Editorial:
Film schools should meet the demands of the film industry
I was reading an interesting piece on the proposed new curriculum for Kenyan university schools of film and theatre the other day and many things crossed my mind. A friend from the industry attended a curriculum-centred meeting and shared his thoughts with me- there is a serious disconnect between training institutions and the reality in the field.
There have been changing trends over the years on the
James Ndone, Editor, Filamu Kenya editor @ filamukenya. co. ke demands from the industry. This is heavily influenced by changing times, politics, social metamorphosis, among other aspects. There have been calls for incorporating academic research into the industry, but I think there is more that the schools need to dofocus on more skills, quality of work, and of course, return on investment.
When I was an undergraduate student, I took some film production courses where I was taught the production cycle: preproduction, production, and post-production. This is basically what I learnt in school, but after interactions with key players in the industry, there is need for a change in the mindset.
Film students need empowerment to read and nurture their skills to match with the technological demands in the industry. The pre-production, production, and post-production focus needs to be tailored to ensure that students understand what it takes to be a film producer, a director, or even a script writer.
One thing that students need to be taught is research and how to come up with a compelling storyline. This touches on mapping the concept to content and looking at the final product. Other factors to consider here are coming up with the crew and cast, sourcing for finances and other crucial aspects that could hamper the production.
Also, pre-visits to the sites where the film will be produced need to be considered. Other aspects that need to be emphasised are the equipment needed, logistics involved and how marketing will be done. Of course, students need to know that there are quacks in the industry. Industry mentorship and networking with key figures in the industry will help you borrow brains from veterans in the industry.
In addition, the gap between the industry and the education system can be closed by coming up with workshops and training bodies that are composed of industry greats and relevant government bodies. The bottom line is the education system needs a curriculum that is market-driven.
In our March edition, we talked to Vioja Mahakamani crew who shed light on why they left KBC and how Daktari has been a soft landing for them.
Also, we have Selina’ s Collette( Riziki Ambrose) who shared her story from quitting college to pursue her acting dream.
Find all this in our March edition.
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