Calling talented young writers

MultiChoice Group’s recently renamed filmmakers’ academy programme in South Africa, the MultiChoice Talent Factory South Africa (MTFza) is launching a Scriptwriting Incubator in partnership with Wits University in April 2020. Young talented scriptwriters who are successfully selected for the programme will be given a chance to develop their skills while being mentored by the best in the business in this paid internship.

“Investing in and cultivating skills in our industry is fundamental to the success and sustainability of our business,” explains Joe Heshu, MultiChoice Group Executive for Corporate Affairs. “A key focus for the MultiChoice Group wherever we operate is upskilling young talent in filmmaking. We are empowering young scriptwriters with the necessary technical skills, knowledge and experience that they will need to start their careers and successfully transform the video entertainment industry across Africa.”

MTFza’s new Scriptwriting Incubator is looking for the next great storytellers with, as screenplays are the starting point from which all other filmmaking flows. “We’ve identified a need for more script writers in the film and television industry as we increase our local production the need for writers increases,” reflects Yolisa Phahle, CEO for general entertainment at MultiChoice Group .

The year-long programme will have a combination of theoretical and practical immersion in the art of scriptwriting to ensure writers are industry ready. Theory on scriptwriting will be provided by Wits University while practical immersion in writing rooms on various telenovelas and dramas in development. The immersions will be facilitated by selected renowned award-winning writers and producers. There will also be an element of self-study and reflection required from the programme participants with the support of an experienced industry mentor.

“Every great programme starts with the story. We are excited to be extending our commitment to local storytelling in local languages to investing in our future script writers. Through our Scriptwriting Incubator the true potential of our talented writers is to be realized,” adds Phahle.

During the intensive training programme, interns will be required to develop a script for at least one pilot episode and pitch an idea for a first episode to M-Net.

The search for the 12 talented writers who will take part in the programme has now begun. Applications are now open and close on 31 January 2020.

Applications are to be submitted on the MultiChoice Talent Factory Portal and should include a letter of motivation and a writing sample. Standard supporting documentation such as ID and certificate of qualifications will also need to be submitted.

Teams of readers that include representatives from MultiChoice Group, M-Net and Wits, will assess submissions and shortlist candidates. The short-listed candidates will be invited for a face-to-face final assessment before the final 12 interns are selected.

For further enquiries, please send an email to mtfza@multichoice.co.za.