Film Production Possible Career Paths

Setting up for shooting

Many passionate movie lovers dream of having a career in film production but rarely pursue it. They tell themselves it’s too competitive, not marketable, or that only a certain few can find stable work. These anxieties are all too familiar, causing thousands of potentially remarkable filmmakers to give up before they begin.

Contrary to popular belief, a film career is practical. A standard production requires the labour of numerous trained professionals specialising in sound, visual, and production tasks, all of which are integral to giving an idea form.

If you want to find secure work in a job you love, read more about the many available options.

Possible Career Paths

• Film Production training helps you become a Camera Operator

A camera operator with an eye for visuals can join a big-budget production with many crew members. Camera assistants, trainees, and the director create a unique style for the film. Carefully making each shot.

To be successful, camera operators must have a range of skills, with experienced film production school grads being the best fit. They get hands-on practice through their portfolio projects, including documentaries, music videos, and commercials.

• Film Production Training can make you an Editor.

To be successful in this career, you need a lot of knowledge about the technicalities and skills for details. You should make sure each scene comes together to form a cohesive story.

To have a successful career, it is essential to have the right tools and appropriate training. Kamata Entertainment School provides this by offering smaller classes with hands-on experience that will give you the skills you need.

Video Editors Putting Different Scenes Together

• Script Reading

More interested in becoming an actor or actress? There are lots of jobs out there. For example, you can use your skills to read scripts for productions. One of the first steps in planning a movie is choosing a script. This is done by analysing whether it would be suited for movie production. Film companies and funding bodies often employ breakdown processes for this purpose.

• Script Advisor

How Does Music Distribution Work?

What Is Music Distribution?

Music distribution is the process of getting music from the artist to the public. The music can be put on digital or physical media.

Apart from the artist, there are other players involved in creating the music. Producers, promoters, engineers and others play a part in making the music available to consumers.

How Music Distribution Works

Distribution works a lot with contracts between the artist and the distributor. Music distribution companies sign deals with a record label or an individual artist. The deal gives rights to sell the artist’s or record label’s products.

Most distributors expect an artist/ label to offer them finished products. Some distributors offer marketing and distribution deals (M&D). In this type of agreement, the distributor pays for the cost of the product. They will recover their expenditure from early sales of the product.

In the 20th century, music distribution was a mess because of the illegal downloading of music. Artists would not earn from their products because of piracy. However, easy internet access has helped in correcting illegal downloading.

Digital streaming platforms like Spotify, Mdundo and Itunes have changed music distribution. Artists can now share their music without any middlemen involved. With the continuous growth, of digital use, digital music distribution is essential for artists.

How Does Digital Music Distribution Work?

Before easy access to the internet, distribution was an agreement between the distributors and artists. Digital distribution means, intermediaries have no involvement in the distribution of music by the artist. It has freed the artist from using physical copies like CDs and cassettes.

Why Do People Start Music Distribution?

• Distributing to Digital Service Providers

There are many digital platforms a fan base can access music. For example:

• Spotify
• Youtube Music
• Boomplay
• Soundcloud
• Mdundo

Most digital service providers (DSPs) do not allow uploads directly from the artist. Why? DSPs check on quality control and payout distribution called royalties.

Royalties are the payments an artist gets when his or her music is downloaded or played.

Music streaming platforms have many artists. As a result, paying them becomes a lot of work. For example, Spotify alone has an estimated 11 million artists. Additionally, 1.8 million songs are uploaded on the platform annually. The DSP reports all earnings 3o days or more each month. They then send the payments out about 30 days after saying the earnings. Without a distributor, this can be a lot of administrative work.

In Kenya, organisations like MCSK ( Music Copyright Society Of Kenya) collect royalties on its members’ behalf.

The role of a distributor is to get the music from the artist and get it into the streaming platforms. A distributor will then aggregate the payments made and give the money to the artist. If an artist is signed to a record label, the record label will do the distribution for them. If the record label does not have a direct licence to a DSP, the label distributor will do the licencing and distribution to the platforms.

• Marketing

Just like any other business, the music industry needs marketing. Artists should think of their releases as products. Good music sells faster. The distributor helps the artist market their product through promotions and other different forms.

Many DSPs use algorithms that match artists with users. There is no way a DSP can deal with the artist directly. This is because of the high number of artists they have. In most cases, the distributor contacts the DSP to push the artists’ products.

How To Start Your Own Music Distribution Company

1. Establish why you want to start

The music industry in Kenya is very competitive. It will take a lot of work and patience before you make a profit. Before starting your own music distribution company, understand what it takes to be one. Additionally, you need to start getting involved in the local music industry and study how it works.

2. Study the industry

To become successful in distributing music, it is important to understand how the industry works, not only with your own business but with other companies as well. Understanding what’s happening in the music industry is vital if you want to be successful in any respect of your life and business. Also, take an entertainment business course to broaden your knowledge of the entertainment industry.

  3. Understand your roles 

If you want to start a music distribution company, there are many duties that you can expect from your job. Some of these include:

• Negotiating contracts for distribution, licencing, publishing, and recording
• Distributing recordings to DSPs
• Managing payments to your clients and artists
• Running marketing campaigns

  4. Do market research

If a market does not exist, there is no need for your product. This means that you are wasting resources and need to find a way to change your business plan. Market research will help you learn more about who requires your product and what they are willing to pay for it.

  5. Identify potential business threats

Business plans will help you identify possible threats to your business. You can protect yourself against these threats by knowing what mistakes potential investors make in their businesses. Knowing how other companies have failed and where they went wrong, you can avoid them being the same way.

  6. Networking

Once you are a business entity, you have a website, and you have some music to distribute, you will need somewhere for it to go. And so begins the endless and often tricky task of networking with the stores and DSPs you want to host your music. This guide will show you how to get started!

Although the music industry has transformed drastically in the past few years, it’s still important for someone to step in and distribute music. Even musicians and record labels who can afford to self-distribute still need distributors. This is because not every artist wants to take on the task of distributing their work. For this reason, a distributor will often partner with labels to create an efficient distribution plan.

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Essential Photography Tips For Beginners

Photography Lessons

Photography has been on the rise recently. Everyone wants pictures of them or their products taken from individuals to companies. The rising use of social media and access to the internet has given people the need to use photos for marketing.

Just like any other profession, photography is also a well-paying job in the job market. Most people do not consider it a professional activity. However, as digital technology expands, more people consider photography a passion.

Some learnt photography through experimenting while some took photography classes. Whichever method is used,  gives one the basic foundation and understanding of photography.

What Are The Basic Tips Of Photography?

For one to be a professional photographer, one needs to learn the basics of photography. Here are some of the basic tips.

• One photography tip is to have a Camera

Think of the best photos that you’ve ever seen or a photo that left you wowed. For the photos to be taken, a camera was used. As a beginner, you may not get a professional camera immediately. You may use a phone camera to take good photos. Furthermore, you may use the camera that you have to get started.

• Learn the camera settings

There are many camera settings in the camera. It may take time to learn them as a beginner. You may need a lot of practice to get them correct. Additionally, practise how to adjust the lens properly. It helps you get good-looking images and admirable photos.

• Pay attention to the light

If you’re taking a picture of an amazing sunset, a completely dark foreground could ruin the photo. That’s where having good lighting comes in handy. The balance between your subject and background is key to creating an impressive image.

• Another photography tip is, to take your time

For a beginner, it is easy to make a mistake when shooting. You need to check your camera settings and your positioning. The best way to tackle this is by slowing down whenever possible.

Don’t let people discourage you. In addition, always review your photos in the field. It will make you understand where you went wrong. You will also learn which are you need to improve on.

• Always Move

One of the best ways to keep your photos interesting and unpredictable is to keep them moving while you are taking them. That is to say, don’t stay in one place. Instead, walk around, climb on things, and move your feet, or camera as much as possible. Don’t let yourself get bored with taking the same shots repeatedly. Instead, keep moving with the light and try new ideas like never before!

• Know when to use a tripod

When should one use a tripod stand? When your subject is stationary. Architectural and landscape photographers use tripod stands. It makes the camera more stable when capturing still images. If you are an event photographer, do not use a stand. It will slow you down.

• Learn basic photo editing skills

Photo editing skills come in handy to make those breathtaking photos. Proper photo editing skills, gives you an advantage over other photographers. It will also make your photos easy to send since some photos may be too large to send.

Those are some of the basic tips to get you started. The most important thing is to always practice.  Furthermore, invest in advancing your photography skills. Photography is one of the growing professions in Kenya and all over the world. Have fun and become the photographer everyone wants to work with.

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What Can You Do With A Graphic Design Certificate in Kenya

We all have different career paths that we want to take. Graphic design is among the marketable courses that are often overlooked. We are currently living in digital times. As a result, companies are shifting to doing things digitally. Due to this shift, graphic design has become a skill needed in the job market.

For you to enter the market quickly, you must acquire graphic design skills. With certification, you will be at an advantage compared to this with no certificate.

What is Graphic Design?

Graphic design is the skill of combining text and pictures in advertisements. You can also use it in magazines, or books to communicate.

Types of Graphic Design

1. Marketing and Advertising

Great marketing is engaging people based on their needs and wants. People find visual content more engaging. As a result, companies use graphic designers to create content that will promote their products.

Example of Marketing and Advertising graphic design

•  Posters
• Magazines
• Menus
• Vehicle wraps
• Images for blogs and websites

•  Visual Identity

A brand is a relationship between a business or organisation and its audience. A brand is the emotional connection people have with the company. This makes them want to do business with you, recommend you to others, and return again and again.

Colour, shape and design are the visual elements of a brand identity. It acts as the face of a brand to communicate those intangible qualities through images, shapes, and colour.

• Publication Graphic Design

Graphic designers range from large, publicly traded corporations to small independent agencies and individuals. Their primary focus is on the design of print materials (including advertising, magazines and books), Web content, and user interfaces.

• Motion Graphic Design

Motion graphics are simply graphics in motion. It can include videos, animations, audio and other effects used in online media. Examples include animated logos, promotional videos, trailers, tutorial videos, etc.

There are many more types of graphic designers. Graphic artists are creative people who use any combination of media and techniques to create their work. They collaborate with writers, editors, marketers and art directors across all types of design.

Taking a graphic design course will expose you to the job market. Additionally, with continuous digital growth, graphic design also continues to grow. Having graphic design skills gives you an upper hand in the job market.

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Sound Engineering Career In Kenya

Sound engineering

Sound engineering plays a critical role in the entertainment industry. Think of a concert that left you overwhelmed, a film that has an impactful background, or maybe an event that gave you goosebumps. You may also think of a song that has a quality sound.

Sound is an important aspect of our lives and the entertainment industry, yet it’s often unnoticed. The sound makes films, songs, and events a hit. Quality sound is important for artists and events. That is to say, without sound, there is no entertainment.

What is Sound Engineering?

Sound engineering is the process of creating and manipulating sound. This process uses a variety of mechanical equipment and digital devices. The person doing all of these is called a Sound Engineer.

Sound engineers work on live events. In the live event context, the sound engineers are responsible for doing sound set-up. Furthermore, they do mic checks, combining signals from different instruments and microphones, making a mix for the audience and performers to listen to.

Working as a sound engineer is not only for events and recording studios. You can also work in areas like

• The sound effects and soundtrack of a film are created in different film production stages. Movie theatres use sound designers to create audio tracks for their films.
•  Broadcasting departments use audio engineers to create the sound for television programmes.
• Colleges and universities teach students about audio engineering so that they can become teachers themselves who provide quality audio services to the public.
• Live theatre companies use live sound managers to ensure that all audio equipment is running correctly throughout each performance.

Responsibilities of a Sound Engineer.

You might use software programme tools, techniques, tools, and equipment to complete your work as a sound engineer. A  sound engineer might perform some of the following tasks:

1. Communicate with the performers, director or producer to understand their artistic vision and contribute your own creative ideas
2. Design, set up and test audio equipment.
3. Conduct individual recordings of each instrument and vocal in a studio aspect.
4. Do sound checks in front of an audience and the stage monitor  for the performers during the performance in live sound
5. Use a mixing console during the performance to create a live mix.
6. After the performance or studio session, dismantle all audio equipment and report any faults.

Skills That You Need For Sound Engineering

• Communication Skills

Sound engineers are responsible for making sure that the communication between all parties involved in a production is open, positive and constructive. It includes maintaining open lines of communication with performing artists, audio techs, stage managers, directors and producers.

• Active Listening

The sound engineer must read the room. They can watch their audience and understand whether the sound is audible. By actively listening to colleagues and understanding their points of view, the sound engineer can hear and fix any errors.

• Problem Solving

Every live show will encounter problems. The electricity on the stage might be off, an amp might not be working properly, or a sound technician might have to make a quick adjustment. Sound engineers must identify the problem and work quickly to solve it, even with the most complex issues.

• Flexibility

Sound engineers must be flexible and open to change as the situation changes. Having an open mind, being receptive to change, and being able to adapt quickly are ways for the sound engineer to be flexible during a live show.

• Teamwork

Teamwork is the key to success. Sound engineers are responsible for leading the team to a successful live show from start to finish. Part of this job involves delegating tasks to others on the team, so everyone can work together and get more done in the process.

• Organisation

Live shows can get disorganised, and a sound engineer is responsible for keeping things running smoothly. The sound engineer must keep a schedule with deadlines, declutter regularly, and keep only what is needed for the live show. Everything should be in its proper place …

Career Aspect Of Sound Engineering

A sound engineer’s career path is rarely linear, but you’ll likely start as a runner or technical assistant, work your way up to the level of an engineer, and specialise in either live or recorded sound. From there, you could move on to a senior engineer position, setting up your own studio or working for someone else. Some sound engineers end up becoming studio managers, too.

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How to Succeed in the Film Industry

Filming in progress

The Kenyan film industry has improved in recent times. It is a significant industry where anyone with a passion can succeed.

According to a survey done by the Kenya Film Commission, the industry generates 12 billion in revenues annually. Additionally, it indicates that it could go higher in the coming years.  We can clearly see that this is a sector of success.

We have recently seen Kenyan films on movie streaming platforms. Netflix has acquired some of the movies done by Kenyans. One of the films that has taken the world by storm is called Country Queen. The series talks about the lives of ordinary Kenyans fighting against land-grabbing and corporate power. Other films produced in Kenya include 40 sticks, Just In Time, Nairobi Half-Life, Rafiki, Crime and Justice and more.

You can also succeed in this industry like some of the producers and actors. Since it’s a lucrative industry with so much potential to grow. Here are some of the things you need to succeed in this sector.

• Passion and Skills

Like every other industry, skills are necessary for you to succeed. You need to have film production knowledge and its requirements. Additionally, passion and dedication can be of an advantage to you. You will need to have, good communication skills, script writing and reading skills. These skills can be acquired in the best entertainment schools.

• Teamwork

In order to get the best film, whether short or long, a good team is critical. A cameraman, a director, actors, and actresses are some of the people you will need. A team that works together can produce an exceptional film. You will also need video editors who will make your film a masterpiece.

Filming

• Proper equipment

Good cameras, microphones, lighting, computers, and software are some of the equipment you need.  They need not to be expensive at the beginning of your career. If you are an upcoming producer, you may need to invest in proper equipment.

You may also need proper handling of the equipment. The cameras and the other materials are your tools. Proper handling is very necessary to avoid unnecessary costs for repairs or buying another broken item.

• Meet Other Film Makers In the Film Industry

The film industry is also a hub for connections. Meeting other filmmakers can help you learn more about the industry. You may need to attend film festivals and screening events. Joining a film could help launch your career.

• Make Something

Try to make your own film, however short. Get people to see it and comment on it. This will help you learn a lot. Furthermore, it will make you improve your skills and style.

Those were some of the tips you need to succeed in the film industry. If you want to start your career in filming, join us and we will give you what you need to kickstart your filming journey.

Digital Marketing. What is it?

Digital Marketing has become the best form of marketing today. Many people are using phones, computers, and tablets to communicate. Additionally, meetings are also virtual. That is to say, you can approach a customer and sell your product or service by just using a smartphone.

Digital Marketing Definition

Digital marketing is the use of technology to reach potential customers and build brand awareness. It includes email, social media, and website-based advertising, text and multimedia messages as a marketing channel.

Why Digital Marketing is Important

Any form of marketing can help a business thrive. However, digital marketing is becoming more critical, especially in the entertainment business. . This is because it has become very easy to access digital channels. According to DataReportal, as of January 2022, 23.35 million Kenyans are digitally connected. The report also indicates that a total of 5.07 billion people around the world use the internet today.  This is equivalent to 63.5 per cent of the world’s total population.

Digital marketing is an effective way to communicate with customers or clients. You can use social media, text messages and email to reach your target audience. There are no upfront costs involved in digital marketing. This makes it a cost-effective marketing technique for small businesses.

5 Reasons why Digital Marketing is important

• Reach more people

When you post an ad online, people can see it all over the world. This makes it efficient to grow your business’s market reach. Furthermore, you will connect with a larger audience across different digital channels.

• Cost efficient

Digital marketing can reach a larger audience than traditional marketing and is also much cheaper. Newspaper ads, television spots, and other conventional marketing opportunities can cost a lot of money. It may not reach your target audiences in the first place.

• High conversion rates

Digital marketing allows your customers to act right away. They can click a link or save a blog post and move along the sales funnel right away, giving you more opportunities to interact with them further.

• Easy Management

Digital marketing allows you to collect and analyse customer data in a way offline marketing cannot. This data is precise, specific, and actionable.

• More connection with customers

Digital marketing lets you communicate with your customers in real time. It is more effective than traditional forms of marketing.

Digital marketing should be one of your company’s top priorities. Nowhere else can you acquire this level of customer interaction by staying in constant contact with customers, and nothing else offers the level of personalization that digital data can provide. The more you embrace the possibilities of digital marketing, the more you’ll be able to realise your company’s growth potential.

Kamata Music School Live Band Sessions

Live Band Session

Kamata Music School is proud to announce its Live Band Sessions. The school is the best music school in Nairobi. As a result, it has the best instrumentalist that gives the best show. Moreover, the vocalists trained by Teacher Sam are on top of their game.

During the sessions, members first work on their parts and then jam the songs together as a band. With a team of experienced, renowned tutors leading the sessions, students improve their instrument skills and all-around musicianship. Furthermore, they also learn how to work together with like-minded musicians. The session is an experience that will help them become more confident and fulfilled as musicians, and it’s a great way to make friends who share their love of music. At the end of each year, the bands show off their skills by taking to the stage in front of family and friends during the graduation ceremony.

As part of the School’s commitment to preparing students for careers at the top of an ever-changing music profession, we allow students to conduct the session. We are always delighted to give you the best session throughout Nairobi and beyond. Nevertheless, the band is flexible and they can play any genre. With a comprehensive understanding and a reputation for delivering the highest quality and professionalism, Kamata Live Band Sessions will ensure you get the best session.

Live Band Session Schedule

Kamata Live Band Session was officially launched on 1st November 2022. The sessions take place every Tuesday and Thursday.  From 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. The venue is Kamata Music School located at Queensway House 2nd Floor near Hilton Hotel. The sessions are free.

Come experience good times and good vibes and good music. Kamata Live session will keep you entertained and give you the best music after a long day.

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Music Production Fundamentals

Music Production Definition

Music production is the process of creating, developing, and refining recorded music. This is the whole process of making a song, from writing it to recording it, sound designing it, mixing it, and mastering it. It is a complex and varied process and can take many different forms. Often, it involves a wide range of creative disciplines and can involve a range of skills and abilities.

Modern music production uses digital tools, no matter what workflow you use. The goal of every workflow is to help producers and engineers achieve the best possible results using the most up-to-date technology to create and edit music.

Thanks to today’s technology, music production is more accessible than ever before. For the lowest price, any musician can set up a home studio and start producing music. With just a laptop, a microphone, and a few plugins, anyone can start making their own music.

What a Music Producer does

A music producer can have multiple roles, depending on the genre and workflow. Like a film director, a music producer controls a recording’s direction. They create a vision, advise the musicians, and realize it.

Pillars Of Music Production

• Music Production Equipment and Software.

To produce music, you’ll need a few main pieces of equipment. Music production setups vary. You don’t need expensive gear to start as a producer. It only requires computers, DAWs, and sound equipment.

• DAW (Digital Audio Work Station)

The DAW is the digital home for your music production. It is more than just a tape machine in a traditional recording studio. Your DAW is the perfect environment for every step of your music production workflow.

• Creating A Song

Some songwriters write songs, and some produce. It’s not always clear when someone stops being an artist and starts being a producer. Knowing the basics of songwriting and composition is important for modern producers.

• Sound Design

Sound design is making sound tones and textures. This can mean finding samples, designing synthesizer patches, or experimenting with effects chains. Any method you use to make a unique sound is sound design.

• Digital Sound Tools

You get a set of built-in plugins with your DAW, but there are tones of plugins you can download for free from the internet. Making your own plugins is part of developing your style as a producer. You can use plugins to add effects to your tracks, change the sound of a section of a track, or create a whole new sound all your own.

• Mixing Music in Music Production

Mixing music is taking tracks and blending them to create a balanced sound. It makes your raw tracks into a coherent whole that’s pleasing to hear. Additionally, making it easy to understand.

• Music Mastering

This is the end of your music production process. It’s the phase where your mix gets the final polish and balance for listeners. Mastering is the process of adjusting the sound of a recording (or the whole mix) to best suit the intended playback system or environment.

You can learn how to make music more easily than ever. Thanks to the ever-growing availability of resources. That is to say, it’s never been a better time to learn how to produce music. Use the resources available to start your journey today and you’ll be making music in no time.

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Annual Graduation Ceremony

Graduation ceremony

Kamata Music School is known for holding colourful graduation ceremonies. This year it’s going to be more fun and exciting. Moreover, there will be representations of students and guests. The students will showcase their talents and skills. Nevertheless, celebrity artists will grace the occasion. It’s going to be a  joyous celebration for parents and students.

This year, on 15 December, Kamata Music School is celebrating its anniversary. It will also honour its students in music production, photography, and more. We will also celebrate the many outstanding achievements of our alumni.

The graduation ceremony will be at Nairobi Cinema, Uchumi House Nairobi. The ceremony will start at 8:00 p.m. and end at 12:30 p.m.

For all students graduating this year, registration for graduates is ongoing. Please liaise with us for Registration. The Registration Fee for graduates is KES 4000.

Class Of 2022 Graduation Ceremony

The event will be a celebratory concert featuring:
– Mercy Masika
– Steve Rogers (Country Music)
– Teacher Beatrice
– Choreographer Dancers -Chosen
– Parking Lot Grass Band
– Our very own Entertainment Students.

At Kamata Entertainment School, we understand that graduation is a big milestone in your life. We’re here to make sure that you have an awesome graduation. The Kamata Entertainment School way.

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