Joshua Tsotso shares his experience interning in South Africa

Tsotso, one of the distinguished recipients of the Grand Prize in the MTF Class of 2022, graciously recounts his internship journey in South Africa. As part of the graduation accolades, Tsotso was granted a 2‑week internship opportunity in the country. In this blog entry, he generously shares his experiences and invaluable insights he gained whilst he interned across various South African productions.

What did this opportunity mean for you personally?

Being granted the MTF internship opportunity was an exhilarating and deeply meaningful experience. It affirmed my natural abilities – particularly those I possess in the film industry and sparked a strong sense of purpose within me. In so doing, this win enabled me to embrace the opportunity to expand my knowledge and skillset. My lifelong aspiration has always been to explore and, to understand the ethical and cultural nuances of working especially deeper in various film industries – both African and on a global scale. Another notable goal has been to submerge myself in a tapestry of diverse experiences and to harvest insights with the intent of enriching the discourse towards streamlining the art of filmmaking in Nigeria. I’m pleased to report that this internship opportunity personally ticked those boxes for me.

What did you expect post acquiring the internship?

I held the expectation that the internship would serve as a significant lifelong educational opportunity, affording me the chance to acquire insights into the South African film industry. My objective was to closely observe seasoned professionals in action and actively learn from this. Additionally, I anticipated exposure to diverse cultural viewpoints and varied narrative techniques.

In what ways did the internship either live up to or fall short of your initial expectations?

The internship exceeded my expectations in many ways. I had the opportunity to work on diverse projects, collaborate with talented professionals, and learn about the unique challenges and opportunities in the South African film industry. It provided a well-rounded view of the industry and expanded my horizons all-round.

What knowledge or skills did you find most beneficial to your growth during the internship?

During the internship, I learned about the importance of storytelling in the South African context, gained hands-on experience in different aspects of film production, and developed a deeper appreciation for the cultural nuances which shape filmmaking in the region. Additionally, I improved my networking and collaboration skills.

How did the internship help you develop your skills and knowledge?

The internship provided me with observational practical experience in areas such as pitching, pre-production planning, on-set operations, and post-production editing. I also learned about the unique challenges faced by the South African film industry, which broadened my knowledge and adaptability.

In summary, what did you find most exhilarating about the internship and what skills do you feel, were brought to the fore?

I observed the pitching process across different prospective projects, on-set operations for a feature film, a telenovela, and a limited series, as well as post-production reviews of episodes for a limited series. I feel that fundamentally, my internship experience predominantly called out my observational prowess. I really did learn to listen harder during this experience! I feel this skill will stand me well throughout the rest of my career.

What challenges did you face during your internship experience?

I found that the relatively short duration of the programme posed a challenge to fully immerse myself in a more intensive experience. The two weeks passed swiftly, leaving in their wake the feeling that I would lose the valuable connections I had begun to establish. I hope I’m wrong!

What did you enjoy the most from this experience?

The socio-cultural exchange. Although short-lived, I cherished the chance to immerse myself in a vibrant creative community and witness the power of film as a universal language.

What overlooked skill have you acquired which you feel you will carry through to the rest of your career?

The internship was a fantastic platform to establish an aggressive networking drive. I was granted the opportunity to connect with industry professionals, attend industry events, and build relationships that have now continued to be valuable in my career – all of which would have been nearly impossible to forge on my own.

How do you feel the internship future-fitted you?

On a continental level, the internship afforded me profound insights into the film industry, thereby equipping me to build a firm foundation on. This foundation is what I plan on building my future aspirations on. It broadened my outlook and provided me with the contextual knowledge necessary to facilitate international collaborations on future projects which I really value.

What advice would you give to other students potentially looking to secure an internship with the MultiChoice Talent Factory?

I would advise up and coming professionals in film-making to approach the opportunity with an open mind and a willingness to learn. My advice would be to embrace the cultural differences, be proactive in seeking out learning experiences and be bold in building strong relationships with mentors and peers. Don't be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, as that's where the growth happens.

Would you recommend this opportunity to others?

Absolutely.

Acquiring an internship with The MultiChoice Talent Factory is a transformative experience that will broaden your horizons, enhance your skillset, and provide you with a global perspective on the film industry.