M-Net has partnered with the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Johannesburg to host the Magic in Motion (MiM) Career Expo, giving youth from previously disadvantaged communities the opportunity to experience the film and television industry, and exposing them to career prospects within the industry.
From Tuesday, 11 to Friday, 14 August, the MiM Career Expo takes the learners on a Gauteng tour where they are introduced to different stages of putting together television content for production; from commissioning programmes and content to eventually airing it on TV. Some of the roles that are highlighted include production commissioning, concept creation, script writing, producing, directing, cinematography, sound, art direction, editing, post-production and broadcasting as well as business support functions such as human resources, finance, legal services and IT, and technical support often offered by engineers.
“Nollywood and Hollywood make significant contributions to the GDP of Nigeria and the US. Our industry has the potential to do the same, yet many do not realise the opportunities that exist,” says Yolisa Phahle, M-Net South Africa CEO. “The MiM Career Expo provides an eye-opening view of the many roles that exist within the film and television industry. M-Net is passionate about developing local talent and we are looking forward to meeting the next generation of South African filmmakers. Additionally we have seen how entrepreneurial this business is and are committed to providing opportunities that will allow new production companies to enter the industry as this is how jobs are created.”
Commenting on the event M-Net human resources director Fhulufhelo Badugela says, “Given that this year we are hosting the Expo in three major cities, we’re expecting an estimated 7200 learners over its duration, which is more than a two-fold growth from the event last year. We are also very pleased that our 12 Magic in Motion Academy interns, who are halfway through their 12 month programme, will also be functioning as technical support at the MiM Career Expo, putting into practice somewhat they have learnt so far.”
David Kramer, CEO of the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre comments on the collaboration: “Our new partnership with M-Net is an exciting achievement for Sci-Bono, and we are thrilled to work with Africa’s leading television broadcasters. Our goal is to increase young people’s awareness and interest in the wide spectrum of post-school careers. This partnership with M-Net is a great milestone for Sci-Bono. As a major player in the broadcasting industry and an esteemed content provider, M-Net is in the best position to give young people a broad view of the television industry.”
Favourite faces from Isibaya on M-Net’s Mzansi Magic, Zakhele Stanley Mabasa-Mokone (Skhaleni) and Enest Thabani Gumede (Ntandane), also form part of the Career Expo in Johannesburg, where learners get the chance to join them on a mock-up set as extras to learn about the production process, and then get to experience the art of post-production.
The M-Net Magic in Motion Career Expo will also travel to the KwaZulu-Natal Science Centre in Durban from Tuesday, 18 to Friday, 21 August, and the Cape Town Science Centre in Cape Town from Tuesday, 25 to Friday, 28 August.
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