At Film Lab Africa: Creative Hustle, EbonyLife Creative Academy’s Head of School, Drikus Volschenk, pointed to a shift in focus at Film Lab Africa that reflects a broader gap in the industry: the need for stronger television production.
Following an earlier edition centred on short films, this year’s programme is pivoting toward series development, an intentional move, according to Volschenk.
“We’ve done short films now, so we’re focusing on television production,” he said. “There’s a gap in the market for television productions, especially here. People are so obsessed with making movies, but I think if people start making good television series, it’s going to work really well.”
As part of that shift, the academy is currently in pre-production on seven pilot episodes developed by selected writers from the programme, with filming set to begin in the coming weeks.
“We’ve chosen the top writers, matched them with producers, and lined up directors to bring the projects to life,” he said. “We’re starting to film in about three weeks.”
Beyond the structural changes in the programme, Volschenk also addressed the qualities he considers essential for emerging creatives beyond technical ability.
“Talent is not everything,” he said. “Hard work is incredibly important. And you have to be pleasant to work with. Nobody wants to work with someone who is difficult or a bully.”
His comments reflect ongoing conversations within the industry about working culture and sustainability, particularly as productions scale and collaboration becomes more central. At EbonyLife Creative Academy, he said, there is a deliberate focus on shaping both craft and attitude.
“We try to build spirit,” he explained. “Our students are usually very happy, and I think happy people are easier to work with than people who are constantly angry or difficult.”
Volschenk also offered a candid perspective on the unpredictability of creative careers. Reflecting on over two decades as an actor and industry professional, he dismissed the idea of a single turning point.
“I don’t think it ever makes sense,” he said. “Sometimes it goes up, sometimes it goes down. The trick is learning how to balance those moments.”
For him, navigating those fluctuations depends largely on maintaining connection, whether with collaborators, personal networks, or a broader sense of purpose.
“Connection is so important,” he said. “We gather around people when they’re struggling, but even when people are doing well, they still need support. That’s when things can also become difficult.”
His remarks add another layer to the broader discussions at Film Lab Africa, where speakers have emphasised the evolving demands of the industry from consistency and clarity to adaptability and collaboration. In Volschenk’s view, the next phase of growth may depend as much on mindset and systems as it does on output.
