May 2018 MultiChoice Africa sent out MultiChoice Talent Factory call for applications to all aspiring filmmakers, DOP’s, sound guys and scriptwriters. Thousands of applications come in from hopeful applicants all over Africa looking to gain theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, film editing, audio production, and storytelling.
October 2018: Information and Communication Cabinet Secretary, Joseph Mucheru officially launches MTF. Sixty incredibly talented and ridiculously lucky students from 13 African countries officially begin their year-long residency program at MultiChoice Talent Factory academies hosted in Kenya, Nigeria, and Zambia.
This training programme which will be rolled out in partnership with stakeholders across the continent will provide the creative industries with a platform to learn and develop their talent, engage and connect with each other through their shared passions. Working hand-in-hand with local creative organizations, regulatory and government partners across the continent, MultiChoice hopes to use their people, facilities and network to provide young emerging filmmakers with a tailored 12-month apprenticeship, equipping them with the skills, knowledge, experience, and qualifications to help launch a successful career within the creative industry.
What does that look like for the lucky sixty? They a get a top of the line film education from leading industry experts, all this while living in a cool house decked with a screening room and other cool gear with twenty other filmmakers and staff waiting on them hand and foot. Okay maybe not hand and foot, but what would you call waking up daily to breakfast, lunch, and dinner made by someone else? Two things, either being a married man or being waited on hand and foot, that’s all your options. #GospelAccordingToMe. They have classes daily and have to watch and analyze two movies every single day. When all that is said and done, the graduates will get to showcase their portfolio of work on the MTF portal – a database for film professionals across the continent, where they can access job opportunities, keep up to date with industry news and expand their network. Now this, this is living your best life.
Why is MultiChoice making this massive commitment to students they don’t expect to pay them back? In the words of the MultiChoice team, ‘MTF is a multi-tiered training programme designed by MultiChoice Africa to focus on positively impacting the technical and professional value chain in the film and television industry across the continent. As a business born and bred in Africa we have a long-term commitment to making a socio-economic difference in the countries in which we operate. As such, this initiative will help to play a positive role in growing Africa’s creative industries into vibrant, economic powerhouses. Through the MultiChoice Talent Factory, MultiChoice Africa’s legacy will emphasize our commitment to enriching lives by developing the art of inspired local storytelling and story making, while simultaneously growing local content on our DStv and GOtv platforms and ultimately continue showcasing Africa’s rich cultural heritage and diversity.’
I guess now we watch this space. I for one am looking forward to what this inaugural class will produce. To whom much is given, much is expected and I have what can only be described as ridiculously high expectations of them. For all you filmmakers, look for out for next year’s call for applications, possibly in May, then maybe you can give us the inside scoop on what goes on in the house… okay yes and get a film education as well.
For more info on the MultiChoice Talent Factory visit their page here.
Interested in documentary filmmaking? Check out Generation Africa’s Call for Applications here.
