The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has commenced a 13-part regional masterclass series designed to strengthen the practical skills and industry knowledge of film and television practitioners across Nigeria.

The initiative is part of MTF’s celebration of eight years of investment in Nigeria’s creative sector and is being delivered in collaboration with film festivals, guilds and other industry organisations across various regions of the country.

The organisers said the programme is designed to give practitioners greater insight into developments within the industry, emerging opportunities and practical strategies for building sustainable careers and businesses in film and television.

The first session, the International Sales and Distribution Executive Masterclass, was held on August 24 in partnership with the Nigerian International Film Summit.

The masterclass, themed, “From Script to Market: The Future of Cinema in Africa,” brought together filmmakers, producers and other industry professionals to explore the journey of films from production to audiences and commercial markets.

Kene Mkparu, President and Chief Executive Officer of KOMWORLD Cinemas and Studio KOM Film Production and Distribution; cinema expert and thought leader Funmi Onuma; and Ijeoma Onah, Founder of the Nigerian International Film Summit, served as panellists.

Discussions focused on international sales, distribution strategies and the commercial factors that determine how African films can reach audiences outside their immediate markets.

MTF Academy Director, Akaoma Onyeonoru, highlighted the importance of filmmakers understanding the business and commercial dimensions of the industry alongside the creative aspects of production.

She explained that completing a film represents only one stage of the process, with effective distribution playing a critical role in determining whether a production can connect with audiences in different markets.

Onyeonoru also noted that the international movement of African stories would have implications for how the continent tells and retains control of its narratives, making strong distribution systems essential to expanding the reach of African films.

The masterclass series continued on August 26 with the Africa Microdrama Summit, which was held under the theme, “The Future of Africa Storytelling: Powering Africa’s Mobile-First Entertainment Economy.”

The session examined the rapid expansion of short-form scripted content and the changing ways in which audiences consume entertainment.

Industry experts considered the emergence of microdrama, evolving audience preferences and the opportunities the format creates for African storytellers and content creators.

The panel included Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice Nigeria; Ifeoma Areh, Founder of the Digital Creator Africa Academy for Microdrama; Brenda Fashugba, Co-Founder of Women in the Arts; Samira Hamidi, Country Manager of Digital Virgo; and Elija Afi, Co-Founder of the Digital Creator Africa Academy.

Babatunde said changing audience behaviour, particularly shorter attention spans, was creating opportunities for content capable of attracting viewers quickly and sustaining their interest.

She explained that audiences were increasingly drawn to bingeable content and expected stories to demonstrate their appeal almost immediately.

According to Babatunde, understanding changing consumption habits would be essential for the industry as content creators develop stories suited to the way audiences engage with entertainment today.

She further noted that microdrama could find a place on established platforms such as Africa Magic, providing additional programming opportunities for productions that prove viable.

The MTF masterclass series is scheduled to continue in other parts of Nigeria, including Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Abuja and Kano.

Partners participating in the programme include the Wole Soyinka Cultural Centre, Abeokuta; the Ibadan International Film Festival; the Pan-Atlantic University International Students’ Film Festival; the Twin City International Film Festival; the Rivers International Film Festival; and the Kano Indigenous Languages Film Festival.

The initiative reflects the growing importance for Nigerian and African creative professionals to develop expertise beyond storytelling, including knowledge of distribution, audience behaviour, digital platforms and the commercial aspects of the entertainment industry.

Source: msme Africa online