Mediavision Academy Joins the Producers’ Guild of Uganda to champion Industry Growth
Mediavision Academy proudly stood alongside industry leaders and aspiring filmmakers, on Wednesday, August 27th, at the inaugural Producers Workshop hosted by the National Producers Guild of Uganda (NPGU). Held at the Main Auditorium of the URSB, this pivotal event, aptly termed an “information sharing day” by its President, Mathew Nabwiso, marked a significant stride towards structuring and empowering Uganda’s burgeoning film industry – a mission Mediavision wholeheartedly champions.
Mathew Nabwiso, president National Producer’s Guild of Uganda (NPGU) speaking.
The dream of forming industry guilds, introduced by Mathew Nabwiso during the IKON awards in March, aims to foster growth, provide a collective voice, and enable a unified pursuit of bigger dreams for Uganda’s rapidly expanding film sector. As a leading film education and trading institution deeply committed to the advancement of Ugandan cinema, Mediavision Academy was a keen participant, with its Director of studies, Aloyo Annet, in attendance to glean insights and represent our dedication to this collective vision.
The workshop delivered an exceptionally rich and diverse line-up of information, designed to arm producers with essential knowledge. The day kicked off with a URSB official, who demystified the often-intimidating process of registering film production companies. Participants were taken through the complexities of business registration, including fees, name reservation, annual returns, and the various types of business structures, providing a crucial foundation for legitimate operations.
Victoria Oketta from URSB addressing the participants.
Next, Victoria Oketta again from URSB offered an exhaustive presentation on copyright, a cornerstone of creative protection. She outlined the copyright registration process, its undeniable benefits, how to identify and address infringement, enforcement measures, principles of fair use, ownership intricacies, and the penalties associated with violations. Understanding these legal frameworks is paramount for any producer safeguarding their intellectual property.
Gonzagagonza from UCC delivering his speech.
Gonzagagoza from the Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) then shed light on the invaluable opportunities offered through the UCC’s Content Development Support Programme (CDSP). He detailed its objectives, the stringent requirements for eligibility, and crucially, shared insights into why some projects face rejection. His advice provided filmmakers with actionable steps to refine their submissions and increase their chances of securing vital support from this initiative.
Panelists discussing distribution opportunities.
A highly anticipated Panel Discussion on distribution opportunities sparked considerable excitement. Humphrey Niwamanya introduced Kwiso Flix and Kwiso TV as viable distribution channels for producers. Brian Mulondo from Multichoice highlighted their existing commitment to commissioning and licensing Ugandan TV series and films, urging filmmakers to diversify beyond drama and explore genres like reality shows, game shows, and documentaries. Seasoned filmmaker Matt Bish also presented Ganda Flix, another local streaming platform, as a crucial avenue for local content.
Following this robust discussion on distribution, Jamugisa Rinaldi, PR of Multichoice, tackled the gravest threat to the creative industry: piracy. Presenting stark statistics on its devastating impact, he passionately appealed to all filmmakers to become ambassadors in the fight against piracy, emphasizing its hindering effect on industry progress and the collective economic well-being of creators.
Panelists: Allan Manzi, Nana Kagga and Nathan Magoola discussing the art of pitching.
The day concluded with another vital panel discussion focused on the art of pitching film projects. Featuring Allan Manzi of Manzi Media, Nana Kaga of Savannah Moon Productions, Nathan Magoola of Ava Juliet, and Eleanor Nabwiso of Nabwiso Films – all with proven track records in successful pitching – the session offered invaluable wisdom. They shared their personal journeys, practical tips, and essential requirements for developing a compelling pitch deck to secure project funding.
Each session was punctuated by dedicated Q&A segments, allowing producers to engage directly with experts and fully grasp the presented information. Mathew Nabwiso hailed the day as a resounding success, promising more such sessions in the pipeline and expressing great optimism for the producers’ future achievements.
In conclusion, for Mediavision Academy, active engagement with the Ugandan film industry is not merely supplementary; it is fundamental. As a leader in film education, we firmly believe that fostering such direct connections, exemplified by our pivotal collaboration with the National Producers Guild of Uganda, is paramount. These essential initiatives serve as an invaluable bridge, connecting our students and new graduates directly to the industry’s pulse, equipping them with up-to-date knowledge, and exposing them to the real-world opportunities and challenges that define a successful career in Ugandan film. Looking ahead, our commitment to supporting and extending the rich opportunities and networks offered by professional guilds remains unwavering, ensuring our community consistently remains at the forefront of the industry’s growth and creative innovation.
