Multimedia academy opens

A media production school, the Africa Digital Multimedia Academy, was officially opened yesterday, after almost seven months operating in the country.The academy that is operated by Pixel Corps, a US-based digital media firm, in partnership with the government of Rwanda, was launched by the minister of education, Dr Vincent Biruta alongside the president and CEO of Pixel Corps, Alexander Lindsay.The academy, which has 20 students already enrolled, focuses on quality video and film production, basic production skills like computer graphics, shooting/editing and audio lighting.Other components of digital media production such as podcast technology and online streaming video broadcast, binary skills such as rot scoping, match moving, distance learning, visual literacy will also be part of the package offered.“Since March we have been here training in quality video production skills and computer graphics among others.We are getting the best expertise when it comes to ICT,” said Cyril Ndegeya, one of the students at the academy.The criteria to select the students is based on basic computer skills, but those with knowledge in photoshop and graphic design, stand a higher chance because within the institution most of the production works is done in High Definitions (HD).“We hope to get the best production skills like video editing, graphic designing among others from this academy, considering the fact that it is well known for producing hit movies in the US,” stated Charles Ruturewa another student.Pixel Corps has been specialising in computer graphics and video production for close to 30 years and has worked with the largest visual production companies in the US, such as Industrial Light and Magic and Lucas Film on the Box Office hit movie, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace.Speaking at the event, Biruta said that the academy brings significant programmes to Rwanda and the region.“It will enable our students to be job creators other than job seekers due its production knowledge and skills that have a huge impact across all sectors,” he said.According to Lindsay, the academy targets to enrol about 60 students before the end of this year.“This is not a regular school where students come and study for a certain period and get certificates, diplomas or degrees, the success of the students at the school will depend on the successes of the projects given to work on during the study,” he explained.Pixel Corps CEO stated that, the academy is very expensive because of its world class multimedia skills it gives to students. “We are still negotiating the tuition fee but we shall ensure it becomes affordable.”He pointed out that, Rwanda was chosen to host the academy due to the government’s strong political will to promote the ICT industry.Africa Multimedia Academy is located in the city centre opposite SONARWA building and it is the first of its kind in Africa.

National

Multimedia academy opens