Six Zimbabwean independent filmmakers have been selected to take part in the inaugural Media Entrepreneurship Leadership Program funded by the US Department of State.
Representing various facets of the filmmaking and entertainment as business entities, this program is set to expose this group on how Hollywood makes film and entertainment make business sense.
The team embarking on this journey include: Elton Mjanana, Tongai Makawa, Nqobizitha “Ënqore” Mlilo, Samuel “Comrade Fatso” Monro, Priscilla “MaSithole” Ncube and Zandile “Zaza the Zazalicious One” Ndlovu.
Zandile “Zaza” Ndlovu
In an industry where filmmakers struggle to raise the funding they require and often end up using personal resources to see their projects to fruition, this cultural exchange program sets to empower Zimbabweans in film and entertainment on how to run sustainable businesses.
From business models, state of the art equipment, set designs, distribution networks of finished projects and the Importance of networking are part of the agenda for this trip.
As part of their two week itinerary this delegation will kickstart their tour in Charlotte North Carolina visiting the following areas:
1.Area 15 which is micro-business incubator that includes studio spaces for techies, artists, musicians, writers, a DJ music academy, and a diverse group of other professionals.
2.NC Music Factory which is a designated historic property, this converted textile mill encompasses two concert venues, large movie studio, comedy club, band rehearsal space, restaurants and nightlife, and office space for several entertainment, talent, and media companies.
3.The Light Factory which works with area schools to engage students in social projects, expressed through film and photography.
4.Indievision which is a creative agency that has two divisions: a corporate division that creates marketing and branding campaigns for companies; and a film division which creates independent films and other forms of on-line and interactive content for the entertainment industry.
5.Networking Event with Local artists and other community members will be invited to mingle with the group at a networking event at the International House of Metrolina.
Priscilla Sithole Ncube
In Hollywood Los Angeles:
1.African Technology Foundation (ATF) / Relativity Media: Discussions and site visits lead by CEO / International Advisor, Stephen Ozoigbo (full day).
2.UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television Consistently ranked as a top entertainment and performing arts institutions, the school offers an innovative curriculum that integrates the study and creation of live performance, film, television and the digital arts. Their graduate and undergraduate programs include acting, directing, writing, producing, animation, cinematography, lighting design, set design, costume design, sound design, Moving Image Archive Studies, and offers PhDs in Theater and Performance Studies and Cinema & Media Studies.
3.USC School of Cinematic Arts A meeting can be requested with Mr. Alan BAKER, Associate Dean, Administration and International Projects at USC School of Cinematic Arts. He would provide an overview and tour of the school, and also further discuss the American Film Showcase, The U.S. Dept of State’s partnership with USC to engage international audiences through American film.
4.Film Independent Film Independent is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping independent filmmakers get their films made, building the audience for independent film, and increasing diversity in the film industry. They provide services to independent filmmakers, including cameras and casting rooms for rent, computers labs, sample budget and business plans, and access to film periodicals. They also offer members over 120 free screenings and 150 educational events every year.
Comments
About Author
