An evaluation of the emerging schools and college film festival on the development of local content

128 Pages·2016·0.83 MB·English

by  Nzomo, Mark Kaloki

AN EVALUATION OF THE EMERGING SCHOOLS AND COLLEGES
FILM FESTIVAL ON THE DEVELOPMENT OF LOCAL CONTENT FOR
TELEVISION
NZOMO, MARK KALOKI
K50/75278/2014
A RESEARCH PROJECT SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT FOR THE
AWARD OF A MASTER OF ARTS DEGREE IN COMMUNICATION STUDIES AT
THE SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
NOVEMBER 2016
DECLARATION
I hereby declare that this is my original work and has not been presented for any examination
purposes or otherwise in any institution. All citations have been properly acknowledged and
credited in observance of APA rules of formatting.
Signed…………………………… Date………………………………
MARK KALOKI NZOMO
K50/75278/2014
This project has been submitted for examination with my approval as the university supervisor
on behalf of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, University of Nairobi.
SUPERVISOR
Signed…………………………… Date………………………….
DR. EDWIN NYUTHO
SCHOOL OF JOURNALISM AND MASS COMMUNICATION,
UNIVERSITY OF NAIROBI
ii
DEDICATION
This research is dedicated to film producers who continue to fight for a professional and
productivefilm industry in Kenya.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am grateful to God for His grace and favor that has enabled me to come this far.
I would like to thank and acknowledge my supervisor Dr. Edwin Nyutho for his tireless effort,
dedication and attention to detail the reason this work was possible.
I am humbled by the support and encouragement of my wife and family and for helping me pull
through the difficult times.
I also thank all schools and college administrations and my respondents who were ever so
gracious and patient and helped me compile this research.
May God eternally remember your effort and contribution in my life.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
DECLARATION...............................................................................................................................................ii
DEDICATION.................................................................................................................................................iii
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT..................................................................................................................................iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES..............................................................................................................................................x
LIST OF FIGURES...........................................................................................................................................xi
LIST OF ACRONYMS.....................................................................................................................................xii
ABSTRACT...................................................................................................................................................xiii
CHAPTER ONE...............................................................................................................................................1
INTRODUCTION AND BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY....................................................................................1
1.1Overview.............................................................................................................................................1
1.2 Introduction.........................................................................................................................................1
1.3 Problem Statement..............................................................................................................................3
1.4 Main Objective....................................................................................................................................4
1.5 Specific Objectives.............................................................................................................................4
1.6 Research Questions.............................................................................................................................4
1.7 Scope and Limitation of the Study......................................................................................................5
1.8 Justification.........................................................................................................................................5
1.9 Definition of Terms.............................................................................................................................6
CHAPTER TWO..............................................................................................................................................9
LITERATURE REVIEW.....................................................................................................................................9
2.1 Overview.............................................................................................................................................9
2.2 Historical Background of the Schools and Colleges Film Festival.....................................................9
2.3 Local Content Regulation by the Communications Authority..........................................................11
2.4 The Industry Standard of Quality Films...........................................................................................12
2.5 Advancements in Filming Technology.............................................................................................13
2.6 The Film Making Process.................................................................................................................13
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2.7 The Film Production Challenges in Kenya.......................................................................................15
2.7.1 Underdeveloped Scripts and Weak Characterization...................................................15
2.7.2 Weak Rebate System for Foreign Collaboration..........................................................16
2.7.3 How are Local Television Stations Implicated in Funding Local Productions............19
2.7.4 Program Commissioning Process for Broadcast..........................................................20
2.8 The Film Genres Explored in Kenya................................................................................................22
2.9 Film Institutions and Festivals in Kenya Supporting the Film Industry...........................................24
2.10 Policy Implications for Schools and Colleges Film Festival..........................................................25
2.11 Theoretical Framework...................................................................................................................27
2.11.1 Formalist Film Theory................................................................................................28
2.11.2 Diffusion of Innovation Theory.................................................................................29
CHAPTER THREE..........................................................................................................................................31
RESEARCH METHODOLOGY........................................................................................................................31
3.1 Overview...........................................................................................................................................31
3.2 Research Design................................................................................................................................31
3.3 Research Approach...........................................................................................................................31
3.4 Sample Design..................................................................................................................................33
3.5 Target Population..............................................................................................................................34
3.6 Sample Size and Sampling Procedure..............................................................................................35
3.6.1 Sample Size..................................................................................................................35
3.6.2 Sampling Procedure.....................................................................................................36
3.7 Data Collection Methods and Instruments........................................................................................37
3.8 Data Processing and Analysis Techniques........................................................................................38
3.9 Ethical Issues....................................................................................................................................38
CHAPTER FOUR...........................................................................................................................................40
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION...........................................................................40
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4.1 Overview...........................................................................................................................................40
4.2 Introduction.......................................................................................................................................40
4.3 Findings.............................................................................................................................................41
4.3.1 Background Information..............................................................................................42
4.3.2 Number and educational level of institutions...............................................................42
4.3.3 Institutional Designation..............................................................................................43
4.3.4 Roles Played by respondents in film production.......................................................................44
4.3.5 Film Genres knowledge test......................................................................................................45
4.3.6Film Genres Produced...............................................................................................................46
4.3.7 Film workshop trainings............................................................................................................47
4.3.8 Script writing process................................................................................................................48
4.3.9 Ethico-legal checks for scripts....................................................................................................50
4.3.10 Acquiring a technical crew for film shooting...........................................................................51
4.3.11 Availability of filming equipment...........................................................................................52
4.3.12 Hired Equipment and Operating Personnel.............................................................................53
4.3.13 Arrangements for shooting locations outside institutional grounds.......................................54
4.3.14 Institutional support given in film production.........................................................................55
4.3.15 Quality time and space for rehearsing.....................................................................................56
4.3.16 Access to costumes, props, set arrangement and other related mise-en-scene....................58
4.3.17 The actual production phase...................................................................................................59
4.3.18 The type of production funding available................................................................................60
4.3.19 Production aspects provided for in kind..................................................................................61
4.4 Interview Data Presentation, Analysis and Discussion....................................................................62
4.4.1 Knowledge test on the film production process.........................................................................62
4.4.2 Differences between theatre and film in areas of acting, shooting and mise-en-scene..............64
4.4.3 Student involvement in film production....................................................................................66
4.4.3.1 Script development............................................................................................66
4.4.3.2 Auditions and castings.......................................................................................67
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4.4.3.3 Location scouting...............................................................................................67
4.4.3.4 Costuming and make-up....................................................................................67
4.4.3.5 Set-running.........................................................................................................67
4.4.3.6Apprenticing in technical film operations.........................................................68
4.4.4 Knowledge gaps to be addressed for successful film production..............................................68
4.4.5 Challenges encountered scouting for shooting locations outside institution.............................69
4.4.6 Insurance and safety considerations for students during film production..................................71
4.4.7 Budgeting and funding access...................................................................................................71
4.4.7.1 Budgeting process..............................................................................................72
4.4.7.2 High and Low budget production items............................................................72
4.4.7.3 Cost-cutting initiatives.......................................................................................74
4.4.8 Broadcast production requirements...........................................................................................75
4.5. Content analysis of the film Escape from Reality...........................................................................76
4.5.1 Background and Synopsis..........................................................................................................76
4.5.2 Organizational commentary.......................................................................................................78
4.5.3 Story summary...........................................................................................................................79
4.5.4 Storytelling Technique...............................................................................................................80
4.5.4.1 Visual emotion...................................................................................................80
4.5.4.2 Lighting and framing.........................................................................................81
4.5.4.3 Music, sound track and sound effects................................................................83
4.5.5 Emerging Themes......................................................................................................................84
4.5.5.1 Corruption..........................................................................................................84
4.5.5.2 Lewdness...........................................................................................................85
4.5.5.3 Apathy to learning.............................................................................................86
4.5.6 A Highlight of Mistakes in Production and Post-Production Phases.........................................86
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4.5.6.1 Actors’ ease of interaction with the camera.......................................................86
4.5.6.2 Set Preparation...................................................................................................87
4.5.6.3 Overexposed clips..............................................................................................88
4.5.6.4 Panning mistakes...............................................................................................88
4.5.6.5 Continuity mistake.............................................................................................89
4.5.6.6 Editing flops.......................................................................................................89
CHAPTER FIVE.............................................................................................................................................91
SUMMARY, CONCLUSIONS, POLICY IMPLICATION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.........................................91
5.1 Overview...........................................................................................................................................91
5.2 Summary...........................................................................................................................................91
5.3 Conclusion........................................................................................................................................94
5.4 Policy Implication and Recommendations.......................................................................................96
5.5Further Research...............................................................................................................................98
BIBLIOGRAPHY............................................................................................................................................99
APPENDICES..............................................................................................................................................105
Appendix 1: Questionnaire...................................................................................................................105
Appendix 2: Interview Schedule...........................................................................................................110
Appendix 3: Certificate of Fieldwork...................................................................................................112
Appendix 4: Certificate of Corrections.................................................................................................113
Appendix 5: Certificate of Plagiarism..................................................................................................114
Appendix 6: Declaration of Originality................................................................................................115
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LIST OF TABLES
Table 3.1: Target Population.........................................................................................................34
Table 3.2: Sample Population.......................................................................................................36
Table 4.1: Film workshop trainings and the knowledge areas covered........................................47
Table 4.2: Hired equipment and operating personnel...................................................................53
Table 4.3: Film production process responses..............................................................................62
Table 4.4: Role description in film production.............................................................................63
Table 4.5: Understanding of the differences between theatre and film........................................64
Table 4.6: Challenges of acquiring locations outside institutions................................................69
Table 4.7: The ratios of budget items in priority as perceived by respondents............................73
Table 4.8: Level of understanding on broadcast requirements.....................................................75
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