Clarence trained as a filmmaker at Ryerson Polytechnic (now University), the premier training institute for filmmakers and broadcast journalists in Toronto, Canada, and graduated with a Bachelor in Applied Arts (Film) in 1990. Since his return to SA in 1992, Clarence has gained extensive experience as a writer, director, and executive producer in the film and television industry. Clarence also worked as head-writer on the first season of Takalani Sesame, a South African adaptation of the US-originated Sesame Street. He was co-creator of the first Gazlam, a thirteen part HIV drama and worked as head writer for season 3 of Soul Buddyz, an educational family drama series conceived by Soul City. In 2005 Clarence became co-project leader with Alby James and Philip Roberts in Sediba, a feature film and television script development program of the NFVF. During this period he has mentored script editor trainees and supervised the development of four feature scripts to first draft and five ground-breaking mini-series, among them adaptations of Shakespeare, all commissioned by the SABC. In 2007 Clarence joined the National Film and Video Foundation and in April 2009 was appointed head of Production and Development. Clarence continues his work in Sediba.

He is a Board member of Africa First Advisory Board, an international panel of experts in African Cinema.