Finally, MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy opens

In a bid to encourage young people to tell African stories through filmmaking, as well as ensure that the world sees Africa more positively through its contents, MultiChoice Talent Factory in West Africa has commenced its 12-month academy training.

The 20 selected candidates from Nigeria and Ghana will begin training this month as they are provided with the skill to ignite their passion, connect with industry professionals and tell authentic African stories through a comprehensive curriculum comprising theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.

Speaking at the launch ceremony in Lagos, the Lagos State Commissioner for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Steve Ayorinde commended MultiChoice Nigeria for giving young Nigerians selected from across the country an opportunity to understand the business of film production.

“The industry has evolved over the years; we are in a world where possibilities are limitless and therefore Africa expects so much from you, we should expect to have films that go into the cinemas anywhere in the world, go to the Oscars and still maintain the local audience.

We are counting on you to be among those whose content stand out anywhere in the world.”

Ghanaian Deputy Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Ziblim Iddi, while applauding the initiative, said that the company has continued to unify Africans.

“There is so much negativity going on and so it is right for us to tell our African original stories.

On behalf of the four students chosen from Ghana, which include a scriptwriter, editor, director and producer, together they can begin to change the face of filmmaking in Ghana.

According to the Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, John Ugbe, “The film and television industry is the pioneer of creative industries in Africa and is particularly relevant as a tool for shaping the African narrative.

We have been telling authentic and well-produced stories that only Africans themselves can tell.

Nevertheless, there is a lot of raw talent that need to be nurtured and polished.

The Academy will give such talent the opportunity to hone their skills, thereby increasing the pool of world-class talent within the industry.

It’s also about teaching the selected candidates the business of film and television”.

Ugbe further praised the support of critical partners saying, “We are incredibly fortunate to have the calibre of broadcast partners that we do in M-Net and Africa Magic who believe in this project and have been on this journey with us from the very beginning.

West Africa Academy Director, Femi Odugbemi added that the talented creatives that will go through the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy would be primed as key players in the growth and sustainability of Africa’s creative film and television industry.

“As Academy Director, I will be preparing these candidates as future business owners who will in turn, play their own part in building the economy around the industry.

It’s time that we not only reap the rewards of high-end quality TV and film products, but we also equally benefit from the investments behind the lens.”