Music Direction for Broadcast Formats
Below are some examples of Television and Online formats that we have musically directed
The Voice South Africa Seasons 1-3
Siki Jo-An, finalist of Season 3, performs in the blind auditions.
James Frank was the music director for this international television format aired on the MNet Channel. Over the course of three seasons between 2015 and 2018, James worked diligently to curate an outstanding showcase of unseen talent from around South Africa, ensuring it was representative of the country's rich diversity. The client placed high importance on inspired song choices and a world-class delivery of the show. To achieve this, James and the team were responsible for various functions, including talent scouting, song selection, music clearance, music production, and post-production of all performances. The entire music process was managed by James and his team, prioritizing seamless synchronization with the technical teams. The project's authenticity was deeply rooted in featuring exclusively South African talent and emphasizing South African content. James made the entire process easy for the client through efficient project management, effective communication, and a comprehensive understanding of the technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as Darren Hayward, Kaya Kuhn, Nadia White, Lulu Mlangeni, Adriaan Van Der Walt, Joshua Cutts, Andre Siebrits, Seanari Potgieter, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, and Robin Walsh, James delivered a visually and musically captivating television experience. Notable featured names on the project included Vusi Mahlasela, Riana Nel, Karen Zoid, Kahn Morbee, Lira, Bobby Van Jaarsveld, Riky Rick, Francois Van Coke, Tasche Burger, Ami Faku, Lady Zamar, Prime Circle, Ben Harper, Laurika Rauch, and Ladysmith Black Mambazo.
Craig Lucas, winner of Season 2, performs in the Blind Auditions
Sone, finalist of Season 3 and Afrikaans Legend, Laurika Rauch, perform Laurika's anthem, "Stuur Groete Aan Mannetjies Roux"
Collaborators

Laurika Rauch, Afrikaans Icon and Guest Performer

Siki Jo-An, Season 3 Finalist

Francois Van Coke, Afrikaans Rock Star and Coach

Craig Lucas, Season 2 Winner
Coke Studio South Africa Season 1&2
Busiswa and Paige Mac perform their collaboration, "Wherever You Are" on Coke Studio SA
James Frank delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by Coca-Cola. This project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2015 and 2016. James was entrusted with the main objective of overseeing exciting collaborations between artists, resulting in commercial releases and managing the entire process leading up to the live recordings of each song. The client prioritized extremely efficient workflows, ensuring that every collaboration stayed within production limits and yielded high-end, world-class commercial releases and live performances. James and the team played a crucial role in artist selection, music production, booking of musicians, split sheet negotiations, the musical direction of live performances, and seamless synchronization with the technical teams. The project's authenticity stemmed from featuring South African talent exclusively, and all compositions were South African. James facilitated an easy experience for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a deep understanding of the technical requirements. Working alongside esteemed colleagues such as Crighton Goodwill, Richard Mitchell, 37MPH, Sticky Raphady, Morgan Kaye, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, and Robin Walsh, James ensured the success of this groundbreaking venture. Notable featured artists on the project included Riky Rick, AKA, Cassper Nyovest, Diamond Platnumz, Patoranking, Prince Kaybee, Busiswa, Culoe de Song, and Nasty C.
Collaborators

Crighton Goodwill, Executive Producer

37MPH, Resident Producer
Coke Studio Africa (Season 4&5)
Simi, Sauti Sol and Fally Ipupa perform her song, "Love Don't Care" on Coke Studio Africa
Vanessa Mdee and Patoranking perform a unique, percussion-inspired version of their songs on Coke Studio Africa
James Frank, collaborating with Blue Moon Corporate Communications, delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by Coca-Cola. The project took place in Nairobi, Kenya, in 2016 and 2017, with the main objective of overseeing exciting collaborations between artists, resulting in commercial releases and managing the entire process leading up to the live recordings of each song. The client emphasized the importance of extremely efficient workflows, ensuring that every collaboration stayed within production limits and delivered high-end, world-class commercial releases and live performances. James and the team played a crucial role, providing expertise in artist selection, music production for each collaboration, booking of musicians, musical direction of live performances, and seamless synchronization with the technical teams. The project's authenticity was deeply rooted in featuring talent from various parts of Africa, with all music being African. James facilitated an easy experience for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a comprehensive understanding of technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as Deana Heslop-Mthembu, Crighton Goodwill, 37MPH, Young DLC, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, Eugene Naidoo, Timothy Horwood and Robin Walsh, James ensured the success of this internationally resonant venture. Notable featured artists on the project included Yemi Alade, Patoranking, Maphorisa, Nasty C, Fally Ipupa, Mafikizolo, Simi, Kizz Daniel, Sauti Sol, Diamond Platnumz, Vanessa Mdee, Tiwa Savage, and Jason Derulo.
Collaborators

Deana Heslop-Mthembu, Executive Producer

Eugene Naidoo, Television Director
The Voice Afrique Francophone Season 1&2
The Coaches of Season 1, Lokua Kanza, Charlotte Dipanda, Asalfo and Singuila, perform a medley of their hits
James Frank, in collaboration with AMPN, delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by Vox Africa. The project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, over three seasons between 2018 and 2020. The main objective was to musically direct this international television format, mirroring the successful delivery of The Voice SA. The client expected collaboration and skills transfer to the Francophone music team, emphasizing extraordinary quality within budget constraints. James and the team conducted Africa-wide talent scouting, song selection, music clearance, and music production for all songs. They provided comprehensive musical direction throughout the process, including rehearsals and performances, and handled post-production of all music performances. Seamless synchronization with the technical teams ensured a visually stunning production. The project's authenticity stemmed from featuring talent from Francophone African countries, with a strong emphasis on African content. James facilitated an easy experience for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a deep understanding of technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as 37MPH, Cristo Hattingh, Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, Tony Rodriguez, Rolande Kammogne, Andre Siebrits, and Robin Walsh, James ensured the success of this internationally resonant venture. Notable featured names on the project included Lokua Kanza, Charlotte Dipanda, Asalfo, and Singuila.
Collaborators

Lokua Kanza, The Voice Afrique Francophone Coach Season 1&2
Working with James is an immense privilege. He is a very talented artist and, above all, a person who knows how to make everyone feel comfortable. When working with him, one feels in harmony with oneself, and this pushes the collaboration to its maximum.
Dancing With the Stars SA
Connell Cruise and Marcella Solimeo perform a routine on Dancing With the Stars SA
James Frank, collaborating with Rapid Blue, delivered music direction services for this international television format project commissioned by MNet. The project took place in Johannesburg, South Africa, in 2018, with the client placing great importance on ensuring that, despite the international dance styles, the music remained representative of South Africa. A glamorous performance for each song was imperative, and a fast weekly turnaround for creative development and delivery was crucial. James and the team played a pivotal role, consulting on artist selection, creatively shaping each music performance with dancers, managing music clearances, and overseeing the production and rehearsal process. Synchronization with the technical teams ensured a seamless execution of the performances. The project's authenticity was rooted in the high emphasis placed on local content, showcasing the richness of South African talent. James made the entire process easy for the client through efficient project management, effective communication among stakeholders, and a comprehensive understanding of technical requirements. Collaborating with esteemed colleagues such as Kee-Leen Irvine, Tasneen Henderson, Jason Gilkinson, and Richard Mitchell, James ensured a visually stunning and musically captivating production. Notable featured names on the project included Johnny Clegg, Jesse Clegg, Mafikizolo, Zolani Mahola, Mango Groove, and The Muses.
Collaborators

Kee-Leen Irvine, Executive Producer

Joshua Cutts, Lighting Designer
Emirates Pursuit of Jazz Seasons 1&2
The winners of Season 2, Artivist Avenue, released this single, "Emandulo"
James Frank had the opportunity to work on a remarkable project in collaboration with Universal Music Group and Havas Media. The project involved creating and musically directing a new online format, a talent search competition specifically focused on discovering the best young jazz players in South Africa. The main objective was to showcase immense talent and deliver brilliant performances throughout the seasons, with James ensuring the entire process was managed smoothly. His involvement encompassed the creation of the format, talent scouting, music production for all performances, production of the winners' single, and post-production of all performances. The project was authentically African, as it featured South African jazz musicians and incorporated exclusively South African compositions and music. Working alongside colleagues such as Alix Du Braudeiul, Lebo Kgothadi, Dave Keet, and Kaz-Leigh Straightfill, James facilitated a successful and memorable event, highlighting the richness of South African jazz and nurturing the next generation of talented musicians.
Collaborators

Alix de Baudreuil, Event Manager
