Multichoice, the continent's leading video entertainment services provider, has announced a major Pan-African social investment initiative - the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF).  The good news is that applications for this bold initiative are NOW OPEN. The initiative aims at igniting and growing Africa's creative industries into vibrant, economic centres. 

“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,” says John Ugbe, Managing Director, MultiChoice Nigeria. “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, have collaborated to make a positive socio-economic impact in the communities in which we live and work through the MultiChoice Talent Factory initiative.”

This year-long initiative will have three components:

• MTF academies  
• Masterclasses 
• MTF Portal

The 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 skillsets 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 & TV industry experts.

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.

How to enter

• Visit www.multichoicetalentfactory.com before 5 July 2018 and follow the steps to enter
• The 60 post-school MTF students (20 for each region) – will be selected from *13 African countries where MultiChoice operates  - will have an exciting opportunity to hone their television and film production skills in the company of industry experts during the year-long programme that will begin on 01 October 2018.

MULTICHOICE TALENT FACTORY ACADEMY

FAQS for Academy students

2018

What does MultiChoice Africa expect, from a work perspective, of students selected to participate in the MultiChoice Africa Talent Factory academy?

MultiChoice Africa expects students selected to participate in the MTF Academies to be:

• Highly passionate about film and television
• Highly engaged and committed to their work in the Academy
• Highly focused on extracting the maximum value from the opportunities afforded to them
• Willing to work at all levels of operation to gain a holistic understanding of a very demanding, highly complex environment
• To understand that their ongoing participation in the Academy depends on having a professional work ethic at all times – in attitude, output and learning.

Will MultiChoice Africa be paying the students a monthly salary?

MultiChoice Africa will be providing Academy students with a reasonable monthly stipend, calculated at industry standards and in line with MultiChoice Africa’s HR policies, to meet their living expenses. Additionally, for students who need to relocate, a housing allowance and travelling costs will be provided as part of the non-negotiable set programme costs.

If I have to travel between cities as a student during my time at the Academy, would I need to fund this transport?

If the reason for your travel is personal, then you would have to carry the cost for any such trip. However, if there is a professional need for a student to travel on Academy related business and this travel has been approved by the Academy Director, then MultiChoice Africa will carry the costs (within reason) for these academy related excursions.

As a student, will I be eligible for leave during the course of the Academy year?

There will be a short production break over the Christmas period and then an additional mid-year production break. Travel will be funded for qualifying students to return home. The length of the break is at the sole discretion of the Academies.

As a student, will I also be able to work in a part-time job, outside of my participation in the Academy (example: to supplement my stipend with additional income)?

The Academy has been specially designed to offer students a comprehensive learning experience to fast track their career paths into the African film and television industry. There will be no time for students to take on additional activities outside of the rigorous academy curriculum.

After the year is over at the Academy, will students be automatically granted a full time/part time position at MultiChoice Africa or in another television/film company?

No. The Academy will provide students with the opportunity to learn extensively and interact with production companies and influential industry heavyweights, during the course of their learning on the programme. However, once the Academy year has been completed, students must find their own employment or freelance opportunities. Students are therefore encouraged to use their time with the Academy to showcase their skills, build a network of contacts and expand those contacts into career-building future opportunities.

What will happen if a student disagrees with the Academy Director or any other individual associated with the Academy? I am an outspoken individual and do not want to be limited in my expression of my thoughts and opinions.

Debate is necessary and encouraged as part of the learning experience. Further, all students are encouraged to voice their thoughts and opinions to foster discussion and grow understanding. MultiChoice Africa understands and appreciates that many passionate individuals are highly outspoken and this is among their best qualities. However, all differences of opinion must be expressed in a respectful, professional manner with the ultimate aim of mutual learning and growth. In the rare instance that a disagreement cannot be resolved amicably and respectfully between the Academy Director and a student, then the Academy Director will hold the final decision on how to move forward, including if deemed necessary, reassessing the students’ suitability to continue with the academic year.

I am not sure that the Academy is the right path for me to take post-graduation?

If you have any doubt about the usefulness of the Academy to further your post-graduation ambitions, you are strongly encouraged to remove yourself from consideration for academy participation. The Academy, whilst structured to offer maximum support to students, will be a rigorous and demanding experience and one that will be best met if a student is very clear about their desire to and objectives in participating.

What are my working hours as a student with the Academy?

Given that the film and television industry operates outside of a ‘9 to 5’ schedule, students should note that they will not work on a ‘9 to 5’ basis either. It is highly likely that you will be called upon to work over weekends, public holidays and after traditional business hours, particularly given that this learning immersive programme is only 12 months long. If at any time you feel overwhelmed by the rate of activity, you can consult the Academy Director regarding this so that a solution can be found if necessary and relevant (e.g. illness, etc.). However, the Academy year will be demanding so it is best that a student prepares accordingly and utilizes their ‘down time’ to rest and recharge.

How will I be evaluated as a student during my time at the Academy?

As you will be participating in an accredited programme, your progress will be constantly monitored and assessed to ensure that you are gaining as much knowledge and skills as possible. Therefore, it is important that you prepare yourself mentally and emotionally for a range of assessments, which could include tests, examinations, portfolio work etc. These will be dependent upon the training requirements. Furthermore, it is important to understand that these assessments are not completed with the aim of putting you under undue pressure. They will evaluate whether you meet with the minimum course requirements.  You must see them in the spirit in which they are intended – to ensure valuable (sometimes tough) feedback to aid the development of your skills.

What will happen if I wish to leave?

MultiChoice Africa will respect your decision to terminate your contract, however, you will be required to serve the necessary notice as stipulated in the agreement. Before you commit to the Academy, it is very important that you are completely clear that you would like to spend your year learning and grow through this opportunity.

Will I need to sign a contract if I participate in the Academy?

Yes, you will need to sign a contract prior to your participation in the academy, if you are admitted into the programme. This is standard practice for all contractual professional relationships. However, as with all contracts, the onus is on you to read through the contract in detail and understand it prior to signing it.

Will MultiChoice Africa conduct background checks on me?

Yes, MultiChoice Africa will conduct reference and background checks on students as is deemed relevant. However, in the interests of transparency and professionalism, MultiChoice Africa would encourage all students to disclose any information that they believe to be important for MultiChoice Africa to be made aware of (e.g. criminal record, paternity dispute, pending travel plans, etc.) so that MultiChoice Africa can work with the students to ensure that this does not impact on their time at the academy. It is best for MultiChoice Africa to be aware upfront of any such information so as to adequately prepare and make informed decisions.

Join the MTF social media conversation on the hashtag #multichoicetalentfactory and follow/join: Instagram: @multichoicetalentfactory; Twitter: @MCTalentFactory, Facebook: @multichoiceafricatalentfactory

*13 Markets eligible for entry include: WEST AFRICA: Nigeria, Ghana, EAST AFRICA: Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania; SOUTHERN AFRICA: Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, Malawi, Angola, Mozambique