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How to Start Your Own Film Production Company: A Practical Guide for Emerging Creatives

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Ever watched a film and thought, “I could make something like that”? You probably can. The truth is, many successful filmmakers started with little more than an idea, a camera, and determination. Setting up your own film production company is one way to take control of your creativity, share your stories, and turn passion into business. Here’s how to make it happen.Learn the CraftBefore you can run a film company, you have to understand the language of film itself. Learn the basics: storytelling, directing, cinematography, lighting, sound, and editing, just to name a few.There are plenty of ways to build your skills; you can take online courses, attend workshops, or apply to practical film training programmes like the MultiChoice Talent Factory Academy, which develops young filmmakers across Africa. You can also gain experience by volunteering on film sets or collaborating with other creatives on short projects. Every shoot teaches you something new.Build Your NetworkIn the film business, your network is your lifeline. Every project, screening, or creative meet-up is a chance to connect. Surround yourself with other creatives, cinematographers, editors, scriptwriters, actors, and producers. West Africa’s creative scene is buzzing with activity. Attend events like the Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA), Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF), Eko International Film Festival (EKOIFF), movie premieres and showcases. These events and platforms are great places to meet potential collaborators, funders, and mentors. You can also join local filmmakers’ WhatsApp or Telegram groups, online workshops, and community screenings to stay plugged in.Register Your CompanyOnce you’re ready to produce content professionally, formalise your hustle by registering your company. This helps you access funding, sign distribution deals, and build credibility with clients and collaborators.Having a registered business name means you can confidently pitch for opportunities, enter into contracts, and represent your brand as a serious creative business and protect your creative rights.Tell Great StoriesThe heart of every production company is the story it tells. Audiences are drawn to stories that feel authentic, those that reflect real lives, local experiences, and universal emotions.Don’t be afraid to explore bold ideas. Let your background, culture, and community shape your creative voice. The best films aren’t necessarily the biggest ones; they’re the ones that connect deeply with people. Get FundingEvery story needs a push to come alive. Once your script and treatment are ready, start looking for funding opportunities.Pitch your ideas to investors, apply for creative grants, or submit them to local and international networks that support African content creators. Streaming and TV platforms such as Showmax and Africa Magic often have submission portals that allow filmmakers to pitch new projects directly.A well-written proposal and a clear vision can get the right people interested in your story.Share Your WorkDon’t wait for the perfect moment; put your work out there. Submit your films to festivals, online showcases, and competitions to build visibility and credibility. Platforms like Showmax, Africa Magic, and YouTube are great places to showcase your projects and reach new audiences.Also, make the most of your social media platforms. Share behind-the-scenes clips, teaser trailers, and creative insights on Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter), and Facebook. The more you engage your online community, the more your work gets noticed by producers, fans, and potential investors.Even if your film isn’t screening, show up anyway. These spaces open doors to new collaborators, funders, and distribution opportunities. Every opportunity to share your work, online or offline, brings you closer to the next big break.Protect Your WorkYour ideas are your currency; protect them. Copyright automatically covers your original work, but it’s wise to take extra steps by registering or documenting your creations with timestamps and watermarks.In Nigeria, you can formally register your work through the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), which issues certificates of registration and helps protect your creative rights. You can also explore Partners Against Piracy (PAP), a coalition that works with filmmakers and broadcasters to combat content theft and promote respect for intellectual property.Avoid sharing full scripts or footage publicly until you’ve protected them, and always work with trusted partners. Learning how to manage your intellectual property is the smartest way to safeguard your creativity and earnings, because in this industry, your ideas are everything.Starting your own film production company is doable. You just need to be intentional about creating content that is rich in storytelling and enriches the lives of your audience. Following the steps listed, you can earn a decent living from the content you create. If you can dream it, then you can live it.

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Entertainment

When the Music You Know Becomes a Story You Can Watch

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“Wait… this song has a video?”

It’s a moment most of us know too well. You’re watching TV without a plan, just letting it play in the background, when a song you’ve loved forever comes on. You know it by heart. You’ve played it on repeat, attached memories to it, maybe even grown with it. Then suddenly, you pause because there it is. A music video. And for a second, you’re genuinely surprised. Not because the song is new, but because you never knew it had a visual world attached to it.

Truth is, a lot of us experience music only through sound. We stream songs, save them to playlists, play them during our quiet moments or loud ones, and move on. Music videos aren’t always part of the journey. Sometimes they don’t pop up on our feeds and sometimes we don’t even think to look for them. So when we finally stumble on one, it feels like discovering something that’s been hiding in plain sight.

Here are a few music channels you won’t want to miss:

Hip TV (Ch 22

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Hip TV isn’t just about playing music videos; it’s a deep dive into the world of artists and their craft. Shows like Top Notch take you beyond the music, giving you the chance to really know the people behind the songs. You’ll discover the stories that inspire their hits, see candid interviews that reveal their personalities, and catch behind-the-scenes moments that make the music feel more personal. Whether it’s learning how a song was made, watching an exclusive performance, or following an artist’s journey, Hip TV turns music into a full experience you can see and feel.

Soundcity (Ch 21) 

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Soundcity brings the energy of live music right into your living room. From electrifying stage performances to intimate interviews, the channel gives you access to moments fans rarely get to see. Behind-the-scenes footage shows the preparation, the rehearsals, and the artistry that goes into creating the hits you love. It’s the kind of channel that makes you feel like you’re part of the music scene itself, witnessing the excitement, the struggles, and the triumphs of the artists who shape your playlists.

Trace Naija (Ch 46) 

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 If discovering fresh, homegrown talent excites you, Trace Naija is where you’ll want to spend your time. The channel highlights rising stars, introduces the songs that are making waves locally, and puts the music you already love into context. You get to follow new artists as they carve their path in the industry, watch their music videos debut, and feel the growth of Nigeria’s music scene in real time. Trace Naija is vibrant, authentic, and full of the kind of musical stories that make you feel connected to the next generation of artists.

Afro Music Pop (Ch 76) 

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When you want visuals and energy to match the beats in your head, Afro Music Pop delivers. From Afrobeat to pop, the channel is a nonstop showcase of colorful, electrifying performances and music videos. Every track comes with visuals designed to make you move, feel, and experience the song in a new way. It’s upbeat, exciting, and full of life—perfect for discovering new hits or enjoying the ones you already know, but now with a visual punch that elevates the music experience.

So the next time a familiar melody hits and you think, “Wait… this song has a video?”, just know that moment of discovery is waiting for you. On GOtv, there’s a channel for every mood, every story, and every kind of music ready to turn the songs you love into experiences you’ll never forget.

To subscribe, upgrade, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. You can also stream anytime with the GOtv Stream App.

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In Celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ and MultiChoice celebrate African women

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March 6, 2026 – Nigeria

Across Africa and beyond, women continue to shape and elevate the stories that define our societies. In celebration of International Women’s Month, CANAL+ pays tribute to the storytellers, athletes, mothers, creators, leaders and icons whose voices inspire millions of households across the continent.

The African entertainment industry is driven by women, actresses, directors, screenwriters and producers who bring depth and authenticity to every production. From captivating telenovelas and popular comedies to powerful drama series, female talent remains at the heart of the stories most loved by viewers on CANAL+ Group of channels. In sport, women redefine competition and excellence – on the field, behind the mic or in leadership. From football to tennis and athletics, women in sport don’t just participate, they elevate the game and inspire the next generation. 

CANAL+ and its subsidiary MultiChoice have chosen to celebrate them through a dedicated campaign: “We are… because she is.” A 90-second spot, produced in both French and English versions, will be broadcast on the Group’s channels and social media platforms in more than 35 countries across Africa.

Watch the promo here

Throughout International Women’s Month, DStv and GOtv will spotlight female‑led films, series, reality shows and global cultural moments that reflect the brilliance and complexity of modern womanhood.

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Entertainment

Love, Culture, and the New Era of Televised Weddings

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Weddings have always held a special place in African culture. They are more than ceremonies,  they are declarations of love, family, identity, and tradition. From the vibrant colours of aso-ebi to the rhythmic sounds of live bands and the emotional exchange of vows, weddings represent a moment of cultural heritage.

In recent years, weddings have gone beyond physical venues. What was once an exclusive gathering for family and friends has transformed into a shared experience for wider audiences. Social media first opened the door, allowing guests and admirers to witness love stories in real time through Instagram posts, TikTok highlights, and YouTube recaps.

And now, television platforms are taking this even further, giving weddings a new kind of permanence and reach.

High-profile weddings, like the widely celebrated union of Adeyemi Idowu popularly known as Yhemolee (Olowo Eko) and his wife Oyindamola, fondly known as ThayourB, captured massive public attention. Moments from their wedding became a live shared experience on television (GOtv & DStv).

From the high fashion statements to the emotional highlights, viewers were able to feel part of something bigger, a reminder that weddings inspire not just both families but entire communities.

This shift reflects a broader reality: weddings today are content. They inspire conversations about fashion, relationships, lifestyle, and aspiration. They preserve memories in ways previous generations could only imagine. For Gen Z couples, their wedding is no longer just a day, it becomes a story that can be revisited, celebrated, and even inspire others planning their own journey to forever.

Broadcast platforms like GOtv are playing a meaningful role in this transformation. By bringing wedding-related content directly into homes, GOtv is helping audiences experience these moments not just through social media snippets but in real time. 

One of the most notable offerings is Channel 105, The Wedding Channel Africa’s first 24-hour wedding channel, available on GOtv. The channel is fully dedicated to African weddings, lifestyle, and bridal fashion, showcasing everything from dream ceremonies to the realities of married life. Programs like Wedding Police and Wedding on a Budget and shows like 5 Years Later, offer a deeper look into marriage itself, reminding viewers that weddings are just the beginning of a lifelong journey.

GOtv is preserving culture, celebrating love, and inspiring future couples with this channel. It allows viewers to witness traditions from different regions, discover new ideas, and feel connected to moments that might otherwise remain private.

With platforms like GOtv, stories continue to live on screens across Africa, where love, culture, and celebration can be experienced by all.

To upgrade, subscribe, or reconnect, download the MyGOtv App or dial *288#. For catch-up and on-the-go viewing, download the GOtv Stream App and enjoy your favourite shows anytime, anywhere. 

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