Lack of funding disrupts web series production

Blackchild Creative Agency director Clifford Mulauzi says production of one of its prospective web series titled Tupo has faced disruptions due to lack of funding.

Tupo is a web series drama which focuses on unveiling complex and multi-layered aspects of college life, thereby providing solutions to challenges that directly affect students’ mental health. The project has currently unpacked only three out of 15 episodes required in its Season 1.

Mulauzi, who is an alumnus of Malawi University of Business and Applied Sciences (Mubas), said they tried reaching out to the corporate world for financial support, but the response has never been satisfactory.

He said: “We are looking for at least K9 million to finish producing 15 episodes in Season 1. We reached out to various institutions and organisations to assist us with funding and they have always promised to get back to us, but never did. 

“All the activities were not done as we intended. For example, we wanted to premiere the drama in all colleges if we had enough resources and ended up releasing the project on YouTube because our audience could not contain their patience.” 

While commending the direction the country’s film industry has taken, Film Association of Malawi (Fama) president Gift ‘Sukez’ Sukali said Fama could help in drafting and providing endorsement letters which the film agencies can use whenever they are appealing for help to the corporate world.

“Film industry does not have direct funding from government. However, Fama can assist with writing an endorsement letter which they can use to source funds from public and private institutions  as well as individuals.

“This process will be much easier if the agency can register with and join Fama,” he said.

On his part, University of Malawi associate professor of drama Zindaba Chisiza advised the agency to trim their budget and apply for Copyright Association of Malawi (Cosoma) funds as indicated in Section 98 of the Copyright Act.

“Cosoma sponsors up to K10 million for a national project, K7 million and K3 million for a district and a community project respectively,” he said.

Blackchild Creative Agency sales and public relations manager Rashid Anusa said companies and institutions will see their products and services being marketed by the Agency if they enter into a partnership.

“There will be a mutual benefit in this partnership where we will also advertise their products and services. We will have a direct and indirect product placement in the footage,” he said.

Blackchild Creative Agency has spent about K1.2 million to produce three episodes of Tupo currently available on YouTube.