The News: On Thursday, the 14th of July, 2022, MultiChoice—in collaboration with local television channels and the MultiChoice talent factory—announced the introduction of a new training initiative called the Multichoice Training Investment.
The programme will consist of e-learning courses, masterclasses, and practical training for production professionals across Africa. It will include certified short courses in critical production skills such as post-production, sound, screenwriting, 3D animation and cinematography.
MultiChoice:
MultiChoice has been described as Africa’s leading entertainment company and one of the fastest growing Pay-TV operators in the world. With over 20 million viewers in 2020, the South African company broadcasts in 50 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and offers local language programme content in French and Portuguese in certain African territories, as well as the 11 official languages within South Africa.
The company which owns DStv, GOtv, M-Net and SuperSport—including 49% stake in BetKing—has been trusted by Africans for over two decades to create and secure the rights to phenomenal content from all over the world through Direct To Home (DTH), Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT) and online video entertainment services.
MultiChoice’s contribution to Africa’s entertainment:
Over the years, the company has provided jobs for thousands of Africans and has contributed immensely to Africa’s film and TV industry, as well as contributing to the economies of the countries where they operate. They have risen to become one of Africa’s major content gateway of choice by building an ecosystem that keeps customers engaged; through investment in local content; securing the best of local and international sport; and maintaining a compelling international general entertainment offering.
MultiChoice Talent Factory
Launched in 2018, the MultiChoice Talent Factory is an Initiative run by MultiChoice with the aim of facilitating emerging TV and film talents in Africa. The Programme is an accredited 12-months immersion programme that provides theory and hands-on experience in cinematography, editing, audio production and storytelling.
It was the first academy of its kind, reaching three regions and 13 countries across Africa. Every year, 60 young and talented candidates are selected among hundreds and are trained by industry greats.
What to expect:
MultiChoice Africa has implied that it is their mission to showcase Africa’s diversity and rich culture through the continent’s deep-rooted storytelling history. The African entertainment industry is at the core of who we are and what we do. They have shown a long-term commitment to making a socio-economic difference, hence, it is the goal of the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) and the new training initiative to provide a platform where the creative industries can develop their talent and in turn produce quality African content for African viewers.
While speaking on the project’s launch MultiChoice Africa‘s CEO, Fhulufhelo Badugela, said: “This is an investment in the future of our industry, and investment goes beyond financial investment; it also requires skills, time and a core understanding of the consumer needs.”
“Our vision is to upskill production professionals, and to raise the standard of productions right across Africa. This will boost Africa’s film and television industry exponentially, because as you capacitate more people, more people are motivated to start projects, and everybody benefits, including the viewers”, she added.
The programme is intended to begin with 300 broadcast workers who are already producing content in their local markets, to enable them apply their learnings on domestic productions. Subsequently, masterclasses will be held in person and also broadcast online with local and international industry leaders.
