Here’s a glimpse into the Film Lab journey so far 🎬
From developing ideas to building real industry connections, it’s been all about growth, collaboration, and bold storytelling.
And we’re just getting started.
#FilmLabAfrica #BritishCouncil #CreativeGrowth #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #IconicSteps
🎬 Meet the Producers
At the heart of Film Lab Africa is Creative Growth, supporting producers to evolve their craft, expand their capabilities, and strengthen their voice within the industry.
Through this programme, selected producers will undergo a structured development process, gaining deeper insight into storytelling, production systems, and project delivery.
They will also work alongside writers to bring selected projects to life in a live production environment.
Delivered under the British Council’s Creative Growth programme, Film Lab Africa is building stronger producers and a stronger screen ecosystem.
#FilmLabAfrica2
#BritishCouncil #CreativeGrowth #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #IconicSteps
🎬 British Council Film Lab - Creative Hustle: From Idea to Audience.
As African filmmakers increasingly engage global markets, this British Council Film Lab session brings together industry experts to unpack how films move from concept to international audiences.
Hosted by @tambayobenson the conversation explores key pathways across financing, production, and distribution and what it takes to position projects for global success.
Featuring:
• Sheila Nortley – Development & studio/streamer financing (Idea → Production).
• Tendeka Matatu – International sales & distribution (Production → Global Sales).
• Melissa Adeyemo – Independent financing & festival pathways (Indie Production → Festival → Distribution).
From securing funding to navigating international markets, this session offers practical insight into building sustainable pathways for African films globally.
📌 Register via the link in bio to secure your place.
Date: Monday, April 27, 2026 |
Time: 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM
#FilmLabAfrica2 #BritishCouncilFilmLab #CreativeGrowth #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy
#IconicSteps
🎬 Masterclass: A Case Study of Severance.
As part of the British Council Film Lab, we are hosting Nicky Weinstock for an in-depth case study session exploring how powerful stories move from concept to global screens.
Focusing on Severance, the session will unpack its journey from development through to production highlighting the creative, technical, and collaborative processes behind a globally successful series.
For African filmmakers looking to strengthen their craft and engage international audiences, this session offers practical insight into high-end storytelling, scale, and navigating the global screen industry.
This forms part of the Film Lab’s commitment to supporting African stories in reaching global platforms.
📌 Register via the link in bio and receive your meeting link
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2026 | Time: 1:00 PM – 2:30 PM
#FilmLabAfrica
#BritishCouncilFilmLab #CreativeGrowth #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #IconicSteps
Fun! Amazing! Exciting! Educational! We love these descriptors and helping young people like Kemil develop confidence in their skills. Take a look at this video to hear about Kemil’s experience on a commercial Production course we ran in partnership with Phoenix Community Housing and Elevate 100.
#iconicsteps #professionaldevelopment #youngcreatives
🎬 Meet the Script Consultants
We are pleased to introduce the script consultants supporting the Writers’ Phase of Film Lab Africa, part of the British Council’s Creative Growth programme.
Bringing specialist expertise in story development and script refinement, the consultants will work closely with participants to strengthen their projects, from early drafts through to polished, production-ready scripts.
Their contribution ensures a rigorous development process, equipping writers with the tools, insight, and discipline required to elevate their work to international standards.
This forms a key part of the programme’s commitment to building strong storytelling, enterprise capability, and sustainable pathways into the global screen industry.
#BritishCouncilFilmLab #ScriptConsultants #FilmLabAfrica #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #IconicSteps
🎬Meet the Faculty!
We are pleased to introduce the faculty leading the Writers’ Phase of Film Lab Africa, part of the British Council’s Creative Growth programme.
✨Xavier Ighorodje - Head Writer / Facilitator
✨Tosin Otudeko - Co-Facilitator
✨Dana Fanairu - Showrunner
Bringing experience across writing, development, and production, the faculty will guide participants through a structured process from story development to production and market readiness.
This reflects the programme’s focus on building strong storytelling, enterprise capability, and pathways to industry.
#britishcouncilfilmlab #MeetTheFaculty #Nollywood #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #lconicSteps
🎬✨ Masterclass: The Showrunner’s Playbook with Greg Yaitanes.
As part of British Council Film Lab Africa, we are proud to host Emmy and Golden Globe-winning director and showrunner Greg Yaitanes for an exclusive session on crafting compelling television worlds from script to screen.
Known for his work on House of the Dragon, Presumed Innocent, and House, Greg will share his insights on:
• Creative leadership in TV production
• Collaboration across departments
• Mentorship and building sustainable careers in storytelling
📌 Register now using the link in our bio to receive your meeting link and secure your spot.
The session is scheduled for Monday, April 13, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
#ShowrunnerMasterclass #FilmLabAfrica #BritishCouncil #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #IconicSteps
🎬 Introducing Our Shortlisted Writers
We are proud to introduce the shortlisted writers for Film Lab Africa Phase 2, part of the British Council’s Creative Growth programme.
This cohort represents a new generation of storytellers, developing original content with a clear pathway from story to screen and market.
Through this film accelerator, they will engage in training, mentorship, and industry collaboration to strengthen storytelling and market readiness.
We look forward to seeing these stories come to life and contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s film sector.
#BritishCouncilFilmLab #MeetTheWriters #Nollywood #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #IconicSteps
Film Lab Africa 2 is here!
We are pleased to announce that the British Council’s Film Lab Africa Phase 2 will be delivered by EbonyLife Media through the EbonyLife Creative Academy and Iconic Steps Film Academy, bringing together leading expertise from Nigeria and the UK.
Film Lab Africa is a film accelerator programme under the British Council’s Creative Growth programme, designed to support emerging filmmakers, screenwriters, and episodic storytellers to develop commercially viable projects and strengthen their pathways to production and market.
Through intensive labs, mentorship, production support, and industry showcases, the programme connects creative talent to the skills, networks and opportunities required to grow sustainable careers and engage global audiences.
With national reach across all 36 states and inclusive access for persons with disabilities, Film Lab Africa 2 fosters a more inclusive, competitive, and globally connected Nigerian film sector.
#FilmLabAfrica2 #ReframeWithMe
#BritishCouncil #EbonyLifeCreativeAcademy #IconicSteps
Huge thanks to the talented participants of the Iconic Steps course who created brilliant reels showcasing the success of Downham Games Fest! Your creativity helped capture the spirit of the day and share it with the wider community. Look out for the second one.. coming soon! #elevate100 #iconicsteps #downhamgamesfest
🎬 Want to break into commercial production?
Lewisham residents aged 16–30, this is your moment! 🌟
Join the Iconic Steps Film Academy for a FREE hands-on course where you'll learn to:
💡 Develop creative ideas
🎥 Use cameras, lighting & sound
📺 Produce your own commercials
✅ Complete the course and unlock paid opportunities!
📅 Course Dates: 20–24 Oct 2025
🎟️ Taster Day: 14 Oct
📍 Location: The Green Man, 355 Bromley Road
🕒 Time: 10am–4pm
📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer or find link in bio to apply
📧 Questions? Email: [email protected]
#Lewisham #elevate100 #downham #FilmAcademy #IconicSteps #CreativeCareers #FreeCourse #CommercialProduction #LewishamOpportunities #YoungTalent