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AI and African storytelling: Empowering the Next Generation of Filmmakers

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AI and African storytelling

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the global film industry, presenting both opportunities and challenges.

The MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF), a leading pan-African film and TV production academy, recognises the transformative potential of AI in empowering the next generation of African storytellers.

Besides being a sustainable, impactful talent pipeline, MTF is a flagship MultiChoice CSI initiative, with the goal of ensuring that Africa’s next generation are not just consumers, but active shapers of the technology evolution. As storytellers, they are also equipped to make use of technology, leverage AI to enhance African creativity and drive industry growth on the continent.

The AI enabler 

In this understanding of the new technology, AI is not seen as an alternative to human creativity, or a threat, but an enabler; an amplifier. For African filmmakers, AI opens doors to enhance storytelling, streamline production processes, and bring authentic narratives to life in innovative ways. By embracing AI, filmmakers can elevate their craft, making it more efficient and accessible while preserving the rich humanity that defines African storytelling traditions.

AI is already established as an invaluable tool in the production of mainstream commercial films. Several cult and commercial films have used AI as an integral part of their production process.

Among these was The Irishman from 2019, which used an AI technology called FaceSwap to reference older movies of the lead actors, and then create youthful “de-aged” versions of those actors.

A similar type of “deepfake” technology is also sometimes used in high-budget action movies to replace the faces of stunt artists with the faces of the lead actors in the final film. Such a technique was used in the Marvel movie Shang-Chi And The Legend of the Ten Rings, where machine learning was used to “swap” the faces of stunt doubles during fight scenes.

In The Brutalist, AI was used to improve the pronunciation of lead actors Adrien Brody and Felicity Jones, who speak Hungarian in parts of the movie.

Some filmmaking AI applications have drawn praise, while others have courted controversy. However, for Africa to occupy its rightful space as home to many of the world’s greatest stories, the continent’s storytelling talent must learn these AI methods – and a host of others.

The tools at work

Many of these AI tools are pre-production tools that enhance the efficiency of the process and even make it more affordable. During the process, AI technology can be used for applications like idea iteration, scene blocking, to generate mood boards, or to assist with initial script drafts.

AI can also assist in generating a range of plot possibilities, help to pre-visualise scenes, streamline editing and create sophisticated visual effects.

While AI offers immense potential, it also raises ethical questions, such as data privacy, representation, and the responsible use of technologies like deepfakes. MTF stresses the importance of addressing these concerns thoughtfully, encouraging filmmakers to use AI in ways that respect cultural values and maintain trust with audiences.

Opportunities for African Storytellers

For African filmmakers, AI presents a unique opportunity to tell stories that resonate globally while staying rooted in local cultures. By leveraging AI, they can create visually stunning films, enhance production efficiency, and reach wider audiences through platforms like MultiChoice’s hyperlocal content ecosystem, which prioritises stories that reflect viewers’ lived experiences.

MTF’s mission is to empower young filmmakers to seize these opportunities, ensuring they are equipped to navigate the technological future of the industry. By encouraging a deep understanding of AI’s capabilities, MTF encourages graduates to push creative boundaries while maintaining the authenticity of African narratives.

MultiChoice, parent company to MTF, is already deploying AI to enrich its content offering and to improve user experiences. AI tools are applied to extract useful insights from the oceans of data generated by MultiChoice subscribers and used to customise and refine their customer journeys.

In the final analysis, AI is critical to delivering a world-class training programme that will equip aspiring film and TV professionals to thrive in a dynamic media landscape. With AI as a partner, the next generation of filmmakers is ready to redefine the art and impact of African cinema.

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More Than TV: How GOtv Empowers Local Businesses to Retain Customers

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GOtv

In today’s competitive landscape, customer experience is paramount for any thriving business. Throughout Nigeria, entrepreneurs are recognising that ensuring customer satisfaction is as crucial as driving sales. The age-old adage remains true: a satisfied customer is a paying, returning customer.

Businesses across various sectors are constantly seeking innovative ways to boost customer satisfaction, whether through exceptional service, friendly interactions, or even the content displayed on television. While this last detail might appear trivial, it can significantly impact the experience for many small business owners.

The Importance of Engaging Content

Imagine sitting in a quiet waiting room surrounded by outdated magazines compared to being in a lively barbershop where a thrilling football match is on, or a bustling restaurant where patrons can catch up on the evening news while they wait for their meals. The contrast is striking: one scenario feels tedious, while the other is vibrant and engaging.

For local businesses, the objective extends beyond merely passing the time. It’s about turning those waiting moments into enjoyable experiences. When customers are entertained, they lose track of time. A ten-minute wait for a haircut seems to fly by, and a lengthy salon appointment becomes much more pleasant when a captivating Nollywood drama or a trending reality show is playing.

The Ripple Effect on Your Bottom Line

Entertainment plays a crucial role in shaping customer perceptions of a business. A friendly and inviting atmosphere encourages patrons to linger longer, spend more, and return frequently. It also fosters patience during minor delays. Over time, these positive experiences cultivate customer loyalty and generate valuable word-of-mouth referrals, which are essential for the growth of small businesses in Nigeria.

This is where GOtv for business transcends mere background entertainment. It becomes an integral part of a deliberate customer experience strategy. With its wide array of local and international content, GOtv enables businesses to create memorable and inviting environments that customers will cherish and recommend.

Making It Work for Your Business

For small business owners managing tight budgets, adding entertainment can seem like an unnecessary cost. GOtv, however, provides a practical and affordable solution. Its packages are designed with flexibility in mind, allowing businesses to choose content that matches their audience and operations, whether it is a neighbourhood barbershop, a small restaurant, or a community viewing centre.

Sports bars can stream live Premier League and AFCON matches, bukkas can play Nollywood films or music channels, and salons can keep clients engaged with lifestyle and reality shows. GOtv’s affordability means the cost of subscription can easily be offset by the increase in customer retention and repeat visits.

Some businesses even turn their GOtv programming into marketing opportunities, offering match-day discounts, themed events, or special viewing nights. These ideas not only attract new customers but also encourage existing ones to return.

The Bigger Picture

At its core, this goes beyond just television. It emphasises the importance of detail in competitive markets, where success hinges on every facet of the customer experience. From the quality of service to the ambience within your establishment, each element influences how customers perceive and remember your business.

While having GOtv available does not substitute for excellent service or fair pricing, it enriches the atmosphere and fosters a deeper connection with customers. For numerous local business owners, it has emerged as a small yet impactful tool for cultivating loyalty and enhancing community engagement.

By transforming routine visits into memorable shared experiences, GOtv empowers small businesses throughout Nigeria to do more than simply entertain their patrons; it plays a crucial role in encouraging repeat visits and customer retention.

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Canon Supports Nora Awolowo’s Racket Queen Short Film

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Nora Awolowo's Racket Queen

By Modupe Gbadeyanka

A new short film shot by a Nigerian filmmaker, Ms Oreoluwa Racheal Awolowo, otherwise known as Nora Awolowo, has received the backing of the leader in imaging technology, Canon.

The film, Racket Queen, shot entirely on the Canon EOS C400 cinema camera, was screened in Lagos recently with several stakeholders in attendance, including journalists from across arts, culture, entertainment, business, and technology publications, as well as other filmmakers, peers, and Canon’s creative network.

The production was a testament Ms Awolowo’s creative excellence, visual storytelling finesse, and technical mastery, with her work speaking powerfully for itself.

Canon said it partnered with the filmmaker because her work aligns with its Innovation, Customer, and Employee Experience (ICE) strategy, which focuses on innovation, customer empowerment, and long-term partnerships.

By enabling filmmakers with cutting-edge imaging technology, Canon reinforces its position as the go-to brand for professional videography in Nigeria and across Africa.

“At Canon, we believe in the power of storytelling and the importance of equipping creators with the right tools to express their vision.

“Our collaboration with Nora on Racket Queen reflects how technology and artistry come together to elevate filmmaking in Africa.

“We’re proud to continue empowering creators and building a thriving creative community across the region,” the B2C Business Unit Director for Canon Central and North Africa, Mr Rashad Ghani, said.

The Canon EOS C400, designed for professional filmmakers, played a pivotal role in capturing the film’s striking visuals and emotional depth, showcasing Canon’s ongoing commitment to supporting the region’s creative community with advanced imaging tools.

The company used the event to feature a soft launch of its new EOS C50, an entry-level cinema camera designed to empower emerging filmmakers.

Compact yet powerful, the C50 expands Canon’s professional cinema lineup, making high-quality production more accessible to new creators.

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Content Creators Must Develop Clear Personal Brand Identity—Nitro 121 Boss

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UBA Business Series Content Creators

By Aduragbemi Omiyale

Content creators have been advised to go beyond aesthetics or trends to focus on value, purpose, and agility.

This advice was given by the chief executive of Nitro 121, Mr Lampe Omoyele, during his keynote address at the UBA Business Series held last Thursday at the Tony Elumelu Amphitheatre in UBA Head Office, Marina, Lagos.

At the event themed Content that Converts: Building Influence and Driving Growth Through Strategic Marketing, he said, “You can create something out of what appears to be nothing.”

He also charged content creators to aim to make a difference by developing a clear personal brand identity and remain consistent in delivering messages that resonate with their audience.

The UBA Business Series, held every quarter, brings together some of Africa’s most dynamic digital entrepreneurs and influencers to discuss the secrets behind building impactful online communities.

At this last edition, it featured an impressive line-up of digital entrepreneurs and content creators, including Digital Creator and Actor, Elozonam Ogbolu; Digital Health Educator, Chinonso Egemba (Aproko Doctor); Kenyan Actress and Media Entrepreneur, Catherine Kamau; Content Creator, Nasiru Lawal (Nasboi) and Digital Influencer, Enioluwa Adeoluwa, who was also the moderator of the event.

“For the younger creators here, my best advice is this: please prioritise your growth. As a creator, the moment you become famous, you no longer move at your own pace; you move at the people’s pace. It is therefore important to ensure you grow consistently and then overtime, the recognition and the money begins to roll in,” Nasiru Lawal stated.

Re-echoing this, Elozonam Ogbolu said, “Content creators have to engage their audience with proper storytelling, because brands are always out to carefully choose their creators. For the brands, you must pick your influencer or ambassador very deliberately and work together over time to grow. That is when you will see a proper return on investment.”

In his submission, Chinonso Egemba, said, “If you’re building a business or doing content creation, treat content creation as a business. When you treat it as a business, it needs proper structure. Otherwise, it won’t last. If you don’t put structure in place, you’ll end up responsible for everything, and that leads to burnout. You have to build structure, because if you want longevity, structure is very essential.”

For Catherine Kamau, “What I realized is I have a community that keeps me grounded, and that’s family. When you get famous, you tend to forget where you come from, you know, social media is an illusion and you start assuming that it is your real family until bad things happen to you. So please remember the real people in your life, because fame can get to your head, but those are not the people who are going to have your back when things go south.”

While welcoming the participants, the Group Head of Digital Banking at UBA, Mr Kayode Olubiyi, reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to empowering entrepreneurs across Africa through knowledge-sharing and capacity-building initiatives such as the Business Series.

On her part, the Group Head of Marketing and Corporate Communications, Ms Alero Ladipo, praised the management of the lender for organising conversations like this because of its positive impact on the economy.

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