Students at a film making course.
Photo/DENNIS SABIITI
Kenya’s broadcasting industry is facing
uncertainty over availability of local content ahead of the switch from
analogue to digital television system.
The migration is
expected to trigger huge demand for local content, with regulation in
place that requires media houses to have at least 60 per cent local
content in their productions.
Players in the film
industry are, meanwhile, grappling with financial challenges as they
prepare for the anticipated surge in demand for local content.
Digital broadcasting signal, unlike analogue, can be compressed to allow for more channels within a single frequency.
Key
industry players say that while the country has enough labour and
script ideas, lack of financing is a great challenge in producing
quality local films.
“Not many financial institutions
are willing to finance the film sector and the creative arts as they are
not sure about the returns. Once we make them have confidence in us,
then we will be able to convince them to fund production of local
content,” said film director Bob Nyanja.
According to
Mr Nyanja, who is also in charge of the Sh300 million set apart for film
and music production under the Youth Enterprise Development Fund,
another challenge is the fact that the government does not follow up
with local stations on the requirement for local content.
“The
government and the public should ensure the content aired benefits
local people. They should be vigilant and demand for quality content,”
said Mr Nyanja, adding that producers are ready to offer quality content
but they cannot “work on empty stomachs.”
ENOUGH TALENT BUT NOT ENOUGH FILMS
Kenya
Film Commission acting chief executive officer Eric Mwangi said that
despite having enough talent in the county, producers are not targeting
the
local market owing to low rates offered for local films.
The
Kenya Film Commission has laid out plans to increase talent in the
country by partnering with film stakeholders to train the youth in film
production.
“Some NGO’s have set up training institutions for youth groups on how to handle cameras and how to edit,” said Mr Mwangi.
There
are about 10 channels currently, which leaves the common viewer with
little choice but to put up with what the stations air.
POSITIVE IMPACT
According
to Mr Mwangi, digital migration will lead to more television channels
and increased demand for local content. This will have a positive impact
on the film industry.
There is increased interest in
the film industry, with various regions getting ready for the digital
boom. Innovative, technologically supported productions such as
animation are taking root.
Mr Mwangi said the film
industry was also working on marketing productions locally and
internationally at festivals, expos and film markets, besides providing
quality content in different genres.
“This will increase awareness on available content and showcase local talent,” he said.
The
proposed switch to digital migration has, however, faced serious
challenges, with the three leading media houses moving to court to block
the switch until certain issues are sorted out.
Nation
Media Group, Royal Media Services and Standard Media Group have cast
doubts on the availability of adequate set-top boxes in Kenya, saying
only 600,000 were available against a demand of 1.4 million TV sets
.
.
They say this would greatly diminish their audiences, as those who cannot afford set-top boxes would be switched off.
The
Court of Appeal has ordered the Communications Commission of Kenya and
the Ministry of Information and Communications to halt the switch off
pending determination of the case on or before February 6, 2014.
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