By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
The launch of Beyond the Slate (BTS) marked a historic milestone in Africa’s creative and tech landscape, dedicated to empowering film and entertainment startups, nurturing talent, and shaping the next generation of media innovation across the continent.
The event was held in Lagos, and it brought together students, film schools, and emerging creatives in theatre, film, and media.
BTS Convener, Ms. Nsidibe-Abasi Asuquo, explained that the initiative aims to empower theatre, film, and media graduates, helping them transition seamlessly into the industry. She said, “It is not just a one person thing, it is a beyond the slate thing, we need everybody to work together to make this possible; so brands that are passionate about youth empowerment, media bodies, theatre arts bodies and film bodies of course.”
Ms. Nsidibe-Abasi Asuquo outlined the initiative’s objectives, including providing an empowerment course where facilitators take individuals one-on-one in various sectors of theatre arts, such as administrative, finance, box office, branding, strategy, and legal.
Participants who complete the course receive a certificate, which serves as proof of their transition into the industry.
Keynote Speaker, Chris Ihidero, a Nigerian Filmmaker, emphasized the importance of personal branding. He said, “Personal branding is truth, honesty and loyalty; and putting that combination together will help individual just starting his or her career.”
He advised participants to focus on mastering their craft, rather than solely building a legacy. “Building a legacy is not different from talent making; building a legacy is doing what you say you will do.”
The Director General of Voice of Nigeria (VON), Mallam Jibril Baba Ndace, congratulated the organizers and participants of BTS, highlighting the creative industry’s potential for economic advancement, youth empowerment, and national rebranding.
Industry experts shared insights on branding, PR, and legal essentials. Mr. Peter Adesanya emphasized the importance of clarity in building a personal brand, while Ms. Banyinorim Agbo urged participants to know their goals and have knowledge about their field. Ms. Favour Fashina encouraged participants to start small, and Mr. Clover Omokhomion stressed the importance of legal awareness for creatives.
Akunna Okechukwu, a corporate and entertainment lawyer, advised creatives to distinguish between being passionate and being desperate, saying, “Being passionate drives you to achieve a lot of things; allows you to be at the right places, move with the right people at the right time but being desperate can lead to downfall.”
Amanda Uzoagba, a legal practitioner, offered advice on dealing with stolen creatives, recommending that creatives gather evidence, discuss the issue with the breaching party, and seek legal action if necessary.
The event ended with a call to action, encouraging partners to join forces with BTS to empower the next generation of creatives and drive media innovation across the continent.
