15 Jun 2025

Starting a film production company is no small task but the benefits are worth the effort, industry veterans said when sharing insights on the essential components needed to achieve success in the competitive industry. 

Goteya Wild of Kenya, director and cinematographer, Hans Ngoteya talked about financial security as a crucial pillar during the formative stages of a production company. Debating the topic, The Anatomy of a Production Company, at a two day Wildscreen Festival in Maun on Thursday, he said newcomers must possess the passion and perseverance to navigate the industry, especially that immediate returns were rare.

“It takes a big heart to get started,” he said, and highlighted the importance of creativity and effective business management to drive profitability.

To aspiring filmmakers, Ngoteya advised them to invest  in their workforce, advocating for educational opportunities to nurture their talent and ensure loyalty. He also stressed the significance of branding, suggesting that a strong, recognisable presence in the market was vital for attracting business. Strategic partnerships, especially with government entities managing wildlife areas, were highlighted as essential, to minimise costs and foster growth.

Owner of the Natural History Film Unit Botswana, Brad Bestelink, shared his journey of passion for wildlife cinematography that stemmed from his upbringing in the delta. Emphasising that a lean crew can contribute to stability and sustainability, he advised filmmakers to focus on compelling storytelling, candidly acknowledging that many projects were financed through loans but noted that success could lead to opportunities for collaboration with other production companies. Moreover, he advocated for the inclusion of young talent because their energy and eagerness to learn could be invaluable assets to a production team.

Filmmaker and founder of the African School of Storytelling, Vanessa Berlwitz, recounted the tough challenges her company faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which nearly crippled her operations. She underscored the weight of financial responsibility and articulated the necessity of forming international partnerships as a means to navigate economic uncertainties.

Berlwitz noted that the pandemic served as a crucial lesson in risk management and urged newcomers to understand these dangers before launching their ventures. She identified three key pillars for managing a production company such as production risk, financial risk and fostering innovation through partnerships.

The panel discussion, part of a two-day festival attracting 13 talents from various countries in the film sector, showcased the wealth of experience held by the speakers and their collective hope for the future of film production. Each panelist’s insight reinforced the message that success in this creative industry required financial investment, a deep passion for storytelling and a supportive community of partners. ENDS