Creative
Canon Academy Video Roadshow Lands in Kenya to Empower Aspiring Filmmakers
Canon Central and North Africa (CCNA) is excited to announce the arrival of the Canon Academy Video Roadshow in Kenya; The roadshow spanning multiple countries including Nigeria, Kenya, Egypt, Algeria and many more, will offer an immersive experience to filmmaking enthusiasts unlike any other. The Canon Academy Video Roadshow, Canon’s immersive learning experience for aspiring filmmakers and content creators, sets its sights on Kenya. Following a successful launch in Nigeria, the roadshow offers participants in Kenya a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience with Canon’s cutting-edge equipment and techniques, under the guidance of industry professionals like Enos Olik, Michael Ilako and Fredrick Ochieng.
This commitment to nurturing African filmmaking talent aligns with Canon’s vision of empowering creators to bring their visions to life. The Canon Academy Video platform, launched in 2022, provides a comprehensive online film school accessible in English and French. The platform caters to all skill levels, offering courses delivered through e-learning and gamification. Upon completion, participants can pursue assessments and earn Canon Certification, validating their filmmaking proficiency.
“The Canon Academy Video Roadshow is a testament to Canon’s dedication to fostering a vibrant filmmaking community in Africa,” says Rashad Ghani, B2C Business Unit Director, Canon Central and North Africa. “By equipping filmmakers and creators with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, we empower them to bring their visions to life and leave their mark on the ever-evolving world of visual storytelling. With plans to expand the program to additional African countries, Canon remains dedicated to supporting filmmakers at every stage of their journey.”
Building On Online Success With Hands-On Learning.
Africa’s burgeoning content creation scene, fueled by digital technology and social media, underscores the need for accessible filmmaking education. The Canon Academy Video platform has already garnered an overwhelming response, with over 14,000 aspiring filmmakers registering to hone their skills. In response to their desire for a more practical experience, Canon is bridging the gap between online learning and real-world application with the Canon Academy Video Roadshow.
Kenya Ignites Creativity.
The Kenyan leg of the roadshow kicked off at MGM Studio, offering a three-day program from 3rd-5th June, for 50 Canon Academy Video users on Canon’s Cinema EOS and XA/XF line ups, as well as the V10 for vlogging. Renowned Kenyan filmmaker Enos Olik and Canon Certified Trainer Fredrick Ochieng led the sessions, providing professional advice, hands-on demos, and industry insights based on real-world scenarios. Participants even tackled two TV commercial assignments, putting their newfound skills to the test.
The roadshow continued at KCA University on 6th & 7th June, collaborating with other universities such as Talanta Institute, Nairobi Institute of Music & Performing Arts (NIMPA), Multimedia University (MMU) and Kenya Film School (KFS), to extend the learning opportunity to students. Michael Ilako, a documentary filmmaker featured on the Canon Academy Video platform, joins Fredrick Ochieng to lead workshops covering camera lines, content creation, independent filmmaking, and storytelling. Participants will receive hands-on experience and create their own content, with the top student receiving an award for exceptional talent and innovation.
Investing In The Future Of African Filmmaking.
Led by industry experts, the Canon Academy Video Roadshow empowers aspiring filmmakers with practical knowledge and the confidence to pursue their creative visions. With plans to expand the program to additional African countries, Canon remains dedicated to supporting filmmakers at every stage of their journey.
L-R: General Manager, Ebonylife Place, Mr. Michael Williams, Head of the Ebonylife Creative Academy, Mr. Drikus Volschenk, Head Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics, Hari Elluru, Marketing Manager, LG Electronics, Mr. Paul Mba at the LG Electronics and Ebonylife Creative Academy partnership press conference held at Ebonylife Place Victoria Island Lagos today.
LG Electronics (LGE) is proud to announce a strategic partnership with EbonyLife Creative Academy (ELCA), a renowned institution dedicated to nurturing Africa’s next generation of creative talent. This collaboration is designed to support the filmmaking community through state-of-the-art technology and foster the development of world-class cinematic content in Nigeria and across Africa.
Under this exciting partnership, LG Electronics will provide ELCA with top-tier products that will enhance the learning environment and support students in producing high-quality films, leveraging on LG Filmmaker’s mode. The product lineup includes: Several LG OLED TVs, Refrigerator and Microwaves.
At the sign-on ceremony, General Manager, Home Entertainment, TV Division, Mr. Hari Elluru, Head, Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics said, “these products are known for their superior display technology and energy-efficient performance, ensuring that ELCA’s students have access to the best tools to refine their craft, whether they are working on film editing, post-production, or on-set display needs.”
“We are excited to expand our strategic partnership with LG,” said Mr. Drikus Volschenk, Head of The EbonyLife Creative Academy. “This collaboration underscores EbonyLife Creative Academy’s commitment to being at the forefront of delivering filmmakers who can service both the local and international film and television market, and produce content that introduces our unique style of Nigerian story-telling to the world.
This collaboration between LG Electronics and EbonyLife Creative Academy exemplifies a shared commitment to empowering Africa’s creative industry and providing the best-in-class technology to aspiring filmmakers. By leveraging LG’s state-of-the-art products and ELCA’s creative expertise, this partnership is set to revolutionize the filmmaking experience for students and professionals alike.
The ‘FILMMAKER MODE’ on LG’s premium smart TVs, already a favorite among movie directors worldwide, showcases the director’s intent and preserves the artistic vision and creative nuances of every film. With unparalleled picture quality, impressive contrast, and vibrant colors, LG OLED TVs ensure an immersive cinematic experience.
LG OLED TVs, LG’s premium Smart TV offer, are the ideal choice for playing first person shooters, real-time strategy titles and racing games as they ensure immaculate HDR picture quality, deep blacks and precise colors courtesy of self-lit pixels. What’s more, LG OLED’s ultra-fast 0.1 millisecond response time and extremely low input lag without picture quality loss gives gamers the edge they need to win every time.
A new wave is sweeping through Africa’s betting landscape, led by the rapid growth of crypto-based betting and prediction markets. This trend was the focus of a recent event hosted by Decentralised News and proudly sponsored by Sportsbet.io at Workshop 17, V&A Waterfront. Attendees, including key industry players, content creators, and local influencers, explored how cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology are transforming the region’s betting market, especially in South Africa.
Crypto Betting Gains Ground in South Africa’s Betting Scene
As a leading hub for sports betting and iGaming on the continent, South Africa is uniquely positioned to embrace the benefits of crypto-based betting. The country’s betting market is experiencing explosive growth, driven by its digitally engaged population and the rising popularity of crypto assets.
“The South African market is ripe for crypto betting. With over 50% of South Africans involved in some form of betting and the market expected to grow to around R35 billion (approximately $2.3 billion USD) by 2025, there’s a significant opportunity for growth,” commented Heath Muchena, founder of Decentralised News. “The increasing adoption of cryptocurrency in South Africa is opening up new, exciting opportunities in the world of betting.”
Prediction Markets: Changing the Game with Blockchain
The event highlighted the transformative potential of crypto-based prediction markets, which leverage blockchain technology to offer a transparent, secure, and decentralized betting experience. These markets allow users to bet on the outcome of a wide range of events, from sports matches to political elections, using smart contracts to ensure fair payouts and eliminate the need for intermediaries.
“Crypto prediction markets are not just a trend; they are a revolutionary step forward in how we bet,” said a Sportsbet.io ambassador who attended the meetup. “They provide bettors with increased transparency, security, and lower fees compared to traditional platforms, making them especially appealing in markets like South Africa, where trust and cost efficiency are critical.”
Mobile Betting: The Heart of Africa’s Betting Boom
One of the key topics of discussion was the surge in mobile betting in South Africa, with nearly 80% of all bets now being placed via mobile devices. This shift reflects broader global trends toward mobile-first experiences and is further fueled by the country’s expanding access to smartphones and mobile internet.
Local gaming influencers provided firsthand insights on how mobile crypto betting is transforming user engagement. “People want convenience and speed, and mobile crypto betting delivers just that, with instant deposits, fast payouts, and access to a global betting community,” said one of the popular local content creators in attendance.
Earning Opportunities: Affiliate Marketing in the Crypto Betting Ecosystem
The event also underscored the lucrative opportunities in affiliate marketing for those promoting crypto betting platforms. Affiliates can earn substantial passive income by referring new users to platforms that offer enticing bonuses and high conversion rates.
“Crypto betting platforms are offering some of the most competitive affiliate deals in the market today,” explained a veteran affiliate marketer. “With the growing interest in crypto betting, content creators and marketers can tap into this trend to build a steady income stream while engaging their audiences with valuable content and offers.”
A Bright Future for Crypto Betting in Africa
As Africa’s digital landscape continues to evolve, the appetite for innovative betting solutions like crypto-based platforms is only expected to grow. The event concluded on a high note, with industry leaders and attendees expressing optimism about the future.
“We’re excited to see how quickly the crypto betting scene is gaining traction in South Africa,” said an attendee. “It’s clear that there is tremendous potential for growth, and we’re thrilled to be part of this journey toward a more decentralized and inclusive betting ecosystem.”
The second edition of the Entertainment, Media, Technology and Arts (EMTA) Conference and Awards 2024 curated by BAO Live, an event division of leading media and brand consulting company, Business Africa Online (BAO) concluded on a high note. EMTA 2024 brought together industry leaders, innovators, and creatives for a day of insightful discussions, networking, and celebration. The pivotal event was held on Friday 30th August at The Wheatbaker Hotel Ikoyi, Lagos, Nigeria.
This year’s EMTA conference and awards themed ‘Redefining Entertainment and Media Business In A World of AI’ kicked off with a welcome address from Joy Harrison Abiola, BAO Board Advisor. The event featured a keynote address from Victoria Abiola Ajayi, Group CEO TVC Communications. Victoria shared her insights on the topic; Unlocking New Growth in Media and Entertainment Business.
Joy Harrison-Abiola (BAO Board Advisor).
Victoria Abiola Ajayi (Group CEO, TVC Communications)
The interactive panel sessions featured notable speakers; as Mary Ephraim-Egbas of Homelands Films, Ike Nnaebue of LP House of Creatives, Judith Audu of Judith Audu Productions, Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson of Paramount Africa, Ladun Awobokun of FilmOne, Israel Obatunde of Ideas Origin Media and Ebele The Flutist (Nigeria’s Foremost Female Flutist). The panel topics discussed were Beyond the screen: Unraveling the prospects in the film industry and Storytelling: Reimaging media and content production.
L-R: Joy Harrison Abiola, Dr. Bada Akintunde-Johnson, Ayomide Idogun, Ladun Awobokun, Israel Obatunde and Ebele The Flutist.
L-R: Joy Harrison-Abiola, Moses Agochuckwu, Alaba Ayinuola, Mary Ephraim-Egbas, Judith Audu and Ike Nnaebue.
The panel hosts; Moses Agochukwu of Silverbird Film Distribution and Ayomide Idogun of Lightning Sports were excellent moderators. The Showcase experience featured Michael Odiong of Premier Records Limited as he shared his insight on talent development, marketing and the impact of Premier Records in The African music industry. Attendees gained valuable insights into the latest trends and innovations shaping the entertainment and media landscape.
The awards ceremony honored outstanding achievements with six (6) winners announced. Notable winners; Obi Asika (Director General/CEO of National Council for Arts & Culture, Nigeria) and Victoria Abiola Ajayi (Group CEO of TVC Communications) took home the coveted Lifetime Achievement Award and Exemplary Leadership Award (Media) respectively, recognizing their exceptional contributions to the industry. Other winners are; Mary Ephraim-Egbas (Industry Champion Award – Film), LG NIGERIA ELECTRONICS (Smart Tech & Innovation Leadership Award), Ideas Origin Media (Design & Creative Excellence Award) and Premier Records Limited (Recording Legacy Company Award).
“We’re thrilled with the success of this year’s conference and awards. It was a fantastic opportunity for professionals to connect, learn, and celebrate the best in entertainment, media, technology and arts. Preparations are in gear to make EMTA 2025 even much more a bigger success.” said Alaba Ayinuola, Publisher & CEO at BAO.
The event was made possible through the support of sponsors and partners. Ideas Origin Media and LG ELECTRONICS NIGERIA as the Gold sponsors. And TVC Communications, Premier Records Limited, Olokpo App and GAIA Africa as partners. The event compere Segun Akinola (MC SHEGAZY) was exceptional.
For more information, please visit BAO Live. Join the conversation on social media using #EMTA2024 #BAOEMTA2024.
