Jared Langley from Strandfontein triumphs in Team5pm AI competition

Strandfontein resident Jared Langley has emerged as the winner of the Team5pm Artificial Intelligence (AI) Commercial Challenge. 

As part of the challenge, Jared was required to create a video using only AI, with a minimum of five shots. He completed his entry using credits provided on a platform called Weavy.

Team5pm is a social media and video marketing agency that produces online content and digital campaigns for brands, with a strong focus on platforms such as YouTube and TikTok.

Founded in Amsterdam, the company has since expanded internationally, including establishing a branch in Cape Town, where it works across digital content, data insights, and creative production.

The Lead Creative for AI at Team5pm, Tagen Voges, phoned Jared the day before the public announcement to inform him that he had won. Team5pm officially announced Jared's victory on Wednesday, February 4, at its office in Woodstock.

The challenge was conducted entirely online, with Mr Voges providing guidance and mentorship throughout the process, Jared told the Plainsman on Friday, February 6.

He recently completed his Bachelor of Arts in Film Production at the School of Audio Engineering (SAE) Institute, where he gained experience in storytelling, cinematography, and editing.

Mr Voges said mentoring Jared was a pleasure.

"He carried the weight of the challenge and put in all the effort himself. My role was mainly to select candidates and ensure their work and activity shone."

"What stood out in Jared’s submission was his focus on storytelling. AI generative content is still new, and many people focus only on the technical quality, but he created a video that connected emotionally with the audience, to name a few," he said.

“From the start, Jared was proactive. He came to the office, submitted his CV, and asked for feedback - things most candidates don’t do. Because of this, he was added to the internship challenge and was the only candidate to actively seek ways to improve. We are very proud of his work and attention to detail, and we look forward to welcoming him to the team,” Mr Voges said.

Jared said: “I'm excited for this opportunity. I applied for four consecutive years without success, so now that I am a part of the company, I’m looking forward to great things. The people I met were friendly and kind every step of the way."

Jared encouraged aspiring creatives to pursue their ideas.

“Don’t be afraid to write your stories. We live in a day and age where you can create an entire movie in the palm of your hand. Your story can inspire the next generation.”

“Sometimes you don’t receive something because you are not yet meant to have it, but God’s timing is always perfect. My family and friends prayed for me and guided me through this journey,” he said.