A-Z of starting a film production company

Within the vast landscape of the film industry, where imagination and commerce merge, there exists a realm of dreamers and doers who want to do more than just tell stories; they want to influence the fundamental structure of cinematic narratives.

For individuals like Millan Lwanga, this aspiration transcends mere passion and becomes an unwavering endeavour to bring creativity to the silver screen.

Lwanga, the visionary behind Africandopler Films, discovered his passion for filmmaking while pursuing a Diploma in Journalism from St. Paul’s University.

His last-minute shift from an aspiring journalist to an ambitious filmmaker and cinematographer prompted him to enroll in the Multichoice Talent Factory Academy where he further honed his skills in filmmaking, graduating with merit in 2018.

I have worked on various project as a Director/ DOP and I am an AMVCA and Kalasha award winner for my works on two films "Ensulo" and "Promises". I have also worked on the famous Coke Studio Project. 

I have also contributed my talents to various feature films like ‘Teke’, a short-lived yet cult classic television series that premiered on Youtube in 2020 starring protagonist Brian Kabugi, as street kid navigating the harsh realities of the modern world while pursuing his own dreams and aspirations.

My repertoire likewise extends to the 2022 feature film ‘ Sleep’ and I have showcased my talents in cinematography in the Showmax Original series 'County 49' and the Netflix production 'Volume,' where I doubled as a camera operator.

What advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers looking to establish their own production house, drawing from your experience with Africandopler Films?

The first thing you need is to have a good team because without the team you won’t be able to deliver on projects. I am fortunate enough to have a team that supports and understands my vision as a director and producer.

They stand by my side even when some clients delay payments. It takes a whole village to make a film so getting the right people on board can really help you start your firm successfully. At Africandopler Films we have a great team that works with minimal supervision and meets deadlines even when under pressure.

Before even registering the production house, it is important to sit down with your team and determine a specific niche that your production company will specialize in. Whether it is drama, animation or motion graphics, a clear focus ensures industry recognition, credibility and a steady stream of opportunities.

The next stepis duly registering the film production company and ensuring it is complaint with regulations governing the establishment of such organizations locally.

Can you elaborate on the financial aspects of registering a production house?

With just Ksh.10,450 you can register a limited company on the government's eCitizen platform which has digitised the process and made it simple. After this you will fork out around Ksh.12,000  to secure film agent certificates before you can commence operations.

It is vital to invest in equipment that aligns with your production goals and budgets. If you are having difficulties procuring the equipment independently, you can lease them from more established production houses. We do have equipment at Africandopler but sometimes they are not enough so the project determines whether we lease additional equipment or not.

We have created partnerships with rental companies on this. We lease the equipment, carry out our assignments and return them but we have to pay for them in advance because of how in demand they are.

What are some of the challenges one might face in running a production house, and how can they be overcome?

Getting clients will take you time and in order to successfully run such a production house you need to be well financed so there are sacrifices you have to make as Founder. You can find yourself in situations where a new client gives you a low budget but expects a high-end production or find yourself dealing with clients who don’t pay on time.

There is also the fact that there are other people doing what you are doing in the industry so you have to find a way to stand out from the competition.

Finally, what's your message to fellow filmmakers navigating the complexities of the industry?

The journey of filmmaking is filled with challenges but perseverance and passion are your greatest assets. Embrace the obstacles, learn from them, and keep pushing forward. With a clear blend of creativity, vision, and determination, any aspiring filmmaker can carve their path in this dynamic industry. Stay true to your craft, and success will follow.