Will Smith’s latest music video, Beautiful Scars, is more than just a cinematic tribute to The Matrix—it’s a testament to South Africa’s world-class post-production talent. Crafted by The Refinery Post Production and VFX, the project places local expertise on a global stage, proving that SA’s film industry can deliver Hollywood-calibre work at competitive rates.
The Refinery
The Refinery is South Africa’s leading full-service post-production studio, specialising in editing, visual effects, sound design and colour grading. With world class facilities in both Cape Town and Johannesburg, and a reputation for technical excellence and creative innovation, The Refinery has become a go-to destination for international and local productions seeking top-tier post-production services.
Full-Scale Collaboration
Initially brought in for behind-the-scenes content, The Refinery soon took on the full post-production process, working with Bad Boys 3 & 4 directors Adil El Arbi and Bilall Fallah. The decision to keep everything under one roof ensured precision, trust, and seamless execution.
We thrive under pressure,When every second counts, you need a team that delivers.”– Alastair Orr, CEO of The Refinery
Alastair Orr, CEO of The Refinery
A Story in Every Frame
Inspired by Kintsugi—the Japanese art of embracing imperfections—the video blends sleek modern visuals with nostalgic VHS textures, mirroring Smith’s reflection on roads not taken, including his decision to pass on the role of Neo in The Matrix.
The video itself is a beautiful scar, It’s about risk, resilience, and finding gold in the cracks.”-Says Alastair Orr
A Milestone for SA’s Film Industry
For Orr, this project proves that investing in South African post-production isn’t a risk—it’s a strategic advantage. “It’s not just about having the right tools—it’s about creativity, problem-solving, and passion,” he says.
As Beautiful Scars gains international attention, SA’s reputation as a powerhouse in film and television post-production continues to grow. And as Orr puts it:
South Africa isn’t just a great place to shoot—it’s where world-class content is made.”
