Your own film production company: How to do it!

We all have great stories to tell. By starting your own film and TV production company, you can tell those stories in your own way – and earn a living from it too. Here are a few tips on how to go about it…

Grow your skills

To become an effective filmmaker, you need to acquire the fundamental skills of the profession. You can find online resources, attend a university film school, a film institute, or apply to a short, intense pan-African postgraduate film academy like the MultiChoice Talent Factory, with academies in Nairobi, Lagos and Lusaka.

Build a network  

Business is about building an ecosystem of contacts – suppliers, clients, partners and potential clients. Everyone you meet in the industry is part of your network. Get to know them, share ideas and explore ways to work together.

A prime example is the Film Chat platform created by MTF East Africa alumni; Sihnemariam Abebe, Kabogozza Brian, Linda Dinah and Lewis Monga Oscar (Class of 2024). This weekly virtual meetup held every Thursday from 7–9 PM EAT, connects aspiring filmmakers across Africa to discuss projects, share journeys, and explore ways to turn passion into profit. Joining such communities can open doors to collaborations and opportunities.

​Industry portals also offer training, information and business opportunities. These platforms allow you to connect with industry creatives like actors, editors, screenwriters and cinematographers.

Registering a company

Once you have skills, you can formally register your company with the state. For example, in Kenya, you can do this through the eCitizen platform. In Nigeria, do it through the Corporate Affairs Commission, and in Zambia you can contact the Patents and Companies Registration Agency (PACRA).

Create great work

Audiences want to see themselves reflected in the films, shows and the content they watch. Fresh, creative ideas that are also authentic and relevant will resonate with people and ensure your work finds enthusiastic viewers – and a viable commercial market. Express yourself with confidence, stay true to what you believe, and that is sure to capture the imagination of your audience and followers.

Put Your Work Out There

Visibility is everything. Submit your films to festivals, screenings, and competitions to gain recognition. For example, Recent MTF alumni are making waves at major events: Mnena Akpera from West Africa, Khumiso Rebabedi from Southern Africa, and Hannah Nalunga Lukodda from East Africa were recently selected among 32 rising stars for the 5th Durban FilmMart SA, a prestigious platform for African filmmakers to pitch projects and connect with funders.

Even if your work isn't screening, attend festivals like the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF) or the Africa Magic Viewers' Choice Awards (AMVCA) to network with producers, directors, and financiers. These platforms can lead to partnerships and funding opportunities.

Get funding

Scripts and treatments can be created at low cost. When you're ready to move into production, write a motivation and a concise synopsis of your film. You'll be able to present that to potential funders. These could be private investment funds, national film institutions or foreign financiers and film festivals.  In East Africa there are development funds. Leading African TV and streaming platforms like MultiChoice and Showmax also have submissions portals, where you can move your project from idea to production. Protect your IP

Films, TV shows, series and original video content are all protected by copyright. Most copyright laws give rights owners the right to claim ownership of a work and to authorise or prevent uses of that work or to earn income from it. In most countries, copyright protection is obtained automatically, under the Berne Convention. You can also voluntarily register your copyright with national bodies, i.e In Kenya, contact the Kenya Copyright Board (KECOBO); in Nigeria, the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC); and in Zambia, the Zambia Intellectual Property Office (ZIPO). Other simple ways to protect your IP include timestamping your work, watermarking scripts and footage: adding digital watermarks to prevent unauthorised use.

However, beware of websites claiming to be “official” that ask you to pay for copyright registration services. Join movements like the Copyright Coalition and Partners Against Piracy and actively work to fight the theft of content. Starting your own film production company is achievable. You can take ownership of your own career – find opportunities, create your own content and enrich the lives of your audiences. And you can earn a living from the content you create. You can make it happen. Dream your life, then live your dream!