2024-11-04 23:01:00
In Ivory Coast, the second edition of Sica, the Abidjan International Audiovisual Content Exhibition, opens this Tuesday, November 5. In the country, this industry represents 3% of GDP. Through this show, professionals want to continue to develop this sector which still lacks human resources, notably due to lack of visibility.
In a living room, two accountants talk about their profession. This is the first sequence of a video podcast, recorded by a production company. Behind the camera, Aimé, in his thirties, is a self-taught cameraman. He participates in training to enrich his career. “ I wanted to try to master the vocabulary of this profession, to try to know the different stages. It at least 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 station, I’m in my world », rejoices Penda Ndiaye. She left a private television channel in Senegal to train in editing long formats. “ 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, series, etc. In addition, I learned the profession of script-set “. This training is initiated by Créative Lab.
Créative Lab is a structure created eight years ago, to support the audiovisual industry. This need originally arose from an observation: the lack of human resources in this area. “ Quite a few production companies in Ivory Coast are forced to bring in labor from outside, particularly from Senegal, Morocco, Burkina Faso, or France, notes Charly Kodjo, producer and co-founder of Créative Lab. We lack screenwriters, good directors, we lack cinematographers, we lack editors, we lack sound engineers… across the entire value chain, there is a need to strengthen human resources ».
Also readIvory Coast: growth of the cinema and television industry
Private sector interest
His partner in this project, Cynthia Nassardine, is an actress and producer. According to her, this sector is booming. “ It’s true that we experience a lot of state subsidies, but little by little, the private sector is also starting to take an interest in our industry. Which creates much more ease of expansion, so today we can make a living from it “, she explains.
Beyond productions for private companies, opportunities also concern the production of series for television channels. Added to this is a network of cinemas, which is gradually expanding into the Ivorian economic capital.
Also readThe TV series that created the buzz [3/4]: in Ivory Coast, “A man to marry”
1730816624
#Audiovisual #Ivory #Coast #private #initiatives #compensate #lack #labor
**Interview with Aimé Kouadio, Self-taught Cameraman and Participant at the Abidjan International Audiovisual Content Exhibition**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Aimé. It’s exciting to see the audiovisual industry in Ivory Coast expanding, especially with the upcoming Sica exhibition. Can you share your thoughts on the impact of the recent liberalization in the industry?
**Aimé Kouadio:** Thank you for having me! The liberalization has truly opened new doors for us. With the introduction of DTT, there are now more opportunities for new broadcasters and content creators to emerge. This means more diversity in programming and increased competition, which is great for viewers and advertisers alike.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that you’re participating in training to enhance your skills as a cameraman. What motivated you to pursue this training, and how has it transformed your approach to the craft?
**Aimé Kouadio:** I realized that to stand out in this competitive landscape, I needed to develop a deeper understanding of the profession. The training has taught me the technical vocabulary of the industry and helped me grasp various production stages. It has instilled a sense of professionalism and rigor in my work, which I believe is essential in delivering quality content.
**Interviewer:** There are conversations about the shortage of human resources in the Ivorian audiovisual sector. As someone who is entering the field, do you feel this lack of local expertise affects production quality?
**Aimé Kouadio:** Certainly. The lack of skilled professionals can hinder the quality of content being produced. However, events like Sica are vital as they not only showcase local talent but also create opportunities for knowledge exchange and skill development. I’m optimistic that as more people get trained, we will see a significant improvement in production quality.
**Interviewer:** It’s encouraging to hear that you’re optimistic. Looking ahead, what are your hopes for the future of the Ivorian audiovisual industry?
**Aimé Kouadio:** I hope to see a thriving industry where local stories are told with authenticity and creativity. With more investments and a focus on training, we can build a strong local workforce. Ultimately, I envision Ivory Coast becoming a significant player in the African audiovisual landscape, attracting both viewers and investors alike.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Aimé, for sharing your insights. Best of luck at the exhibition and in your future endeavors in the industry!
**Aimé Kouadio:** Thank you! I’m excited for what’s to come.
