BY BOY FIDEL LEON
In the bustling streets of Kampala, the Ugandan filmmaking industry is experiencing a renaissance, with more and more high-quality films and television shows being produced each year. And while the demand for content has never been higher, filmmakers in Uganda still face significant hurdles when it comes to financing and distribution.
“Filmmaking is a capital-intensive venture, and unfortunately, filmmakers in Uganda have to independently mobilize resources for their productions,” says Glen Marques, a seasoned media consultant from South Africa. “In a country where the cost of credit remains high and businesses in the creative arts are considered high risk to lend to, successful financing requires a compelling business plan and understanding of different financing options.”
Marques of recent held a workshop with Ugandan filmmakers to share his expert opinion and tips on how to navigate the complex world of financing and distribution and tap into the global market. He emphasized the need to strike a balance between creative freedom and financial gain when entering into agreements for financing, distribution, or selling content.
“Have a clear and compelling business plan that identifies the unique selling points, target audience, and market potential of your film or TV show,” says Marques.
He says this will help in securing financing from investors and lenders who want to see a return on their investment.
As of distribution, Marques encouraged producers to identify their target audience based on genre, themes, and demographics to ensure effective marketing and promotion. He also advised filmmakers to enlist a reputable distributor with a global network that can help them reach different markets, while cautioning them to remain vigilant and ensure transparency in the marketing process.
“Be careful when negotiating with distributors who may also be the financiers of a project,” warns Marques. “They may demand creative approval rights, dictate the lead characters, director, and have control over story aspects. They may also require completion bonds, which is an unfamiliar concept in Africa. Negotiate for a minimum guarantee, which is a minimum figure that the content owner gets whether or not their content is finally bought, as a way to mitigate these risks.” He added.
The workshop was conducted by MultiChoice Uganda, a media company that has commissioned and licensed over 40 shows and films in Uganda, as part of its grand efforts to empower filmmakers and improve the quality of the filmmaking industry.
“Let’s uplift one another. Collaborate and work together to make the industry better, “says Rinaldi Jamugisa, the PR & Communications Manager at MultiChoice Uganda. “we need to move from individuals doing all roles on a set to having specialized roles. This will improve the quality of the outcome.”
With the global market for filmmaking being a multi-billion dollar industry, Uganda has the potential to tap into this market and generate revenue from its content.
Ugandan filmmakers can overcome financing and distribution challenges and take their content to the global stage, captivating audiences around the world with their unique stories and perspectives by following the expert tips provided by Marques and collaborating with one another.
