BROADCAST, FILM AND MUSIC AFRICA: The Africa Media Business Exchange at BFMA declared a resounding success

The First Africa Media Business Exchange was a success at many levels

The event, which was organized by AITEC Africa in collaboration with Film Biz Africa, saw 13 local  investees pitch business plans to eight different potential investors.

The majority of the investees turned out to be film producers and persons seeking equity to complete their productions and start new projects.

The event ran in two sessions, in themorning and afternoon of the second day of BFMA 2012. Each batch of investees were given 15 minutes to pitch thier concept to each investor and time was strictly adhered to.

By the end of the day, each and every investee walked  away with useful contacts  and promises were made for further meetings to advance discussions on sealing venture capital commitments.

Suggestions to improve the Exchange included:

• More time to pitch concepts;

• Invite venture capitlaists with targeted interest in film and animation;

• Providing information on the investors in advance of the meetings;

• Offering training beforehand on how to pitch to investors.

“Frankly, the Business Exchange was well organized. I liked the setting organized for us and the VCs. It made one feel comfortable. The time was also ample and generally I gained a lot. Thank you for the opportunity,” said Rahab Wambui of Tatuah Productions.

“A lot of useful advice! It felt like being in business school in a way,” said award winning animator Kwame Nyongo of Apes in Space.