Recognizing a critical gap in the quality of sound in local productions, the Multichoice Talent Factory (MTF) in collaboration with the U.S. State Department and U.S. Embassy in Nairobi hosted a first-of-its-kind sound design masterclass.
The event, which took place November 6-8, brought together over 70 sound design/engineering experts and enthusiasts from across Kenya’s film and TV industry. This collaboration between the U.S. State Department, the U.S. Embassy in Nairobi, MultiChoice, and Kenyan filmmakers reflects the broader trend of cultural exchange and industry development, said Crystal Waitekus, the embassy’s Deputy Cultural Attache.
“As Hollywood and global streaming platforms expand their reach, initiatives like this sound design masterclass represent an important step toward fostering local talent, improving the technical and artistic quality of local productions, and ensuring that Kenyan and broader African films are heard literally and figuratively,” Waitekus said. “We envision a future where local productions get international recognition for sound excellence and this masterclass is a step to achieving this.”
On her part, MTF Eastern Africa Academy Director Victoria Goro said:
“Sound Design is an integral part of the filmmaking process that truly enhances the viewing experience. It has the power to immerse the audience in the story, create a sense of realism, establish mode and tone, and evoke emotion, thus making the viewer feel like they are part of the story. That is why it is important to address sound design issues such as bad production values and sub-par quality as they contribute to a poor watching experience for audiences.”
The Kenyan film industry has grown significantly over time. However, observations from local producers reveal several challenges that affect sound quality. These include prohibitive equipment prices, limited access to critical software, and a shortage of certified sound facilities that satisfy international requirements.
Furthermore, producers frequently lack comprehension of sound intricacy, and many directors lack training in sound narrative. In addition, there are no mandated sound quality standards in broadcasting, which impacts overall uniformity. Finally, a lack of mentorship limits opportunities for aspiring sound designers to obtain hands-on experience.
Andrew Gross, an Emmy-nominated music director from Konsonant Music in Los Angeles, facilitated the sessions. Participants were taught practical, industry-relevant skills in sound recording, mixing, and post-production. The curriculum also included lessons on loudness compliance, immersive audio approaches, and collaborative sound design, all of which are directly applicable to industry expectations.
Goro added: “We also need to debunk the myths around sound production such as sound design being difficult to understand or practice. This masterclass lays the groundwork for the local film industry to achieve a competitive edge on the global stage. We hope that the graduates of the masterclass will become advocates for improved sound quality in the industry, thus inspiring a broader movement toward high production standards.”