THE MultiChoice Talent Factory, in collaboration with the Zanzibar International Film Festival (ZIFF), recently hosted a groundbreaking panel discussion titled "Passion to Profit and Industry Best Practices."

The event, held in Zanzibar last weekend, brought together key industry figures to address the critical need for a deep understanding of the processes required to establish and sustain a successful film business in an evolving cultural and digital landscape.

The panel was presided over by Asha Shaaban, Director of Institutional Services at the Tanzania Film Board; Victoria Goro OGW, Director of the MultiChoice Talent Factory East Africa Academy; and Hatib Madudu, Director of Festival for ZIFF. 

The one-day event attracted over 50 producers from leading production houses across East Africa, all keen to gain valuable insights into the transition from mere passion to profit in the film industry.

The discussion focused on the challenges of balancing creative excellence with commercial viability. Attendees explored various stages of a film's lifecycle, from idea selection to final production, and delved into the essential roles of finance, legal considerations, marketing, communication, networking, and relationship building in creating successful film projects.

Victoria Goro, Director of the MultiChoice Talent Factory East Africa Academy, emphasized the importance of adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and effective business framing to ensure productions are not only financially sustainable but also profitable. She highlighted the widespread issue of debt among producers and discussed the challenges of running a viable film business. 

Goro also pointed to the potential for collaboration, sharing successful examples where pooling resources, expertise, and knowledge helped manage production costs and foster industry growth.

Asha Shaaban, Director of Institutional Services at the Tanzania Film Board, praised MultiChoice for its significant contributions to the Tanzanian film industry. 

She assured participants that the Board would take into consideration the producers' recommendations on policies and regulations to support the growth of the industry.

The event also featured breakout sessions, where seasoned producers offered personalized advice and practical guidance to emerging filmmakers. These interactions provided a valuable platform for networking and facilitated connections that could lead to future collaborations.

The insights shared during the panel discussion were instrumental in helping producers navigate the complexities of the film industry, ensuring that they can maintain creative quality while achieving financial success.