Film Lab Africa 2 – Story Lab Edition (A British Council Programme | Nigeria – UK – Online)
Following the success and learnings from the 2023/24 pilot, Film Lab Africa 2 returns as a more ambitious and targeted programme designed to:
- Deepen the development of emerging screenwriting, storytelling, and production talent in Nigeria
- Encourage co-creation between Nigeria and the UK
- Position African content for global visibility and market access
- Contribute to inclusion, sustainability, and innovation in the creative economy
This edition is themed "Story Lab” and focuses specifically on scripted episodic content and storytelling for screen and television, expanding the reach of the programme across both creative and industry value chains.
Programme Components
Film Lab 2 is structured into a six-phase delivery cycle:
1. Scriptwriters’ Online Training
- 30 scriptwriters selected through an open call
- Virtual workshops on storytelling, character development, series formatting, pitching, and sustainability
2. Writers’ Residency & Story Lab
- 15 writers shortlisted for an in-person residency in Lagos or London
- Intensive mentorship and collaborative writing labs with UK and Nigerian experts
3. Filmmakers’ Online Training
- 60 directors and producers undergo capacity development in:
- Episodic content creation
- Pitching and packaging for distributors and broadcasters
- Inclusive storytelling and climate narrative
4. Production & Grant Support
- Selected filmmakers awarded production grants to create pilot episodes
- Full script-to-screen guidance, funding, and mentorship
5. Showcasing & Distribution
- Final outputs from writers, filmmakers, and grantees showcased locally and internationally
- Industry screenings, festival submissions, and market pitching
6. Industry Engagement & Advocacy
- Creative hustles
- Film Club
- Other related areas
Delivery Model
- Delivered through a Nigerian-led consortium in partnership with a UK organisation selected via an open RFP process.
- Implemented in partnership with sector stakeholders, ensuring local ownership and sustainability.
- Programme governance guided by learning from Phase 1, including improved coordination, delivery partner performance monitoring, and a stronger focus on business development.
Strategic Focus Areas
- Capacity building for early-career filmmakers
- Development of scripts and TV pilots with market potential
- Gender inclusion, youth participation, and support for underrepresented voices
- Environmental storytelling and alignment with UN SDGs
- Building cross-continental co-production pipelines between Nigeria and the U