They are passionate about empowering young Africans in the world of film. Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, they have gone to the corners of South Africa scouting for talented filmmakers using their digital platforms. Black Brain Pictures headed up by Mandla N and Mpumelelo Nhlapo is now taking it to the next level by partnering with an international film school and opening Black Brain Academy (BBA) in Randburg, Johannesburg. "Development has always been a huge part of Black Brain Pictures; getting new faces, new productions, and training directors is the core of who we are,' Mandla N tells ZiMoja. "The idea of starting a college or an academy has always been on the pipeline. I have always loved development and giving people new opportunities and the nice thing about it is, we will be developing the youngsters and equipping them to be great filmmakers. I'm just a sucker for new talent.'

THE CURRICULUM

 Mandla N says that the academy will mostly be based on practical, on-the-groundwork. "Students will be shooting real shows that are prominent in South Africa, which is the best way to learn,' Mandla says. "The curriculum will definitely include theory but most importantly the practical side of things.' The seasoned director and producer says filmmaking is about experience. "If you want to be the best cinematographer, you need to hold cameras, you need to shoot something. That is what the school gives you, all the equipment and access to the industry. We will be giving students access to all the telenovelas, dramas, reality shows, and some of the entertainment shows.' Most of the content will be shot on the premise and students will get front-row seats in content creation. "This is so that by the time they are done in a year, they can go out and be incubated into production companies and know exactly how it works.' They will also be taught on-set set etiquette. "This is a big thing. A lot of students leave college without understanding set etiquette and they lose a lot of jobs early. That is going to be a huge thing for us,' he adds.

ALL ABOUT THE ACADEMY

 The academy will host more than 150 students. "The college will be based at Henley studios which are being converted to a school with studios, equipment, and everything. What I love about it is everything is practical,' he says. "We are looking for students 18 years old and above, if you are 17 and have completed high school, you are also welcome.' Mandla N says only the best will come out of the academy. "We want to make sure we are grooming the best since it's an international academy. We will be cross-pollinating the students. Some will be going overseas to USA, and London,' he adds.

"As Black Brain, we will be giving some student bursaries and we will be tapping into the systems that are out there to give bursaries. But If you can afford it, then it is great because you are paying and investing in your future.'