By Education News Reporter
South Africa’s MultiChoice has launched a new training initiative that will revolutionize African TV content to boost quality of production for audiences across the continent.
It will be a collaborative project between local television channels in various African countries and the MultiChoice Talent Factory to stimulate Africa’s film and television industry as more people get engaged in the industry.
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 broadcasters who are already producing content in their local markets through e-learning. They will then be able to instantly apply their knowledge on domestic productions.
“By building the industry we are enabling local job creation, enabling the industry to contribute to the economy and respond to the ongoing consumer demand for quality local entertainment,” said Fhulufhelo Badugela, MultiChoice Africa CEO.
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.
“The people on the programme will gain skills relevant to their own field of expertise – so their knowledge will be immediately applicable,” said Badugela. “We are also able to reach more people by doing the training in-country.”
Badugela said she anticipated the African training initiative leading to more productions, with higher production values, which would boost viewership and the financial viability of the industry, especially in emerging African TV markets.
“Improving the skills of our TV professionals will give audiences more choice and more chance to see themselves reflected in the content they consume,” she said. “It’s about quality African content for African viewers.”
