Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has promised support to upcoming artists who intend to nurture and fully exploit their talents.
KFC chief executive officer Timothy Odhiambo has said through Studio Mashinani being implemented by the government, the commission will sponsor the artistes to produce their content freely.
He spoke on Saturday when he graced an occasion where 100 budding artistes graduated after receiving training on film production at Gatanga Studio Mashinani.
The CEO said they have a programme that seeks to identify, nurture and propel young artistes to national and international levels.
Odhiambo observed that the Studio Mashinani being established in different parts of the country, are meant to support young talented artists who cannot afford to pay for production of their content in private firms.
KFC, he added, is also working to link local artists with those from other countries in effort to boost training and exchange of ideas.
“KFC is in the process of putting in place co-production arrangements between Kenya and other countries. This arrangement will greatly support our young people as they will be competitive in the international arena,” he added.
The partnership with foreigners, Odhiambo said will enable artists to produce programmes that will be both marketable locally and internationally.
“This will see our artists earn more from their creativity,” stated the CEO.
Odhiambo noted that the film sector which is currently being embraced in the country can employ many other people and thus minimize the rate of unemployment.
The commission, he further said is working on incentives that will make the country competitive and attract international producers to make their films in the country.
Odhiambo observed that Kenya ranks high as a production hub in the African continent as it fulfils most of the requirements.
“We have established a liaison services desk that facilitates production in the country and are also working on incentivizing productions which is one of the reasons that some producers prefer South Africa,” Odhiambo said.
The commission is mapping available locations and uploading them on its online portal for access to producers.
The CEO encouraged the upcoming artists to team up and apply for government funds meant to support youth and women so as to boost their activities.
Gatanga MP Joseph Nduati lauded the President for considering putting up Studio Mashinani at his constituency.
The facility, Nduati said, will support many talented young people, especially those in the music industry, noting that Gatanga is known as home for musicians.
The MP challenged the young people to fully utilize the facility and producer content which will be aired in local TV stations.
“The government has been advocating for more local content to be aired in local TV channels and we have agreed with the trainees that they will produce content both in vernacular and national dialects to expand their market,” Nduati added.
He said the film and music industry has the capacity to lift their lives saying artists are able to make money that cannot be earned in other sectors.
The MP said piracy issues that have been dogging artists have been resolved by the availability of social media that enables them to market their content at the comfort of their homes.
By Bernard Munyao
