MTF Academy Masterclasses kick-off 2020

The 2020 Masterclasses workshops are part of the MTF Academy’s philosophy of upskilling and training industry professionals in the telling of authentic African stories.

15 January - The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Masterclasses are here again! As part of the MTF Academy’s tailor-made curriculum, the Masterclasses will be presented from 15 January 2020 to 19 May by leading African and international film and TV industry experts across East, West and Southern Africa.

The Masterclasses are open to industry professionals across 13 countries including Angola, Botswana, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Tanzania, Uganda, Zambia and Zimbabwe. This year’s Masterclass focus includes Documentary Filmmaking, Lighting, Sound, Directing of Actors, Multicamera, Production Management, and the Business of Film, among others.

Based on the success of 2019’s inaugural MTF Masterclasses, it was important to continue the second touchpoint of the MTF shared-value initiative, to reinforce MultiChoice Africa’s long-term commitment to igniting Africa’s creative industries, says MultiChoice Africa Group Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, Reatile Tekateka.

“For the MTF Academy students and industry professionals, the Masterclasses provide an exclusive opportunity for the sharing of knowledge and networking with highly specialised industry experts,” Tekateka explains.

This year’s Masterclasses will feature in-depth instruction from experts including award winning veteran South African director and producer Bobby Heaney for Multicamera techniques. Heaney is also the Academy Director for MTF ZA in South Africa. Kenyan film and TV producer Appie Matere will share her expertise in Production Management at Masterclasses in Dar es Salaam and Addis Ababa. South African director Denny Miller will present a Masterclass in Directing Actors. Miller’s career spans over 25 years with shows such as classic television series Egoli - Place of Gold and Moments with Mo under his belt.

In addition, Lights, Camera, Diaspora! founder Christian Epps will share his expertise on Lighting. Epps’s work is featured in notable American films and TV shows such as the 2014 historic Martin Luther King Jr. film Selma, 2012 drama Middle of Nowhere, and upcoming HBO TV series Lovecraft Country.
Among other highly anticipated MTF Masterclasses is Cinematography presented by celebrated Nigerian filmmaker, Tunde Kelani. The DOLBY Masterclass will also feature prominently in the 2020 line-up, in response to the oversubscribed and highly popular Dolby Masterclasses last year.

“It has always been important for us as MultiChoice to use our influence to play a positive role in Africa by supporting the growth of Africa’s creative industries into sustainable, vibrant, economic hubs. With our partners including the New York Film Academy, DOLBY, Nihilent, Fox Portugal, Miramar, TV Record and Jasco Solutions, we continue to grow the MTF initiative and programmes across the continent,” adds Tekateka.

For more information about upcoming masterclasses please contact your nearest MultiChoice office in these countries:
WEST AFRICA: Ghana & Nigeria EAST AFRICA: Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania SOUTHERN AFRICA: Angola, Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Zambia & Zimbabwe