ScreenME Podcast

In this episode of the ScreenME podcast, Ulrike Rohn sits down with Fidel Namisi, a Kenyan-born, South Africa-based screenwriter and producer with multiple international awards to his name. Fidel shares the journey that led him to launch his own production company, following a frustrating experience in a theoretically focused film school that pushed him to seek hands-on creative experiences. Fidel dives into the story of his most cherished productions, including an ambitious dance film that brought together an eclectic team of creatives, and an award-winning low-budget comedy close to his own personal journey as an artist.

Throughout the conversation, Fidel offers invaluable insights into the current state of African media, including the opportunities and limitations presented by local and international streaming platforms. He describes how the initial excitement around Netflix’s African expansion has tapered, leading to shifts in genre and budget, and how local filmmakers are turning to YouTube and emerging African streaming platforms to reach audiences directly. 

Fidel also offers practical advice for aspiring screenwriters and producers on building resilience, surrounding oneself with inspiring individuals, and the importance of continually honing one's craft.

Keywords

Screenwriting, Film Production, African Media Industry, Creative Entrepreneurship, Screen Media, Artistic Autonomy, Film Industry Trends, Content Streaming in Africa, Networking, Creative Community

Takeaways

• The Value of Community: Building a network is crucial for success in the film and media industry. Fidel emphasizes the importance of connecting with others for inspiration, motivation, and collaboration.
• Navigating Challenges in Filmmaking: Fidel's journey showcases resilience, from facing frustrations in a theory-heavy film program to taking the entrepreneurial leap despite the risks.
• African Streaming and Media Landscape: Insights into how streaming giants like Netflix have adapted their strategy for Africa, and how local filmmakers are responding through alternative platforms and grassroots distribution.
• Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers: Fidel advises students and early-career creatives to seek hands-on experience, embrace problem-solving, and continuously refine their craft to succeed in an evolving industry.

Quotes

"It takes a lot of energy to come up with concepts, pitch them, handle rejection, and keep going. Most of that energy comes from being part of a community where you can find support and inspiration."

"With great responsibility comes great power. When you see the bigger picture and understand the ‘why’ behind what you’re doing, it gives you the motivation to push forward."

Fidel’s bio

Fidel Namisi is a multi award-winning international screenwriter for film and television. The Kenya-born and South Africa-based writer is a published author and literary consultant, renowned public speaker and film producer with an array of successful broadcast television and feature film projects to his name. In 2007, he co-founded the South African production company, Coal Stove Pictures, which he ran until 2017.

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

In this episode of the ScreenMe Podcast, host Ulrike Rohn speaks with Ana Cecília, a researcher and professor specializing in innovation labs within the media sector. They explore the concept of innovation labs, their interdisciplinary nature, and the role they play in fostering creativity and problem-solving in media. Ana shares examples of various innovation labs, discusses the importance of innovation champions, and highlights the challenges faced by media organizations in implementing innovative practices. The conversation also delves into the readiness of organizations to adopt innovation labs and the key findings from research on their effectiveness. In this conversation, Ana Cecilia discusses the structure and purpose of innovation labs, particularly focusing on the collaboration between academia and industry. She highlights the importance of bridging theoretical research with practical applications, showcasing successful projects that emerged from these collaborations. The discussion also delves into the evolving nature of innovation labs, exploring trends and future directions, as well as insights from her newly published book on mapping innovation and trends in the creative industry. 

Keywords
Innovation, Media Labs, Entrepreneurship, Creative Industries, Open Innovation, Interdisciplinary Teams, Media Future, Challenges in Media, Innovation Champions, Academic Collaboration, Industry Partnerships, Future Trends

Key Takeaways

• Innovation labs are interdisciplinary units dedicated to innovation, focusing on open innovation strategies and collaboration.
• Media organizations face challenges like corporate culture and financial sustainability.
• Diverse teams enhance creativity and problem-solving.
• Innovation labs help media organizations adapt to changing environments.
• Public funding can support the establishment of innovation labs.
• A mindset that embraces failure is essential for innovation.
• The New York City Media Lab exemplifies a successful consortium model.
• Collaboration is key to addressing real-world challenges in media.
• Future innovation labs will require long-term investment strategies.
• Social impact is a significant driver for innovation in creative industries.

Quotes

"Media companies need dedicated time and space to innovate beyond daily routines. Innovation labs provide that environment, fostering long-term creativity and future-focused solutions."

“Media labs don’t just focus on outcomes, but on the process of innovation itself. It’s about learning how to think differently and experiment in ways that reshape the future of media.”

Ana Cecila's bio

Ana Cecília is a researcher and professor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul (PUCRS) in Brazil, specializing in innovation and media labs. With over 8 years of experience studying and visiting innovation labs globally, particularly in the fields of media and journalism, she has gained academic and professional experience in Portugal, the United Kingdom, Colombia, the United States, Germany, and Norway. She is also an integrated researcher at the Center for Global Studies at Universidade Aberta (UAb) and a collaborating member of the iNOVA Media Lab at NOVA University Lisbon. She is the co-author of the book Innovation in Creative Industries: Trends and Labs to Reinvent Media and Business (published in Portuguese, with an English version likely coming soon) and has co-authored executive reports and academic papers on media labs in English. Ana Cecília blends academic insights with practical experience in fostering creative and entrepreneurial environments.

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

In this episode of the ScreenMe podcast, Ulrike Rohn engages in a conversation with Silver Laadoga, an expert with 20 years of experience in video and audio streaming. Silver shares his journey as the founder of Videolevels—a company that helps businesses to launch their custom streaming platforms. They delve into the future of video content, the importance of companies owning their own streaming platforms, the role of storytelling in the digital age, and how businesses can adapt to engage with Generation Z. The discussion also touches on the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship in the evolving media landscape.

Keywords

Media trends, video streaming, decentralized platforms, content creation, storytelling, AI in media, generation z, entrepereneurship, media startups

Takeaways

• The Rise of Video: Video is becoming the dominant medium for communication, learning, and engagement, especially among younger generations like Gen Z.
• Control Over Content: Companies benefit from having their own streaming platforms to maintain control over content, branding, and monetization models.
• Decentralization Trend: The future points toward decentralized video platforms, giving content creators more control and personalization options.
• Simplifying Production: Advances in technology make video production more accessible and affordable, enabling even small businesses to create high-quality content.
• Importance of Storytelling: As businesses become more like media companies, storytelling and creativity are essential skills to stand out in a saturated information landscape.
• Role of AI: While AI can assist in routine tasks, human creativity remains crucial for compelling storytelling and content creation.
• Interactive Viewing: Future video streaming will be more engaging and interactive, allowing viewers to choose their own perspectives and become part of the storytelling process.
• Entrepreneurial Journey: Building a startup is challenging but fulfilling, and seeking feedback from customers, peers, and mentors is vital for growth and validation.

Key Quotes

• "Video is the future, and all companies should have their own streaming platform." 
• "Being an entrepreneur is like having an adventure every day." 
• "All businesses are kind of becoming media companies." 
• "Storytelling is what is important, and AI will be just a tool." 

Silver Laadoga BIO:

Silver is CEO of Videolevels - a platform to decentralise video streaming and make it easy for every business and content creator to have their own Netflix. He has 20 years of experience with video and audio streaming. Before Videolevels he had built and sold one of the largest streaming services companies in Estonia.

Links: 

www.videolevels.com

With refrences to: 

www.storytek.eu (see also ScreenME episode #10 with Sten-Kristian Saluveer)

www.votemo.com (see also ScreenME episode #1 with Dagmar Mäe)

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

In this episode of the ScreenMe podcast, Ulrike Rohn interviews Alex Stolz, the founder and CEO of Future of Film. They discuss the current dynamics in the European film industry, the role of data analytics in connecting films with audiences, and the importance of innovation and entrepreneurship in the industry. Alex also talks about the Future of Film Incubator, which supports filmmakers in developing and commercializing their ideas. The conversation highlights the need for filmmakers to be open-minded, learn new skills, and think about the commercial potential of their projects.

Keywords

film industry, European film industry, data analytics, film marketing, storytelling, technology innovation, entrepreneurship, Future of Film, Future of Film Incubator

Takeaways

The European film industry has strengths in cross-border content and audience exploitation, but the international competitiveness is best assessed through data.


Data analytics can help filmmakers and distributors make more informed decisions about distribution strategies, marketing spend, and audience targeting.


First-party data, which includes direct audience contact information, is crucial for distributors to build understanding and improve consumer relationships.


Filmmakers can benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial mindset and exploring new technologies and platforms to commercialize their ideas.


The Future of Film Incubator supports filmmakers in developing story worlds, leveraging new technologies, and using data to de-risk their projects.

Quote

"With film releases, every new release is often like starting a new business... But it's not really a sustainable model. As a marketer or distributor, it's crucial to build your own data. Data is the most important asset for making informed decisions."


Alex Stolz' bio

Alex Stolz is an executive and entrepreneur with over two decades of experience bridging storytelling and technology innovation. He is Founder and CEO of Future of Film, the global education organisation, community and project incubator dedicated to empowering creators and spearheading transformative industry change. Alex also leads global film strategy and growth for the data analytics company usheru and was previously Head of Distribution at the BFI.  He is the host of the Future of Film Podcast and the Marketing and Distribution Podcast and  currently resides in Kent, UK with his family and overly adventurous cat.

Links

https://www.futureoffilm.live

www.crescine.eu

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

In this episode of the ScreenMe Podcast, host Ulrike Rohn has a chat with Apurva Ganoo, a lecturer in entrepreneurship at Aalto University School of Business in Finland. Together, they dive deep into the critical aspects of teaching entrepreneurship and redefining the concept of value in this field.

 Apurva shares his insights on creating an engaging, inclusive, and practical entrepreneurship education that prepares students for the challenges and opportunities in the entrepreneurial world. Whether you're a student, educator, or entrepreneur, this episode offers valuable takeaways for everyone:

 ·       Teaching entrepreneurship allows for the combination of theory and practice in a tangible and engaging manner.

·       Entrepreneurship education should go beyond monetary value and consider other forms of value, such as solving user needs and creating value for the environment and society.

·       Sustainable entrepreneurship requires a critical view and an understanding of the tensions and paradoxes involved.

·       Students are increasingly receptive to a more inclusive and holistic approach to entrepreneurship education.

·       Lecturers can support greater diversity and inclusivity in entrepreneurship by creating a safe space for discussion, challenging stereotypes, and using inclusive tools and methods.

·       Entrepreneurship education should not only focus on creating founders but also on preparing students for various roles in the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

·       The landscape of entrepreneurship education is evolving, with a shift towards a more critical view and a recognition of the limitations of traditional teaching methods.

·       Lecturers can make assignments and assessments more relevant and helpful for students' professional careers by focusing on practical skills and real-world applications.

·       Collaboration between universities and the entrepreneurial ecosystem is crucial for creating meaningful opportunities and pathways for students.

·       Entrepreneurship education should address the myths and realities of entrepreneurship, including the challenges and privileges involved.

 Apurva Ganoo’s bio: 

 Apurva Ganoo is a Lecturer in Entrepreneurship at Aalto University School of Business. In his research he looks into entrepreneurial education (how we teach, what we teach, why we teach in entrepreneurship) and the surrounding entrepreneurial ecosystem and institutions. In teaching, he is closely involved with Aalto’s new master’s program in Sustainable Entrepreneurship, along with two introductory bachelor's courses in entrepreneurship. He is also actively involved in various EU funded capacity-building projects and actively explors partnerships with other universities, industrial partners, and organizations.

 Quote: 

"Entrepreneurship and value are very closely tied because they affect what you identify as valuable and how you capture it."

Link to the mentioned C-Accelerate Project:
www.c-accelerate.eu
EU funding via the EIT-HEI initiatve

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

This episode of the ScreenME Podcast features Christian Hoffmeister, founder and CEO of DCI Institute, strategic advisor on Web 2 and Web 3 business models and author of multiple books, including Google Unser and the first NFT-connected book Tokenized. 

In his chat with the ScreenME Podcast host Ulrike Rohn, Christian Hoffmeister discusses the significant potential and future implications of Web3 technology for the media industry. The podcast delves into the transformative impact of blockchain and NFTs on traditional business models, emphasizing the need for media students and professionals to understand and adapt to these emerging technologies.

Christian explains that Web3 could revolutionize transactions in the media industry by enabling content creators to earn royalties from every transaction involving their digital assets. This decentralized approach offers a stark contrast to the current centralized models dominated by platforms like Amazon and Spotify. He emphasizes the importance of building decentralized communities through NFTs, which can serve as membership or discount cards, fostering direct and engaging relationships between creators and their audiences.

Despite the current niche status of Web3, Christian predicts that it will become mainstream within 3 to 5 years, akin to the rise of the internet and mobile technologies. He stresses that companies must start understanding and integrating Web3 technologies now to avoid being left behind when these innovations become widely adopted.

For students and emerging professionals in the media industry, Christian advises actively engaging with Web3 technologies. He suggests participating in NFT projects and joining relevant communities to gain firsthand experience and insights. Understanding the principles of value generation in the Web3 space is crucial, as many current projects might fail, but they offer valuable learning opportunities.

In summary, the episode highlights the disruptive potential of Web3 for the media industry, underscoring the need for early adoption and continuous learning to leverage new business models and community engagement strategies effectively.

Christian Hoffmeister’s bio:

Chris Hoffmeister is a Digital Business Advisor who founded DCI-Institute GmbH in April 2006 to drive digital innovation and change. He has collaborated with Fortune 500 brands such as Deutsche Telekom, Telefonica or BASF, as well as numerous other companies like Axel Springer, Basler, Krone, GKL or Payback. Chris has also founded several startups in the field of digital business models, achieving three successful exits to investors and corporations.

Chris has written over 10 books on digital economics and business models. He has pioneered the use of NFC/NFT technology in print media, effectively bridging the gap between Blockchain and traditional books.

Chris holds an M.A. in Communication Science from UGH University in Essen.

Christian Hoffmeister’s highly acclaimed books:  

Google Unser 

Tokenized 

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

In this episode of the ScreenME podcast, our host Ulrike Rohn engages in a conversation with Martin Hansen, Executive Senior Advisor at VIA University College in Denmark, which has 20,000 students across 8 different campuses. At the core of the conversation lie the concept of imagination and imagineering and their role in driving entrepreneurial ventures, entrepreneurial teaching, as well as university and industry collaboration. Drawing from his wealth of experience within the creative industry, Martin highlights the role of imagination in building bridges between traditional education, research, and practice. He encourages thinking in possibilities and being open-minded to different curricula and modes of practice. Martin also shares examples of successful imagination and collaboration within the creative industry, emphasizing the need for partnership and co-creation. The discussion expands to address the challenges and opportunities of industry-university collaboration, as well as positioning the future European University of Film and Media Arts by the FilmEU initiative as a driver for new possibilities and impact.

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

In this episode of the ScreenME podcast, Ulrike Rohn engages in a conversation with Sten-Kristian Saluveer, an innovation strategist, audiovisual producer, content technology entrepreneur, and founder of Storytek, a media tech accelerator and innovation hub, and the head of the innovation track at Marche Du Film of the Festival de Cannes. With his enormous wealth of experience and expertise that spans various aspects of the film industry, Sten provides comprehensive insights into the challenges and opportunities within the European film industry.

The talk was inspired by his recent trip to South by Southwest (SXSW) in Austin, USA, that has further stimulated his reflections on global trends and key differences between the film industry in Europe and elsewhere. In this episode, Sten illuminates the various factors that he sees play a role in shaping a systematic effect within the film industry, impacting entrepreneurial prospects in the industry. He also shares the insights from a recent large-scale survey conducted with the 4500+ members of the European Film Academy within the framework of the Crescine project that brought to light the state of skill development in the European film industry.  

Some of the key arguments that Sten makes in this episode include: 

Audience connection
Sten emphasizes the importance of connecting with the audience, highlighting that online media and creator economies are not separate entities but rather integral parts of the media landscape. He stresses the urgency for Europe to engage with this sphere to remain relevant.

Collapse of online and physical media distinction
Sten predicts the collapse of the distinction between online and physical media, foreseeing a future where personalized media experiences will dominate. He discusses the significance of brand-centricity and algorithms in this evolving landscape.

Comparison with successful models 
Sten discusses how successful studios in arthouse and niche content in the US and UK have thrived. He attributes their success to a combination of excellent creative skills and economic understanding, particularly in the area of IP management. Sten also points to South Korea's film industry as a successful model, attributing its achievements to clear industrial policies and comprehensive support structures. He emphasizes the need for Europe to replicate similar strategies to nurture a healthy and competitive film industry.

Challenges in training opportunities
Sten highlights the challenges professionals face in accessing training opportunities, particularly due to financial constraints. He notes the reliance on festivals and markets for training and the need for diversification in training sources.

Importance of policy shifts
Sten underscores the need for a significant policy shift to address structural issues in the industry, such as the lack of executive education and upskilling programs. He advocates for policies that support industry leaders in acquiring necessary skills and fostering a culture of continuous learning.

Call for systematic change
Sten stresses the importance of systematic change, particularly in adapting to new technologies like AI and prioritizing human skill development. He advocates for a collaborative approach between industry and policy to drive global traction and ensure industry sustainability.

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

Our podcast guest, Jakob Isak Nielsen, possesses an extraordinary wealth of knowledge about the film and TV industry, and this expertise shines through in this episode of the ScreenME podcast.

In this episode, Jakob takes us on a journey that spans the historical roots and contemporary developments of the industry, offering reflections on the potential connections to entrepreneurship. With his insightful perspective, Jakob explores various facets, including the definition of entrepreneurship and the true extent of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit in the realm of filmmaking. Delving into the current pivotal trends in the film and TV industry, Jakob covers diverse topics such as generative AI and audience engagement. Moreover, Jakob elaborates on why media students are well-equipped with the essential helicopter view for entrepreneurial thinking.

This episode offers a rich exploration of the industry's past, present, and potential future intersections with entrepreneurship.

Jakob Isak Nielsen is Associate Professor at the Department of Media and Journalism Studies at Aarhus University in Denmark. He is the co-editor of a book of American drama series, Fjernsyn for viderekomne (2011), and a follow-up book with a transnational focus on serial phenomena in the IDTV era, Streaming for viderekomne (2020). Relevant research projects: What Makes Danish TV Drama Series Travel? (Independent Research Fund Denmark, 2014-2018); CresCine – Increasing the International Competitiveness of the European Film Industry in Small European Markets (Horizon-RIA, 2023-2026).

 Links to key works and company Jakob referred to:

 Legion M, the first media company in history designed to be owned by fans. https://legionm.com


#3 ScreenMePodcast: Why teach entrepreneurship to students who are not business students? A talk with Sean Branagan, director of the Center for Digital Media Entrepreneurship at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School in New York https://open.spotify.com/episode/3D7vhW7EM5ysMxczsX23bb

Achtenhagen, Leona (2008). Understanding entrepreneurship in traditional media. Journal of Media Business Studies, 5(1), 123-142. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/16522354.2008.11073463

 Hoag, Anne (2008). Measuring Media Entrepreneurship 1. The International Journal on Media Management, 10(2), 74-80. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/14241270802000496



Quote from the episode: 
"There would be no film industry without entrepreneurial activity. If you look back to the 19th century and some of the pioneers of the industry, they were innovators."

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/

In this podcast episode, Dan Mikkin shares insights into his entrepreneurial journey and lessons learned while co-founding Brand Manual, a consultancy specializing in service design and branding. He delves into the role of a service designer, and he elaborates on his experiences gained through consulting with diverse businesses. Doing this, he offers a wealth of knowledge on service design and brand management.

Furthermore, Dan reflects on his perspective on creativity and its pivotal role in entrepreneurship and sustaining a business. He reflects on the nuanced approach to creative expression, drawing comparisons between a designer and an artist.

Additionally, the episode features Dan's reflections on his teaching experience in entrepreneurship at Tallinn University’s Baltic Film, Media, and Arts School. 

Dan Mikkin was one of the service design pioneers in Estonia back in 2009. Today he’s focused on consulting and leading service and product development in big organisations. Subsequently, he’s also mentoring in-house development teams. Some of the projects at hand:

• e-Residency, Estonia’s digital identity

• Elora, a nursing hospital and care brand

 As an educator, he tackles governmental and corporate service design projects with Interaction Design students (MA) at the Estonian Art Academy, teaches creative entrepreneurship (BA) at the Baltic Film, Media and Arts School. Mentors and conducts design thinking workshops in cooperation with Enterprise Estonia and Estonian Development Cooperation Office. A cycling aficionado. As a photographer, has a number of personal exhibitions to account for.

Quote from the talk:
"Entrepreneurs have to be creative to offer something that nobody else does. If they are not, then they will be subcontractors. And that's a very vulnerable business".

www.linkedin.com/in/danmikkin/
https://www.thebrandmanual.com

Host: Ulrike Rohn

Sound: Tanel Kadalipp (episode 1-14), Sangam Panta (episode 15 -


https://bfmentrepreneurhub.tlu.ee/screenme-podcast/