MultiChoice unveils a major Pan-African initiative for film and TV industry

MultiChoice Africa, the continent’s leading video entertainment services provider has unveiled its new Pan-African social investment initiative, the MultiChoice Talent Factory, MTF, to further boost  the continent's  creative industries into vibrant economic centres.

Speaking at the unveiling ceremony, held in Lagos, the Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe,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.

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

For over two decades, MultiChoice, Mr Ugbe said has been committed to investing in the development of original African programming and showcasing it on the DStv and GOtv platforms across 49 sub-Saharan African countries. “The launch of MTF forms remains part of the company’s new strategy of furthering this investment through creating shared value by using its core business resources, people, skills and networks to affect a positive change in society that yields benefits for the business and society,” he stated. MutiChoice boss said the MTF initiative would deliver three touch points 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.

During the course of the programme, MTF Academy students will produce television and film content that will be aired on our local M-Net channels across the MultiChoice platform including Africa Magic, Maisha Magic East, Maisha Magic Bongo, Zambezi Magic, M-Net and SuperSport to reach African audiences on the DStv and GOtv platforms. Upon graduation from the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, the MTF student will leave the Academy with the knowledge and skills to contribute professionally to the film and television industry.