On 16 March 2021, the Namibian Broadcasting Corporation (NBC) introduced the second phase of the drama production training programme through its training institute.
During the first phase, the NBC training institute produced eight drama series which were funded by the corporation in collaboration with No Plot Productions and produced by the staff of the broadcaster.
The corporation has this time expanded, and granted an opportunity to both internal and external storytellers and producers to package 14 local drama series. NBC Director-General, Stanley B. Similo says it is imperative that the NBC uses its resources and skills to tell the culture and history of Namibia through all its available platforms.
He also explained that research was conducted to determine what the viewers and listeners think about what is being produced on the corporation’s
television and radio platforms. Similo, who is also the president of the Southern African Broadcasting Association (SABA), says his vision is to make Namibia a destination that is welcoming to the arts.
While stating that his vision includes African stories being showcased worldwide, he maintained that this is not to be limited to film – but rather expanded to all forms of arts. “It is our role that we create the platforms, that we create the space and that we do things where we can articulate and tell stories that we would want to and also in the languages that we speak in this country,” he emphasized.
He further hinted at the broadcaster’s plan to launch a Production Training Institute by adding: “I am already in talks with the Namibia Qualifications Agency (NQA) to understand what we must do from a legal perspective, and how we can register this institute.” The Drama Production Training institute, Similio says, will enable local story tellers and producers to penetrate the bigger industry.
He says the broadcaster will also engage other institutions of higher learning for opportunities to collaborate.
At the event, NBC Senior Training Consultant, Cecil Moller, explained that the future of content creation lies in collaboration and partnership and it is for this reason that the NBC has taken the stance and created this platform which will allow storytellers and producers in the country to be part of the initiative.
