By Our Reporter
Multichoice Talent Factory (MTF) academies continue to discover, display and develop talents from Kenya among other African countries by partnering with respected local academic Universities.
The academies offer an accredited 12-month immersion program including both hands-on experience and theory in film production.
Each year, 60 African students get the chance to hone their skills through partnerships with global industry players like the New York Film Academy, Canon and Dolby amongst others.
MTF graduates are working as directors, producers, sound designers, camera operators, art directors and editors on major African productions including Salem, Tempted, Engaito, Mvamizi, Mum vs Wife, Makofi and County 49.
Other alumni are working further afield on productions by French (Film Plug), German (DW Akademie) and Polish organizations. Some are furthering their studies at institutions like the New York Film Academy (NYFA), or as part of the Mandela Washington fellowship programme.
“In 2018, we committed ourselves to building the skills base in the TV industry through the MultiChoice Talent Factory,” says MTF Director for Africa Nwabisa Matyumza.
“Now, after four years of operation, we are seeing our graduates enter the economy, which is having a snowball effect on the development of our sector across the continent,” added Nwabisa.
MTF Academy West Africa Director Atinuke Babatunde sees entrepreneurial success as a significant feather in the academy’s cap.
“The greatest achievement by our alumni is having the ability to set up their own production companies, which can contribute to not only the creative space but also to the economy of their countries,” she says.
Atinuke says she is especially proud to see alumni go on to produce great content on global platforms across the world, and to see them meeting specific local industry needs.
“In West Africa, for instance, we have seen MTF graduates play a role in raising the standard of sound production. We have regular sound master classes with the Dolby team, and one of our alumni is now seen as one of the leading sound specialists in the industry.”
Multichoice Talent Factory develops talent for the content, production and entertainment industry thus having an impact across the Africa by helping to grow vibrant new economic hubs across the continent.
