Passion, humility and hard work: How to make it in film and TV

Get out there and start creating content with what you have, then learn and refine your craft, writes MTF Southern Region Academy Director Chris Puta.

Africa's creative sector is blessed with great talent and an innovative spirit, as well as a deep, continent-wide storytelling transition. However, for African young people hoping to translate those advantages into a career into film and TV, there are particular approaches that can help them find success.

Across much of Africa, the production sector is not highly advanced, funding is difficult to get, and resources are limited.

Sustainable careers

This has particular relevance for an industry training institution such as the MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) Programme. As we put our students through their fully funded 12-month academic and practical immersion programmes, we need to ensure that they not only get theory and hands-on experience in cinematography, but that they are equipped to build sustainable careers in the sector.

We train our students on the principle of "teach a person to fish", to provide training and experience that is directly relevant to the industry they are about to enter. We have built partnerships with leading businesses in our region, creating internships and work opportunities. Our other graduates start businesses and become our partners and suppliers, thus empowering them to contribute to the local economy and industry.

Today, 90% of last year's MTF intake are working actively in the TV and film production industry.

Passion and purpose

One of my constant messages to aspiring film professionals is to make sure they have a passion for the discipline. The production environment in Africa is turbulent, and when times get tough, you need passion to carry you through.

As a young filmmaker, when I came up in the industry, I had to hustle for knowledge. I would write away to filmmaking magazines and request back copies for me to learn from. Before I knew it, I was subscribed to about five magazines, and that's how I learned my craft.

Compared to those days, knowledge is now more easily accessible, but it still takes passion and dedication to succeed. Long days, long nights and hard work!

Be a pioneer

I also think it is useful for African filmmakers to think of themselves as pioneers. The work we are doing today will not make us rich – but it will create a foundation for other people to build on.

Africa's young filmmakers will not immediately start making Hollywood blockbusters. This is the time for those who are passionate to build an industry. That is how they will really make an impact.

Tell African stories

Another recommendation is to approach content from an African perspective, to tell African stories. Hyperlocal content is what really resonates with African audiences – as shown by hit series such as Mpali, Chokolo, Zuba, and Makofi.

When creating content, another piece of advice I sometimes share with students is that they must have a story. Flowery words and vocabulary are not enough, nor is it enough to constantly reference Western culture.

Tell stories that are close to your heart. Express your storytelling through your culture, I tell our students.

Balance business and art

Another defining aspect of our industry is that sometimes filmmakers will have to balance artistic expression with the need to earn a living. That is one of the main challenges of filmmaking in Africa.

MultiChoice has done a lot to empower young filmmakers to tell compelling stories – even on small budgets – and to showcase them on regional platforms like Zambezi Magic and Showmax.

But still, we need to pay the bills. The craft that filmmakers learn at MTF can help to pay those bills, in between finding ways to express themselves and tell their own stories.

I advise our students to look for work in advertising, in documentaries, to find work that pays immediately, and pays reasonably. Build your portfolio, hone your scripts. Get to a point where you are putting food on the table, but you're not neglecting what you really want to do. It has to be a compromise.

To help our graduates achieve this balance, MTF training includes documentary projects, public-service announcements, and music videos. This equips our graduates to build a portfolio of work that showcases their skills and capabilities, while earning an income as well.

MTF also offers a course called "Low Budget/No Budget", run by Tune Kelani. It teaches students to make short films with the equipment they have at hand – even if that is just a smartphone.

Humility and patience

Making it in the entertainment industry also requires patience and dedication. The young interns who are prepared to spend long hours at client offices during their immersion sessions will be the ones who learn the most, and earn the trust of the client.

Humility boils down to being teachable, and it shows people that you are thirsty for knowledge. They will respond by sharing generously. I have seen that the MTF students who were most humble and open to learning, have gone on to find the greatest success after graduation.
 
I'm really proud to be associated with the MTF initiative. I have seen the impact it has for the people graduating from the programme. They find roles as directors, as producers, as editors, thanks to the strength of the MTF brand.

It is also a gateway to a highly fulfilling career in the creative industry. But the most successful film professionals are those who learn to make things happen for themselves.

So, I encourage all aspiring filmmakers not to wait for funding. Start work with what you have, then learn, grow your skills and refine your work. Harness your youthful energy. Get out there and do it!