MTF selects 12 interns for writing incubator

Pan-African networking platform MultiChoice Talent Factory (MTF) has selected 12 young South Africans to take part in the MTF South Africa Scriptwriting Incubator programme, aimed at finding the next generation of storytellers.

The 12 participants are Florence Rapeu, Khanyani Luhlongwane, Lesedi Phaahla, Lia Mokesi, Melody Ngomane, Nokuphila Dlamini, Nompumelelo Gumede, Pitsi Mohaya, Rebaone Lobelo, Thato Sekhoto, Tshegofatso Nwkane and Thembakuye Madlala.

Set to begin in February, the programme will see the interns mentored by Phathutshedzo Makwarela and Gwydion Beynon of Tshedza Pictures. The screenwriters are behind International Emmy-nominated telenovela The River as well as SA hits Giyani: Land of Blood, The Republic and Legacy.

Over the course of 12 months, the interns will engage in both virtual and physical sessions of structured learning with the Wits University Film & Television Department and will gain practical workplace experience.

They will also be developed by being integrated into the writing rooms of some of the country’s hottest dramas and telenovelas and by delving into the theoretical components of scriptwriting with Wits University. They will ultimately develop a script for at least one series pilot episode and will have the chance to pitch an idea for a first episode to MultiChoice channels M-Net and Mzansi Magic.

Joe Heshu, group executive for corporate affairs at MultiChoice, said: “We’re rooted in the countries and communities in which we operate and committed to building skills in various fields, but particularly in the television and film industry.

“The MTFza Scriptwriting Incubator aims to unearth the next generation of fiercely creative, committed storytellers and is the next step in entrenching our role as Africa’s most-loved storyteller and helping us take more African stories to the world. We are piloting the programme in South Africa this year, before expanding it into our other three MTF Academies soon”.

The MTF is designed to provide the African creative industry with a platform to learn, develop their talent, engage and connect with each other through their shared passions. It has trained 132 students over the last five years in its academies located in Kenya, Nigeria, Zambia and South Africa.

tagged in: MultiChoice