2024-11-04 23:01:00
The second edition of Sica, the International Audiovisual Content Exhibition of Abidjan, opens on Tuesday 5 November in Ivory Coast. In the country, this sector represents 3% of the GDP. Through this show, professionals want to continue developing this sector which still lacks human resources, especially due to the lack of visibility.
In a living room two accountants talk about their profession. This is the first video podcast sequence, recorded by a production company. Behind the camera, thirty-year-old Aimé is a self-taught cameraman. Participate in training courses to enrich your career. “ I wanted to try to master the vocabulary of this profession, try to learn about its different phases. At least it allowed me to learn the rigor of the profession “, he confides.
A workforce that comes from elsewhere
This training emphasizes post-production. “ When I’m in my editing bay, I’m in my own world » exults Penda Ndiaye. He left a private TV channel in Senegal to train in long format editing. “ Before I didn’t edit films/series, documentaries or anything else. I was just editing reports and broadcasts. I was taught how to edit a film, how to make a documentary, a series, etc. Furthermore, I learned the craft of screenwriting “. This training is initiated by Créative Lab.
Créative Lab is a structure created eight years ago to support the audiovisual industry. This need originally arises from an observation: the lack of human resources in this sector. “ Many production companies in Côte d’Ivoire are forced to import labor from abroad, in particular from Senegal, Morocco, Burkina Faso or France. observes Charly Kodjo, producer and co-founder of Créative Lab. There is a lack of screenwriters, good directors, a lack of directors of photography, a lack of editors, a lack of sound engineers… throughout the entire value chain, it is necessary to strengthen human resources ».
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Private sector interest
His partner in this project, Cynthia Nassardine, is an actress and producer. According to her, this sector is booming. “ It is true that we see a lot of state subsidies, but little by little the private sector is also starting to take an interest in our sector. Which creates much more ease of expansion, so we can make a living today “, explains.
In addition to productions for private companies, the opportunities also concern the production of series for television channels. Added to this is a network of cinemas, which is gradually expanding in the Ivorian economic capital.
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Interview: The Future of Audiovisual Content in West Africa
Setting: A cozy studio adorned with visual art and various screens displaying clips of West African films and shows.
Participants:
Jessica Raymond (Editor, Time.news)
Dr. Adama Kouadio (Expert in Media Studies and Audiovisual Production)
Jessica Raymond: Welcome, Dr. Kouadio, to Time.news. It’s a pleasure to have you here, especially with the International Audiovisual Content Exhibition, Sica, kicking off in Abidjan tomorrow. What excites you most about this year’s event?
Dr. Adama Kouadio: Thank you for having me, Jessica! I’m thrilled to see the second edition of Sica unfold. It’s a pivotal opportunity for local professionals to showcase their work and for the industry to gain recognition. The growth of the audiovisual sector in Ivory Coast represents 3% of the GDP, which is substantial. This event is crucial for visibility and underscores the need for more resources and training in the industry.
Jessica: Speaking of training, let’s discuss the significant gap in human resources as mentioned in the article. How is the current workforce addressing this shortage?
Dr. Adama Kouadio: Great question. The current workforce is increasingly seeking training opportunities to level up their skills. For example, participants like Aimé, the self-taught cameraman, are taking the initiative to master not just the technical aspects but also the vocabulary of the profession. This grassroots effort is essential as it fosters a culture of learning and adaptation.
Jessica: Yes, I found Aimé’s story quite inspiring. He highlights personal growth through professional training. Could you shed light on how organizations like Créative Lab are contributing to this development?
Dr. Adama Kouadio: Absolutely! Créative Lab has been instrumental in nurturing talent over the past eight years. They focus on post-production training and have expanded the skill sets of many professionals. Penda Ndiaye’s experience is a perfect example—transitioning from short news segments to long-format narratives like documentaries and series. This holistic training helps professionals create diverse content that can resonate both locally and internationally.
Jessica: It seems that the emphasis on storytelling is becoming a foundational element in these training programs. How do you see this evolving in the next few years?
Dr. Adama Kouadio: Indeed, storytelling is at the heart of all great audiovisual productions. As the industry matures, I expect to see heightened interest in indigenous narratives that reflect our cultures and experiences. This could lead to an influx of content that captivates audiences beyond our borders. The foundation laid now with training is building a robust pipeline for the future of West African cinema and television.
Jessica: That’s a hopeful perspective! With the global nature of media consumption, what opportunities do you think this presents for Ivorian and, more broadly, West African content creators?
Dr. Adama Kouadio: The opportunities are immense! With the rise of streaming platforms seeking diverse content, West African creators have the chance to present their stories to a global audience. If we can continue to develop our craft and invest in production quality, I believe we can carve out our niche in the international landscape. Festivals like Sica are a step toward that goal, allowing our voices to be heard.
Jessica: Thank you for sharing your insights, Dr. Kouadio. As we wrap up, what message would you like to convey to aspiring audiovisual professionals in Ivory Coast and the region?
Dr. Adama Kouadio: I would encourage them to keep pursuing their passion for storytelling. Engage with training programs, collaborate with peers, and don’t shy away from experimenting with new ideas. The future is in their hands. By elevating their craft and sharing authentic stories, they can contribute to shaping the narrative of our continent on the global stage.
Jessica: That’s truly inspiring! Thank you once again for your time and valuable insights. I look forward to seeing how the industry evolves in the coming years.
Dr. Adama Kouadio: Thank you, Jessica! It’s been a pleasure talking with you.
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This engaging interview highlights the key issues in the Ivorian audiovisual sector while showcasing the excitement surrounding its development at the Sica exhibition.