Ayodeji Ayenuwa
The tech startup founded in 2020 by Julie Ako and Nikita Mokgware, Albantsho, has launched ‘The Scriptwriter,’ a free screenwriting tool specifically crafted for African screenwriters.
Breaking away from the norm of pricey and complex alternatives, Albantsho introduces an intuitive block-based script editor to address the challenges of balancing creativity and formatting standards.
Julie Ako, co-founder of Albantsho, emphasizes the significance of their platform in light of the surging global interest in African stories. She notes, “The creative aspect of screenwriting can be very mentally demanding, but that doesn’t mean professionals can afford to focus on that alone and shun widely accepted formatting standards.”
This move comes as African films, particularly Nollywood productions like ‘The Black Book’ and ‘Gangs of Lagos,’ gain international acclaim.
The success of these films not only attracts a global audience but also significant investments from tech founders and venture capitalists. Notable figures like Olugbenga Agboola and Subomi Plumptre have recognized the potential returns in Africa’s filmmaking industry.
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Olumide Soyombo, an investor in African films, points out, “Return on Investment (ROI) varies from project to project, but it is better than keeping your money in a fixed deposit. We have seen 50% returns, 2x returns, and 3x returns.”
Albantsho’s Broader Mission and Future Plans
Beyond offering free tools, Albantsho aims to empower screenwriters to meet the growing demand for compelling and diverse scripts.
The platform plans to launch StoryBase in Q1 2024, a script marketplace enabling screenwriters to monetize their work and producers to acquire quality scripts.
Co-founder Julie Ako expresses their goal, stating, “The goal is to democratize access to lucrative offers for screenwriters and give producers a go-to platform for the best Africa-focused stories.”
While acknowledging future paid plans, the founders stress prioritizing user needs. Ako states, “We are big on building a thriving community of African screenwriters and filmmakers. We will make money, for sure. But we’ve been patient all this while, and we’ll continue to be as we prioritize the needs of our users for now.”
Albantsho also plans to integrate a community feature, fostering collaboration and feedback among writers.
Ultimately, Albantsho’s launch of The Scriptwriter, coupled with the platform’s user-centric approach, and free offerings, positions Albantsho as a key player in promoting African storytelling and supporting the evolving landscape of the continent’s filmmaking industry.
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Techrectory with Agency Report.
