What is the duration of the academy programme?
The academy programme is planned to start in January 2024 and end in December 2024.
What does MultiChoice Talent Factory expect, from a work perspective, of students selected to participate in the MultiChoice Talent Factory Talent Factory academy?
MultiChoice Talent Factory 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
- Willing to work at all levels of operation to gain a holistic understanding of a very demanding, highly complex environment
Will MultiChoice Talent Factory be paying the students a monthly salary?
MultiChoice Talent Factory will be providing academy students with a fair and reasonable monthly stipend, calculated at industry standards and in line with MultiChoice Talent Factory’s policies, to meet their living expenses. For students who need to relocate, a housing allowance and travelling costs will be provided. Further stipend amounts are set and are non-negotiable.
If I have to travel between cities as a student during my time with 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 Talent Factory 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 short-term breaks as determined by the set curriculum. The length of the break is at sole discretion of the academies. Students will be free to go home during these breaks.
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)?
No. As this is a full time and demanding programme, students are required to be fully contracted to the Academy for the duration of the course.
After the year is over at the academy, will students be automatically granted a full time/part time position at MultiChoice Talent Factory 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 professionals. 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 impress those with the capacity to offer them opportunities in the future.
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’ schedule either. It is highly likely that you will be called upon to work over weekends, public holidays and after traditional business hours. If at any time you feel overwhelmed by the rate of activity, you can consult with the Academy Director regarding this so a solution can be sought if necessary and relevant (e.g., illness, etc.). However, the academy year will be busy, it is best that a student prepares accordingly and utilise their ‘down time’ to rest and recharge.
How will I be evaluated as a student during my time with the academy?
There will be a variety of assessments, assignments, and production related work throughout the year.
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. This is standard for any contracted professional relationship. However as with all contracts, the onus is on you to read through the contract in detail and understand it prior to signing it.
What will happen if I wish to leave?
MultiChoice Talent Factory 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 growing from this opportunity.
Will MultiChoice Talent Factory conduct background checks on me?
Yes, MultiChoice Talent Factory will conduct reference and background checks on students as relevant. However, in the interest of transparency and professionalism, MultiChoice Talent Factory would encourage all students to disclose any information that they believe to be important for MultiChoice Talent Factory to know (e.g., criminal record, pending travel plans, etc.) so that MultiChoice Talent Factory can work with the students to ensure that this does not impact on their time with the academy. It is best for MultiChoice Talent Factory to be aware upfront of any such information to adequately prepare.
