The inaugural MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) academy has received an overwhelming response with over 3100 entries to the call to entry campaign which closed on the 5th of July 2018.
“The extensive response we have received from across the country indicates that there is a tremendous need for a comprehensive educational programme of MTF’s magnitude,” says John Ugbe. “It also illustrates that emerging African creatives, are eager to further their post-school education, as well as advance their skills and industry experience, but are not always financially equipped to follow their passion,” he continues.
During the selection process, which is currently underway, 20 of the most noteworthy candidates will receive the opportunity to hone their television and film production skills during the year-long, funded programme that begins on the 1st of October 2018.
The comprehensive MTF curriculum will provide participants theoretical knowledge and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing and audio production with a focus on storytelling. The West African hub will be delivered in Lagos and will be overseen by an experienced Academy Director, in collaboration with tertiary education institution. MTF students will learn from one of the best in the African film industry Mr. Femi Odugbemi, a renowned film director and producer.
“As home to Africa’s most populous country and the world’s second largest film industry, we expected west Africa to produce the lion’s share of MTF entries. The entry process, however, made us aware that despite Nollywood’s vastness, there are numerous barriers of entry for young school leavers and a need to professionalize the industry, so as to improve the quality of Nollywood films in the future,” says Femi Odugbemi.
While MTF has already garnered overwhelming support from public and private stakeholders such as governments and creative organizations, this initiative is open to collaborating with other players in the entertainment sector in order to ignite Africa’s creative industries into becoming vibrant, economic powerhouses.