The Kenya Film Classification Board (KFCB) has started the process of redefining the role of Film Agents in Kenya, in an effort to create a conducive regulatory environment for the local film industry’s continued growth.
Speaking to the press on Tuesday, August 23, 2022, Mr. Christopher Wambua, the acting Chief Executive Officer, said that the redefinition will limit the role of Film Agents to providing international standard services to foreign film and television producers.
According to the CEO, filmmakers are presently required to register as a local film agent or seek the services of a registered local film agent in order to obtain film licenses, which is contrary to global best practices.
“Although film agents are recognised as important players in the film sector globally, their role, in most jurisdictions, is typically confined to facilitating foreign film and television producers…the obtaining situation is in contrast with global best practices,” said Chris Wambua.
He added that the redefinition will encourage compliance with Section 4 (1) of the Films and Stage Plays Act, Cap 222 of the Laws of Kenya and will see filmmakers obtain licenses from KFCB without having to go through a film agent.
“To create an enabling environment for the youth to harness the opportunities in the local creative economy, KFCB has resolved to redefine the role of Film Agents in Kenya with the view of confining the agents’ role to providing international standard services to foreign film and television producers.
“In this regard, the Board has today, 23rd August 2022, published a Public Notice in My Gov publication on Redefining the Role of Film Agents, inviting stakeholders and members of the public to submit their inputs and comments. The public consultation documents have been uploaded on the KFCB website for reference,” Mr. Wambua added.
KFCB said that the new film agent guidelines, barring any dissent from stakeholders and the public, would become effective from October 1st.
The proposed new role of the film agents in Kenya will be to provide logistical support to foreign film and television producers.
At the same time, Mr. Wambua stated that local filmmakers will be able to obtain filming licenses directly from KFCB without going through an Agent, subject to meeting certain requirements such as business registration or incorporation.
The Board’s Ag CEO explained that redefining the role of Film Agents was informed by numerous representations of recommendations from local filmmakers suggesting the abolition of the requirement for local filmmakers to register as Film Agents or be facilitated by Film Agents when obtaining filming licences to enable them to comply with the filming requirements.
He also stated that the proposal was influenced by best practices in other film markets, particularly in Africa, as well as the provisions of the draft Kenya Film Policy 2020, which outlines a policy that limits the role of Film Agents to facilitating foreign filmmakers.
“It is evident that the current practice of obtaining licences through Film Agents, among other factors, inhibits market entry for aspiring creatives and may therefore ultimately stifle the growth of the local creative sector,” he noted.
Meanwhile, the ongoing public consultation exercise will end on 13th September, 2022.
