The reel role of Kenyan film-makers

Kenya Film and Classification Board (KFCB) has resolved to scrap all agent-run bases from where local film-makers must obtain their work licences. 

The board has also invited film-makers and other stakeholders to offer comments on its proposed redefination of the role of film agents.

 Revise rules

Its move comes after recommendations by local producers to abolish a pre-requisite to register as film agents, or be facilitated by agents, when obtaining licences, in compliance with the filming laws. 

“This requirement was inherited from the Department of Film Services, which was initially responsible for issuing filming licences before this regulatory function was transferred to KFCB in 2018,” the board’s acting CEO Christopher Wambua stated.

While underscoring the importance of film agents, Wambua said their role, in most jurisdictions, is confined to facilitating foreign producers of film and television content.

Unfortunately, they also stifle local film makers and inhibit market entry of aspiring creatives. This inhibits growth of the local creative sector. 

Yesterday the board, through a notice in the free, State-run My Govpublication, explained  its move to redefine the role of film agents. 

It also sought to sensitise the industry on the proposed changes, which are included in the Kenya Film Policy, and invited stakeholders and the public to submit their input. 

“The public consultation documents have been uploaded on the KFCB website for reference. The exercise will close on September 13. If the proposals are adopted, effective October 1, film agents will concentrate on providing logistical support to foreign and television producers,” he said. 

Local filmmakers will be obtaining licences directly from KFCB without going through agents, subject to meeting certain requirements, including registration or incorporation of their businesses. 

Currently, producers of film, TV series, web content and docu-series have been parting with Sh15,000 as license fees per film, and Sh1,000 for each day spent filming. Film agents pay an annual fee of Sh1,000. 

At the same time, Wambua — who took the helm of the State agency last year — said the board is in the final stages of developing a co-regulation framework for broadcast and online streaming services. 

Meanwhile, the Kenya Film School is seeking young people who are passionate about audio-visual productions. 

Those interested in professional courses on directing, script writing, cinematography, video editing and sound engineering are encouraged to apply at the school’s campus in Moi International Sports centre, Kasarani. Forms can also be downloaded from the school’s website.

 or at offices in Kisumu, Eldoret, Kisii, Nakuru, Embu, Garissa and Mombasa.

Forms can also be downloaded from the school’s website.

Currently, broadcasters, distributors and exhibitors are required to submit 100 per cent of the content for classification by the board. 

This will now change as they will be allowed to examine and rate 70 per cent of their content using KFCB’s film classification guide. They will first be first trained on this.

It is meant to facilitate industry players to comply with statutory and regulatory requirements. 

“The framework, which has already been subjected to public consultation, seeks to involve broadcasters and online streaming platforms in examination and rating of audio-visual content meant to be broadcast, distributed and exhibited on their platforms,” said Wambua.

Currently, broadcasters, distributors and exhibitors are required to submit 100 per cent of the content for classification by the board. This will now change as hey will be allowed to examine and rate 70 per cent of their content using KFCB’s film classification guide. They will first be first trained on this. 

“I call upon local creatives and other stakeholders to peruse the documents on the current public consultation and submit their input before the deadline. In doing so, they will have played their role in assisting the board to create a facilitative environment for the creative industry in Kenya,” he noted. 

Documentary, short film, feature, advertisement, corporate videos, music videos are required to pay license fees of Sh5,000 per film and filming fees of Sh1,000 per filming day.