12 Nov 2019

Various television and film industry players say collaborations are crucial in the creative industry especially in the fourth industrial revolution era.

Speaking at the second annual Botswana National Youth Council (BNYC) TV/Film Festival in Gaborone, South African producer, Duma Ndlovu said it was now time to venture into other markets as the social media revolution had made everything easy.

He urged young aspiring film makers and actors to acquire skills and educate themselves on the subjects, adding that it was important to acquire skills if one was to compete internationally with other industry players.

Ndlovu, who is also the executive producer of popular Muvhango soapie, applauded government for their continued efforts in supporting the creative industry.

Ndlovu indicated that to date, ‘there are five Batswana young actors in the South Africa television productions.’

Ralph Williams, better known as Stagga in the music circles, also emphasised the importance of collaborations.

Stagga, who is now based in the United Kingdom as an associate producer, said it was important that young people who wished to make it in the showbiz industry establish relationships.

Stagga narrated that in their times they had to make it happen themselves adding that today’s youth were fortunate to have support and backing of government.

He therefore implored and encouraged them to choose the right people to work with.

Stagga said in the entertainment industry there were people who were in it for fame and money hence he implored the youth to make sound decisions.

International Entertainment lawyer from the US, Carlos Pimentel said it was crucial that every practicing creative individual had legal representative.

He said ‘the business of entertainment’ starts with legal knowledge, where they were advised and directed on decision making regarding their products.

Pimentel further noted that Botswana had no entertainment lawyers and that, he said needed to be rectified.

Maxwell Dichi, who is an actor in Muvhango, encouraged aspiring actors especially those wishing to venture into South African market, to stay authentic and unique.

Dichi said Batswana should embrace their language, adding that ‘Botswana is a unique country with unique stories’.

He said the world was craving to know such stories and the Setswana language was trending, even on South African productions like the just ended, The Throne.

He therefore urged Batswana actors to stay true and not try to be anyone else. ENDS