Coal Stove Pictures was started in 2007 by actor Wandile Molebatsi, director Scottnes Smith, screenwriter Fidel Namisi and producer Terence Mbulaheni.  The four were in their final year of a Television and Film Degree at the University of the Witwatersrand. Their vision was to give the world a respect, love and appreciation for the artistic creations of Africa by establishing a place of work where artists can feel the joy of artistic creation, be aware of their mission to society and work to their heart's content. 

Since then Coal Stove has produced shows for the SABC and DSTV. The company has recently signed a production finance agreement with the National Film and Video Foundation for the production of "Hear Me Move", a dance film that explores the "sbujwa" dance form.

Coal Stove was the winner of the 2007 Business and Arts South Africa (BASA) award for Arts Sponsorship by a Small Business. It was also a finalist in the 2009 South African Breweries (SAB) Kickstart Entrepreneurship Competition.

Coal Stove's offices are at No. 3 Stiemens Street, Braamfontein, opposite the University of the Witwatersrand.