Talking Arts: BAZ is welcome in the city

Nkululeko Nkala

The excitement is not that much, but it shows. Bulawayo has not come to a standstill like it did during the Region 5 Youth Games (Too bad some of the service providers for the Youth Games have still not been paid) (Really Sad), but trust me, people are talking, for lack of a better word, the industry is buzzing.

So, Who is BAZ? BAZ is hope for a film industry, BAZ is a smile for an actor, BAZ is the restorer of faith to the content producer and BAZ is any cap that fits at the moment. To summarise it all, BAZ stands for Broadcasting Authority of Zimbabwe.

How was life before BAZ and Digitalisation? Besides the fact that we once enjoyed our own TV, before DSTV and foreign heroes and stories. I am sure many would choose to not even remember a thing, especially those in the arts industry (actors and producers). Why would anyone want to remember the dealings with broadcasters then, how work was not paid for (even up to today).

How according to many the State broadcaster single handedly crushed the confidence in the system and sent producers into hiding. So when this whole digitalisation talk started, most thought it was the usual round and round talk with no action. Ah well, many have been made to eat humble pie. Things are happening. As I write, there is a team from BAZ that are in the city to see off the creation of four pilots. I also have to say I am part of one of the four teams, which is the reason for this piece. Appreciation.

In everything that we do, there is always a need for outcomes, otherwise everything is in vain. Want to know why I think the film industry is about to blow up? Well I will tell you anyway. I was impressed by the number of outcomes coming from a single shoot. The benefits are just too much. Maybe BAZ can learn a thing or two from this and use it to get more money for the industry from the powers that be. Just in case someone that is in the dark about happenings but that has influence reads this. Film is huge in other countries, talk Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood and even South Africa. Film is a contributor in those countriesa�� GDPs. Sometimes even more than some of the other prioritised industries.

These are the benefits that I saw. Even though we auditioned close to 200 prospective actors and were only in need of about 30 actors, I saw the potential for many young people to be part of an industry(employment creation).

There is no way you can shoot a film and not move around, there is a need for transport(employment creation).One way or the other , you have to feed the body that makes the money(catering benefitted, again employment creation).You need a crew to shoot, a camera man, a sound guy , a lighting technician, director , makeup artist and a production manager(Me), again employment creation. We had to look for locations to shootA� , props , costumes and such(service providers benefitted. When all is done, content producersA�A� , BAZ and the nation will watch our stories, tell our stories and in the process better our country. I boldly say, BAZ you are welcome in our city. Fund more works, when the time comes. Leta��s watch interesting TV.

I mean even B Metro and Chronicle newspapers are excited about this. Has anyone seen how the Chronicle entertainment page is patiently waiting for local content? These days they tell what to look forward to on Isibaya and other South African dramas. Quick question? Is ZBC still broadcasting? I mean other things besides news? If so, maybe Chronicle could gently introduce local programmes along with the popular SA ones which we all watch. Until next week, be safe