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Free training for filmmakers

About the MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator

• It is a free 24 week filmmaking training programme
• There are only 14 places for aspirant filmmakers
• This is a MultiChoice Corporate Social Investment initiative

Who can Apply?

• Aspirant filmmakers from previously disadvantaged communities
• At least three years experience in the Film industry OR
• Tertiary qualifications in Film and Television

About the course?

• The course runs from April until December 2010.
• Training is project focused, it also includes mentorship and experiential learning.
• Course content includes technical specialization in cinematography, production management/producing editing, sound, lighting design, research and understanding script.
• Training will take place at the accredited award winning Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

Contact Details
For enquiries and application forms, please contact Connie Mosegedi at BigFish Tel: (011) 482 – 5599, email: mosegedic@bigfish.org.za

Application deadline is Monday the 19th February at 16:00. Applications must include a CV with contactable references and an example of the applicant’s best work in any discipline.

MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator 2009

MultiChoice is delighted to add another 16 talented filmmakers to the Film Industry. At a graduation ceremony held in Randburg last night, the young filmmakers were rewarded for 24 weeks of intensive training in camera techniques, producing, directing, as well as sound and editing techniques.

Said Jackie Rakitla MultiChoice’s General Manager: Corporate Affairs, “Our main objective with the Film Talent Incubator is to fast-track previously disadvantaged talented individuals in South Africa’s film and television industry. We are committed to contributing towards addressing the technical skills gap in our film industry; and to do all that we can to develop up-and-coming filmmakers. Our heartfelt congratulations to the 2009 recipients.”

Part of the MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator programme is for the students to produce a short film. To encourage and recognize the work of the students, an awards section has been included as part of the graduation ceremony.
Six of the Graduates received awards for their outstanding work during the programme.

The MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator programme which was introduced in 2007 in partnership with Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking. Since its inception three years ago, 32 young filmmakers have embarked on successful careers in the industry.

Interviews, assessments and final selection – and lights, camera, action! – It was the very first step for the scores of applicants who eagerly were seeking to be one of the fourteen young aspiring filmmakers chosen for a life changing opportunity in this years MultiChoice 2009 Film Talent incubator.

The Incubator running from May to December this year, is an intensive 24 week course with some clear objectives in mind: to give the 14 chosen participants from previously disadvantaged backgrounds, free world class filmmaking training and mentorship by top industry professionals, thereby contributing towards skills development in the burgeoning SA Film and Television industry.

The fourteen chosen finalists are:

• Nickson Sibanda
• Palesa Shongwe
• Tebogo Tsagane
• Khanyisile Maimela
• Asanda Gonya
• Bheki Ntombela
• Cyprian Nkabinde
• Grant Abrahams
• Howard Nthite
• Motheo Seleke
• Pheello James
• Pholo Mokele
• Tamandani Kapisa
• Daniel Nxumalo

These top fourteen applicants have made it through a gruelling three round selection process that included interviews, psychometric tests and technical ability assessments. Another requirement was to have at least two year’s experience in the film industry, or tertiary qualifications in Film and Television.

The chosen 14 young filmmakers will interact with some of the best industry specialists and receive experiential training in technical specialisation in lighting design, cinematography, production management, editing, sound and research.

At the start of their training, some enthusiastic learners had the following comments. Motheo Seleke, from the Northern Cape said “Ever since I can remember, I have always been fascinated by film and its ability to make us cry, smile and laugh!”
“I think I would have a lot to offer in shaping content when it comes to the creation of films.” Said Palesa Zandile from Gauteng. Khanyisile Maimela from Germiston commented “This is my first love and passion. I’m dedicated to telling engaging stories and positively influencing peoples lives.” And Grant Abrahams from Silvertown in the Cape said “I feel that this is a wonderful once in a life-time opportunity that will give my career that gigantic leap forward.”


MultiChoice invited you to be a part of developing great South African filmmaking talent. We looked for filmmakers who displayed a high potential for success. We called for nominations for an up and coming director and/or producer, who will receive a free intensive six months training and mentorship which includes:

• An overseas assignment 
• Funding for an independent film project 
• Flighting of produced films on the DStv platform

As an established filmmaker- you are well aware of the fact that besides staying power, guts and passion, our “rising stars” in the industry need to be highly skilled in order to make it in this exciting but tough and highly competitive industry

The process involved providing inspiration and guidance to uplifting and upskilling, by making a difference and taking action and nominating:

1. Nominate a director and/or producer with great potential 
2. Make sure that the exceptional candidates that you put forward have at least 5 years filmmaking experience 
3. The closing date for nominations by 26 April 2009
4. Submissions were sent through to Connie Mosegedi at 011 482 5599 or send an email to mosegedic@bigfish.org.za . Nominees needed to submit a CV and a showreel.

This skills development initiative is part of the MultiChoice Film Talent Incubator which is run by the award winning Big Fish School of Digital Filmmaking in Auckland Park. It is a MultiChoice Corporate Social Investment initiative aimed at contributing towards skills development in the film and television industry.

Kindly note that this initiative is aimed at supporting filmmakers from previously disadvantaged communities.

MultiChoice wishes to take this opportunity to thank you for your support and to wish the all the talent incubator candidates the best of luck!