFDA Cape Town Motion Picture Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer – David Stein

“I don’t think I’ve ever worked in such a dynamic and stimulating environment. And what an exciting time to be working in creative higher education! Every time I step into a classroom, I’m inspired by the passion and energy of our students and dedicated learning staff. My hope is not merely that our students become industry-ready so they can join our local creative economies. Joining the industry isn’t enough – I dream of our students transforming it.” says AFDA Cape Town Motion Picture Programme Coordinator and Senior Lecturer  – David Stein 

David is a writer, producer and project manager for film, television, social media and digital marketing.  He has an Honours degree in English and Film Studies, and qualifications in scriptwriting, digital filmmaking and stop-frame animation. He recently completed his Masters degree in Screenwriting, achieved with distinction. His thesis screenplay dealt with representation of trauma, and received an award at the London Film Awards as well as an endorsement from the United Nations for its contribution to tolerance education. His short film screenplay “Communion” was also a finalist in the International Screenwriting Competition, selected from over 1800 entries worldwide. 

Over the past 20 years David has written, produced and directed short films for SAB Miller, the Royal Commonwealth Society and the Durban International Film Festival. He recently served as Executive Producer for Red Bull Media House South Africa.  

David also formed part of the production team for the first Big Brother South Africa, was the story writer for Supa Strikas (the world’s largest circulating comic book), and worked as a volunteer journalist in Kathmandu, Nepal. Many of his stage plays have won awards at local and international festivals.

As a writer, producer and project manager, David’s clients have included Sanlam, Old Mutual, Totalsports, Jeep Apparel, General Motors, Vodacom, Woolworths and Disney.

David has tutored and lectured both locally and internationally, which has included tertiary-level teaching in China. In this capacity he focused on curriculum development, and the writing of textbooks and other study materials.