Kenya’s creative and film industry is gearing up for a major boost with the launch of the Global Entertainment Talent Upskilling Program (GETuP), spearheaded by the Fela Oke Academy and supported by key local partners, including the Kenya Film Commission.
This two-week program, slated to take place from November 18th to 30th, 2024, promises to empower budding filmmakers and creatives with hands-on training, bridging local talent with global industry standards.
GETuP has been well-received in regions such as Trinidad & Tobago, Jamaica, and Barbados, and now, its entry into Kenya is being hailed as a significant step for the continent.
Fela Oke, the founder of the Fela Oke Academy and CEO of Hyphen8 Media Partners, emphasised the long-term benefits the program aims to offer.
“This program is a testament to our commitment to nurturing creative talent and fostering international collaboration.
“We believe that the skills and connections made during GETuP Kenya will have a lasting impact on the participants and the broader creative industry in Kenya and beyond.”*
The program is more than just a skills workshop.
It is positioned as a key enabler for Kenya’s filmmakers to break into international markets by equipping them with skills that are not only relevant but crucial in today’s global entertainment scene.
As Timothy Owase, CEO of the Kenya Film Commission (KFC), pointed out, the initiative is multifaceted.
“It is not just about teaching technical skills but also about fostering creativity, encouraging innovation, and building a network of professionals who support and uplift one another.”
One of the unique aspects of GETuP is its Shadow Program, designed to nurture local facilitators, ensuring the initiative’s sustainability.
As part of this, local experts will have the chance to upskill while contributing to the training of emerging talent.
For five years, the program will focus on growing Kenya’s creative sector, a commitment that Mike Strano, founder of PHAT! Productions and co-founder of YAKWETU™, reiterated.
“In every project we undertake, we’re always intentional about making a sustainable and transformative impact on the creative industry of Africa.”
What sets GETuP apart is its comprehensive curriculum that spans multiple creative disciplines such as screen acting, production management, cinematography, and screenwriting.
The workshops will be led by industry experts, including Darren Gordon from the UK for acting, Dominic Jones for cinematography, and award-winning Nigerian writer Dami Elebe for screenwriting.
GETuP Kenya isn’t just about skills acquisition, it is about creating real-world opportunities.
Graduates from the program will be listed in the Hyphen8 Global Talent Database, accessible to casting agents worldwide, and will have the chance to participate in Hyphen8-produced films.
The program promises to open doors for employment, networking, and co-production ventures, positioning Kenya as a strong player in Africa’s creative economy.
