Abstract
The ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) has ushered in significant transformations across various industries, including the creative and cultural sectors. While global discourse on 4IR technologies often centres on their application in corporate and industrial contexts, limited research has explored their uptake and impact within African film industries. This study investigates the adoption and implications of 4IR technologies in South African (SA) filmmaking, focusing specifically on the production company Black Brain Pictures. Framed within the conceptual lens of Digital Transformation (DT), this study examines how technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), cloud-based editing platforms, high-resolution digital cameras, and real-time scheduling software have been integrated into production and postproduction workflows. Using a qualitative research design, the study draws on flexible, role-informed interviews with key personnel conducted across digital platforms such as WhatsApp and Instagram. This participant-centred approach allowed contributors to respond in ways most convenient and contextually relevant. The findings reveal that 4IR technologies, while not fully accessible or uniformly adopted, have enhanced efficiency, reduced production timelines, and improved the aesthetic and immersive quality of outputs. However, the adoption process remains uneven, shaped by infrastructural limitations, cost constraints, and the need for ongoing skill development.