By Our Reporter
A new training initiative is set to revolutionise the African TV sector, taking industry skills to a new level and boosting the quality of content for audiences across the continent.
The initiative will be a collaborative project between MultiChoice, local television channels in various African territories, and the MultiChoice Talent Factory, the MultiChoice industry-development and training programme.
Speaking about the program, Joan Semanda Kizza the PR and Communications manager Multichoice Uganda said, “We have started to experience the effect of the Multichoice Talent Factory with the quality of films aired on our channels produced by Ugandans that have employed our MTF Alumni.”
“At the recently concluded AMVCAs, we witnessed our Ugandan MTF Alumni bag awards, which is a testament of the result of the impact that the training has on the film industry and largely the Ugandan economy,” she added.
Semanda further noted how the Ugandan MTF alumni have succeeded both locally and internationally in the film industry, “Film makers like Daisy Masembe and Isiko Abubaker have had their film Engaito not only recognized at the AMVCAs but also at the Uganda Film Festival and New Vision film awards. Seeing Cissy Nalumansi, our alumni, direct the Namuddu series, consult at Victoria University as well as script the Sanyu series, one of the most widely watched series in Uganda, is a daily affirmation that indeed the film industry will improve and grow as a result of the impact of the MultiChoice Talent Factory.”
While launching the programme expansion, Fhulufhelo Badugela, the MultiChoice Africa CEO said, “Our vision is to upskill production professionals, and to raise the standard of productions right across Africa. This will boost Africa’s film and television industry exponentially, because as you capacitate more people, more people are motivated to start projects, and everybody benefits, including the viewers.”
The programme will consist of online learning courses, masterclasses, and practical training. MultiChoice will partner with local broadcasters to help develop skills in the various territories. It will include certified short courses in critical production skills such as post-production, sound, screenwriting, 3D animation and cinematography.
The programme’s online-learning component enables MultiChoice to reach as many content creators as possible, across the continent, while also allowing working professionals to do courses at their own pace.
The programme will initially reach 300 broadcast workers who are already producing content in their local markets through e-learning. They will then be able to instantly apply their learnings on domestic productions.
Masterclasses will be held in person and also broadcast online with local and international industry leaders. The focus is on creating and curating masterclasses that are fit for purpose and meet the needs of each country.
“This is an investment in the future of our industry, and investment goes beyond financial investment; it also requires skills, time and a core understanding of the consumer needs. But the most immediate impact will be to raise the standard of productions across Africa.” Badugela added.
Badugela concluded that she anticipated the African training initiative will lead to more productions with higher production values, which would boost viewership and the financial viability of the industry – especially in emerging African TV markets.