ARE YOU THAT SOMEBODY? MTV SHUGA LOOKING FOR RISING STARS

The upcoming production of Shuga: Love, Sex, Money, the award-winning sex-and-relationships HIV and AIDS TV drama will give twelve Kenyans an opportunity to learn from expert film makers and public health practitioners. Under the Rising Stars initiative, young Kenyans aged between 18-24 will gain valuable experience.



Running alongside a six-month Theatre and Film course offered by the NYTA, twelve young and talented Kenyans will be selected to work across key disciplines associated with the production of Shuga: Love, Sex, Money, including Acting, Directing, Producing, Cinematography, Marketing and Public Health. Each participant will split their time between individual coaching sessions with a dedicated mentor, shadowing their mentor as they go about their duties on the set of Shuga: Love, Sex, and Money, and learning additional life skills at the NYTA.



To apply to participate in the Rising Stars programme, applicants must complete the online application form at www.mtvshuga.com from July 7, 2011. Applicants should be Kenyan residents, aged between 18-24 and should be out of full-time education. Applications open July 7, and close on July 17; the mentees will be notified by August 1, 2011. Shuga: Love, Sex, Money goes into production in Kenya between August-September 2011.



Commented Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, MTV Networks Africa, “We are thrilled that this mentorship programme will empower Kenyan youth by developing their talents and deepening their insights into the media industry while working on one of the most exciting TV franchises in Africa.”
Commented Georgia Arnold, Executive Director, MTV Staying Alive Foundation: “This mentorship programme takes Shuga to a whole new level by immersing young Kenyans in the creative process of making a TV series which combines entertainment with high production values and serious messages about the HIV epidemic.”



‘Identifying, nurturing and providing opportunities for young talented individuals in the field of film production, public health and marketing communications is one that we are excited about,’ said Lydia Murimi, HFG/K Country Director. ‘The partnership, championed by PEPFAR, with NYTA and MTV Networks, has brought about an additional component with mentors who will give their time, expertise and support. Imparting these job skills to the next generation is a start, and in the next generation we hope that it will continue to be passed on. This is the start. It’s a great beginning.’