MultiChoice has unveiled its latest project, Talent Factory Academy. This is in a bid to boost the Nigerian entertainment industry and infuse fresh ideas into the sector.

It was gathered that the initiative is aimed at igniting and growing Africa’s creative industries into vibrant, economic centres.

Shedding more light on the project, John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, said, “The African development story has long been defined by investment in the vast mineral wealth on the continent, leaving our creative industries to fend for themselves on the fringes of economic development for far too long.

As a result, the film and television industries have not developed at the same rate as other industries on the continent, and not for a lack of talent, passion or imagination.

We are abundantly blessed in these areas, however, the space given for this expression has at best been limited and at worst, been relegated to the fringes of the mainstream economy, leaving in its wake, unfulfilled dreams, unexplored talent and unwritten stories.

As an African business, MultiChoice, together with our valued partners and stakeholders across the continent, has collaborated to make a positive socio-economic impact in the communities in which we live and work through the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative.

There is no better time than now; this being MultiChoice’s 25th year of operations in Nigeria, for a project of this scope to concretise what we stand for as an organisation, as it lays a foundation that will foster economic growth for tomorrow’s leaders, and by extension our continent.”

It was gathered that the MTF initiative will deliver three touchpoints that launch throughout the year, the MTF academies, Masterclasses and the MTF Portal. The first to launch is the MTF Academy, a 12-month educational programme aimed at furnishing 60 deserving, young, talented people who want to work and innovate in film and television production.

The MTF Academy students will be provided with skill sets to develop their talent, 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.

The programme will take place at three regional MTF Academies based in Nigeria for West Africa, Kenya for East Africa and Zambia for Southern African countries and will be overseen by acclaimed local film and TV industry experts.

In West Africa, Mr. Femi Odugbemi has been appointed as the Academy Director for the hub.