MultiChoice Talent Factory launches masterclasses in eight states for filmmakers and TV practitioners

The MultiChoice Talent Factory has launched a series of masterclasses across eight Nigerian states to help filmmakers and television practitioners sharpen their skills and understand the business of entertainment. The initiative features 13 regional masterclasses organised with film festivals, creative guilds and industry organisations as MTF marks eight years of investment in Nigeria’s creative economy.

The sessions focus on industry insights, including sales, distribution, audience behaviour and trends in Africa’s rapidly changing entertainment landscape. The first masterclass, the International Sales and Distribution Executive session, was held on August 24 in partnership with the Nigerian International Film Summit.

What the first session covered

Under the theme, “From Script to Market: The Future of Cinema in Africa,” the session examined how filmmakers can move productions beyond the screen and connect them with paying audiences locally and internationally. Speakers included Kene Mkparu, President and CEO of KOMWORLD Cinemas and Studio KOM Film Production and Distribution; cinema expert Funmi Onuma; and Ijeoma Onah, founder of the Nigerian International Film Summit.

Discussions focused on international sales, distribution strategies and the commercial decisions filmmakers must consider if African stories are to compete in wider markets. MTF Academy Director Akaoma Onyeonoru said creativity alone is not enough to guarantee a film’s success. She noted that filmmakers must understand how to position and distribute their productions effectively so African stories can travel beyond their immediate markets.

Focus on microdrama and mobile viewing

The second session, the Africa Microdrama Summit, shifted attention to short-form scripted entertainment. Held under the theme “The Future of Africa Storytelling: Powering Africa’s Mobile-First Entertainment Economy,” the session explored changing viewing habits and the growing demand for short, engaging and bingeable stories.

Atinuke Babatunde, Executive Head, Content and Channels, West Africa, MultiChoice Nigeria, said shorter attention spans are changing how audiences consume content, making compelling openings and fast-paced storytelling increasingly important. The discussions also highlighted the potential for microdrama to secure opportunities on established platforms such as Africa Magic.

Which states are next

The masterclass series will continue across Ogun, Oyo, Imo, Abia, Delta, Rivers, Abuja and Kano, bringing industry-focused learning closer to practitioners outside Nigeria’s major entertainment hubs. Partners include the Wole Soyinka Cultural Centre, Ibadan International Film Festival, Pan-Atlantic University International Students’ Film Festival, Twin City International Film Festival, Rivers International Film Festival and Kano Indigenous Languages Film Festival.

The initiative underscores the growing need to equip Nigeria’s creative talent with both storytelling skills and the commercial knowledge needed to build sustainable careers in the film and television industry.

For Nigerian businesses and consumers, the masterclasses signal a push to grow the creative economy beyond production, with a stronger focus on distribution, monetisation and reaching African audiences on mobile-first platforms.