Youngsters receive masterclass in the art of film making
Aspiring filmmakers in Randburg recently had the opportunity to learn from industry experts at the exclusive EmpowaYouth in Film Masterclass.
Hosted by the Gauteng Film Commission (GFC) in partnership with Media City Academy, the event took place in Ferndale and aimed to equip young creatives with essential skills and knowledge to break into the film industry.
The session began with a warm welcome from the managing executive of special projects at Empowaworx, Sibongile Ganxa, followed by a keynote address from Tumi Lebaka, CEO of the Gauteng Film Commission. Lebaka highlighted the importance of such initiatives in bridging the gap for emerging filmmakers facing financial and industry barriers.
The masterclass featured several industry leaders sharing their expertise. Mandla Ngcongwane (Mandla N), the CEO of Black Brain Productions and Media City, spoke about production in commercial film and television.
Dineo Pheto, post-production supervisor at Black Brain Pictures, detailed the art of storytelling through scriptwriting and storylining.
Sanele Makinane, executive director at Media City Academy, introduced the concept of the Gig Economy, focusing on career opportunities in the industry.
Nyiko the Great, a marketing specialist, provided insights into how to market stories effectively and Ted Magerman, a multi-award-winning director, shared his expertise on storytelling and music in film.
After the sessions, attendees, including 50 children, were given an exclusive tour of the studio and visited the set of Isitha before returning to Media City.
One of the most exciting aspects of the event was the announcement of a career-defining giveaway.
Five emerging filmmakers will receive professional production equipment to help kickstart their careers.
The winners will be announced at the EmpowaYouth Weekend, set to take place from April 21-25 in Ekurhuleni.
The film industry in Gauteng plays a significant role in South Africa's economy, contributing R2.5b annually. With initiatives such as the EmpowaYouth Masterclass, young creatives are given the tools and support they need to succeed in this growing industry.
By empowering the next generation, the EmpowaYouth in Film Masterclass proved to be a crucial step towards nurturing new talent and ensuring a strong future for the South African film sector.
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