The Standard Friday Date: 29.08.2014 Page 56 Article size: 482 cm2 ColumnCM: 107.11 AVE: 278488.88 Reeling inlocal content Leading cabletelevision company, Multichoice will this Monday celebrate one year after they set up studios in Kenya and as ESTHER MUCHENE writes, there are plans to roll out even more local content shows won Africa Magic Viewer's approximate Shi.5 Choice awards last year. "We recently wrapped up the billion spread over two years and setting first phase of Africa Magic Original base at the films stu Films which saw 56 movies being dios in Kenya, Multichoice Africa is produced and acted by East African set to celebrate one year of oversee producers and thespians. Also un ing local productions, acquiring der the new banner of the Maisha content and Maisha Magic original Magic Original Films project, films. MNet is investing heavily to create Launched exactly one year ago 60 more original films in East Afri this Monday, the cable TV compa ca in the next year and all these will ny will unveil the entry of the new be aired to East Africans on Maisha channel Maisha Magic on channel Magic," Mr Ndetei adds. After pumping in an 161."As MNet, we believe that new content is vital to keeping audienc MORE COMEDY es entertained and so we have been The familyoriented entertain will work with some of the best pro duction companies locally. Already on board, they have Insignia, His toria Films, Zamaradi, Zebra Pro ductions, Epic Nation, Sinema Sisi Production, Spielworks Media, Cheruscopic Productions, Tafsiri Entertainment, Six to six entertain ment, Rushmedia, Cote Quest Au diovisual, Trendz Studio LTD and Rolyn Productions. By opening doors to all produc ers and film makers in the industry, they hope to see the region receive the best stories told by its own while at the same time tapping in to other markets. working hard, not just to create ment channel will offer 24 hours of "The East African audiences homegrown content, but to ac the best local dramas, series, com have demonstrated a clear appetite quire and license other content si edy, lifestyle, reality shows, teleno for other content such as Latin American telenovellas. However vellas and music. multaneously," Michael Ndetei The regional director revealed MNet regional director says. that they are in progress with Com A key segment of the company's time and resources have been in edy Club starring Ann Kansiime, vested in creating content for the the legendary Vitimbi comedy region in an effort to keep audienc show and Mr & Mrs Singh though they plan to bring in more acts on es entertained. This has resulted in success board. creating local content in East Afri ca for East Africans remains a pri ority to us," states the regional di rector. New plans are being developed within the company to remain an innovative pioneering player in the film and TV landscape across Afri ca. "We are not a company that just The channel which will be avail wants to talk about what we are go from some of its homegrown con tentlike KONA, Changes, the Patri able to all DStv Premium, Compact ing to do. We are a company that does our homework, works out cia Show and Mashariki Mix. This Plus and Compact subscribers. To how best to meet a need and then was evident when two of the new turn this vision into reality, they meets it," he intones. Ipsos Kenya Acorn House,97 James Gichuru Road Lavington Nairobi Kenya The Standard Friday Date: 29.08.2014 Page 56 Article size: 482 cm2 ColumnCM: 107.11 AVE: 278488.88 to other markets. "The East African audiences have demonstrated a clear appetite for other content such as Latin American telenovellas. However creating local content in East Afri ca for East Africans remains a pri ority to us," states the regional di rector. New plans are being developed within the company to remain an innovative pioneering player in the film and TV landscape across Afri ca. "We are not a company that just wants to talk about what we are go ing to do. We are a company that does our homework, works out how best to meet a need and then meets it," he intones. Ipsos Kenya Acorn House,97 James Gichuru Road Lavington Nairobi Kenya