Taye Balogun Royal Castle Apartment, Mbaazi Road, Nairobi, Kenya

teeberlowski@gmail.com +254 706436359; +255 768963480

OVERVIEW OF QUALIFICATIONS

15years experience in motion picture, Cinema & Television, as a Director, Producer and Photographer. I have directed six (6) feature films and several campaign content that are tailored towards SDG’s and the African Union Agenda 2063.

A creative Graphics Designer and Illustrator.

An active citizen who has worked in the development sector as a pan African organizer of youths and activists; a Campaigner who advocate for social economic issues across the African continent on challenges ranging from Youth development, Economy Empowerment, Water and Sanitation, Peace and Security, Climate change, Education and Cultural integration.

Effective public speaking and ability to influence young people as well as decision makers through advocacy and alliance building with range of actors including private sector and CSOs.

10years of experience in teaching/training and facilitating workshops with recent invitation as a visiting Art Educator at Howard University, Georgetown University and Harvard University respectively.

EDUCATION

One Fine Day Film, Germany. Masters in Production Design, 2012. European Union Babylon, Germany. Masters in Directing, 2009. National Film Institute, Nigeria. Professional Diploma in Film Making, 2008. University of Lagos, Nigeria. Bachelor of Arts in Chemistry, 2005.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

British Broadcasting Corporation - BBC West Africa Abuja, Nigeria Title: Producer/Photographer April 2008 – December, 2010

Develop and distribute contextual video content on subject around safe sex and HIV Aids.

Managing production data and all internal and external communications within the crew and partners.

Supervised all promotional materials required for social media platforms.

Managed brands and product placements on all filmed content.

Coordinate the script team (writers) and organizing conferences to supervise the creative writing process.

Writing the weekly and monthly reports to the donors.

American International School Abuja, Nigeria. Title: Teacher {Filmmaking | Acting} March 2008 - August 2012

Developed the curriculum for the film and acting junior class with other teachers.

Teaching grade 10th, 11th and 12th class.

Weekly evaluation of the course outline versus students progress.

Planning and coordinating the Junior Broadway Musical, as well as directing it.

Nigeria Golden Jubilee Celebration (Nigeria@50) Abuja, Nigeria Title: Producer/Photographer August - October 2010 I was a part of the National Media Committee who was directly involved in the celebration of Nigeria fifty years of independence. My key role was:

I led the media accreditation processes of foreign press.

Facilitated interview sessions between government officials and the press.

Photographing the foreign affairs delegates as well as the diplomatic guests.

I drafted the press releases, communiqué and other media messaging related to the event.

The Tai Show Abuja, Nigeria Title: Executive Producer/Director/Host Jan 2011 - December 2012 An African TV Food Show created by me to address food production, insecurity, waste and consumption. It was broadcasted on Africa Magic on DSTV across 36 countries:

I organized a consultative gathering with a team of researchers and food experts in the development of the concept.

Art designed the studio set, lights staging and directed the show.

I fundraised for the entire first season (production and post production) of the show, marketed it, and later bargained the purchased rights to DSTV.

I co-hosted the first season (13episodes) of the show. Water Aid Abuja, Nigeria Title: Documentary Consultant Jan 2013 - April 2013

I wrote and directed short campaign videos for Water Aid on specific country projects in Northern and Eastern Nigeria. I concluded my assignment by making a full feature length documentary on the WASH programme.

During the production, I was also responsible for taking photographs used for the WASH campaign both On and Offline.

I made the final edit of the concept paper and the shooting script.

I also engaged several media houses in the amplification of the WASH campaign across northern Nigeria.

SOTU (State Of The Union) Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania. Title: Photography Consultant December, 2013.

Facilitated a short photography training for the SOTU members from 15countries.

Designed a training manual for the participants.

Lead the participants in creating a photo book as an outcome of the training.

Supervised the evaluation process and drafted a report. DSTV & Africa Magic (Feature Films) Nairobi, Kenya. Title: Film Director/Script Editor May 2014 – September 2014

I worked with a team of script writers on story development.

I read and edited 7 feature length scripts from the story development process.

I directed five feature length films – from the seven feature stories I edited.

Helped with the location recce.

I interviewed and casted all the crew and cast members of the film. SILHOUETTE PICTURES Nairobi, Kenya Title: WHY AFRICANS ARE NOT UNITED (Director/Producer) Nov 2014 - December 2014

I conceptualized the idea behind the photography project.

I sketched the storyboard for all the stage photographs.

Casted actors who were used as models for these images, as well as recce.

I collaborated with friends in the media to organize press conference to amplify the story on mainstream and social media.

I was in charge of creating and inviting a list of the African diplomatic members for the opening.

OXFAM INTERNATIONAL Nairobi, Kenya Title: Campaigner (Consultant) January 2015 With Syria

I coordinate a pan African solidarity campaign in Kenya, Gambia, Nigeria and Zambia with liaison with the Oxfam pan African office in Addis by mobilizing activists and press.

I was part of the team who created an online campaign strategy use as a template for other countries while we monitor its progress.

I mobilized young leaders from all these countries, gathered to create a stage photograph that was used for both online and offline, in solidarity with the people of Syria.

SAVE THE CHILDREN (ACTION 2015) Nairobi, Kenya Title: Lead Campaigner (Consultant) April, 2015

I created and coordinated a pan African concert to popularize the SDG’s bringing seven artists from seven countries with the organizers of Blankets and Wine.

Liaison with other Action 2015 members and the secretariat in Kenya.

With the communication team, I was in charge of curating specific messages & reaching out to all the eco-artists from across the continent to communicate the importance of climate change using recycle waste art.

I organized press conferences with all the participatory artists in Kenya and beyond.

I engaged the local media houses in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Ethiopia (TV, Radio, and Prints) to support the effort of artists in the adoption of the new global goals.

I produced short campaign videos for all the artists addressing the need for policy makers and our leaders to allow the contribution of the creative community in the amplification of the SDG - as well as Action 2015 members.

I lead the organization of three art for peace forum as a build up towards the global day of mobilization.

I produced and directed an advocacy video featuring celebrated African artists with one.org. AFRICA UNION Nairobi, Kenya Title: Consultant (DG Trends) September, 2015 National Youth Consultation on the inclusion of women in politics.

With my colleagues, we map out women leaders and policy makers to be engaged.

I was in-charged of sending invites to all young female politicians and parliamentarians in Kenya.

I also coordinated interviews with local and foreign media in highlighting our activities.

I directed the production of the video report from the consultative forum.

I moderated the dialogue between 200 young aspiring politicians for two days.

I seek media partnership with the association of women in the media and other credible partners.

AFRICANS RISING Nairobi, Kenya Title: Campaigns and Policy Lead February, 2017

I worked closely with ActionAid Global Platforms in 5 countries to train young people on inclusive democracy and art for social change.

I organized a solidarity mission to Togo, Cameroun, Gambia and SA with our board chair on issues related to human rights abuse.

I was in charge of production of campaign videos, illustrations, podcast, images etc. for the website, advocacy purposes and fundraising.

I will draft press releases, policy papers and report and report directly to the operations director.

I constantly coordinate with partners for joint programs, training or content sharing such as Amnesty, CIVICUS, ActionAid, Oxfam and Fight Inequality Alliance with all Action Aid country offices in Africa.

I led and coordinated a residency program designed for activist across Africa. This was the first co-host.

With a team of five, we organized a continental mobilization of activists, youth, media, women/feminist groups, and artists to sign a declaration on the Africa Liberation Day.

I organized board, core members and partners meeting.

I supervised the condition of activists in countries where there is an unrest. AFRICAN ARTIST PEACE INITIATIVE (AAPI) Addis Ababa, Ethiopia Title: Deputy Executive Director Jan 2014 – 2018

Coordinating the annual pan African creative consultative forum meeting on peace and security in Addis Ababa, during the African Union summit.

Served as the liaison officer to the AU and engaged with the UNESCO office to the AU in Addis Ababa.

Lead several campaign strategy/tools for peace for 43 countries while engaging the national coordinators for in-country meetings.

Coordinated the ATT (Arms Trade Treaty) campaign with Control Arms, PAX, Oxfam and other regional bodies (EAC, IGAD, RECSA, etc.). I also played a role in the formation of the committee on Horn of Africa Arms Control Network.

I initiated the call for Young African Artists on for climate justice initiative.

I organized and

set up meetings among all AAPI peace ambassadors across the continent – mostly are celebrated African Artists.

I served as a co-chair within the Action 2015 artist/media committee.

I was assigned the role to attend inter-governmental meetings between civil society members and government bodies mostly led by the AU and other UN agencies.

I organized a candle light vigil in solidarity for the Chibok girls kidnapped in Nigeria

I organized a candle light vigil and discussion forum for the Burundian community in Nairobi.

Launch the AFAP (Art For Advocacy and Peace) campaign with Amnesty International and other CSOs.

SILHOUETTE PICTURES (Feature Film) Nairobi, Kenya Title: MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON (Director/Writer/Producer) 2015/2016 Music Is Our Weapon

I fundraised for the film.

Using a participatory research method, I facilitated several youth forums at the script development stage to listen to the youths on the role of art in social commentary.

I directed the documentary film – which lasted for 2years.

Due to budget constraints, I also doubled as a production manager therefore managing travel logistics for the crew.

MS TCDC (ACTION AID DENMARK) Arusha, Tanzania Title: Innovation & Communication Expert/Trainer February, 2018 Design strategy | Innovative programs | Communication

I started the digitization of the library content under the knowledge curation and innovation project - working with Microsoft Africa.

I designed and developed the curriculum for Films for development short course which was approved.

ActionAid Denmark leadership tasked me to conceptualize two residency programme including: Artists and Activist. I coordinated the process from concept writing to implementation.

With knowledge curation, I developed a concept for MS TCDC production studio to be able to gather knowledge from different experts for educational or historical purpose through interviews and podcasts.

I introduced film screening as a crucial component of teaching and visual assimilation.

I curated African and World films on human rights and civil disobedient for activists and social change makers.

I taught Films For Development (FFD) for two years with participants from BBC Media Action, Article 16, Mandela Institute, Oxfam, Amnesty International, ActionAid Kenya, Wildlife Foundation etc.

I led the media and communication team for the annual YouLead Regional Summit with partnership with East African Community and GIZ twice in a role.

I also joined the fundraising team in seeking for grants towards some the innovative projects.

HARGESIA CULTURAL INSTITUTE Hargesia, Somaliland Title: Facilitator (Consultant) July, 2018 Master Class Workshop

I consulted the participants in designing the training curriculum in preparation for the workshop.

I organized a local educational media tour with participants to exercise some sort of an audit of the industry and the technological advancement.

Myself and two other colleagues from the center designed a monitoring and evaluation tool for the progress of the participants.

YOULEAD REGIONAL SUMMIT Arusha, Tanzania Title: Head of Media and Communication November, 2018

I put together a team of experts and agreed on terms of engagement, signed contracts and deliberated on a unifying goals.

I negotiated an agreement with KTN News Channel (in Kenya) as the official media partner of YouLead Summit. I was interviewed on a live television show; and a reporter was stationed at the summit ground throughout the festival.

Myself and the team members designed a communication strategy that was inclusive, of languages (text - on & offline), countries (national consultations), and gender inequality (active female participation) .

I organized press conferences, twitter chats, Facebook live interviews, and podcasts coffee inspired debates for friends in the media and youth leaders.

I took charge of the media accreditation of all media houses covering the summit and those assigned by the East African Community.

The team and I put together an inspirational talk session called UBUNTU TALKS and carefully identify young people who are already progressive in their line of work for an inspired 15mins talk. It was considered by most of the youth (250 participants) as the highlight of the summit.

I submitted a video report as part of the final highlight documentation of the summit for the donors and participants.

KAN FESTIVAL Arusha, Tanzania Title: Festival Director December, 2018/Jan 2019 Coordination | Programme Design | Resource Person

As the director of the festival, I attend all board and management meetings, coordinated with different partners, groups and the creatives.

I was committed to build a pan African team for the implementation process, which I did. With a total number of twenty-seven (27), our statistics includes: 7 countries, 18 females, and 15 paid volunteers.

I monitored the web portal design and personal designed the branding materials for the festival.

With the management team, I was involved in the programme design.

I co-created the art exhibition arm of the festival with the assigned curator on the thematic area.

I fundraised for all the international artists that confirmed their participation to attend the festival as a workshop facilitator.

I handled and managed the budget line, income finance as well as the financial report. OXFAM PAN AFRICA Nairobi, Kenya Title: Documentary Film Consultant April, 2019 Film Director | Writer | Team Lead

I put together a team of researchers in the quest to search for women (the under-dog) who are championing for peace in their respective communities across Africa. We also reached out to several organizations involved in this.

I drafted the working treatment and highlighted the areas of focus before the production.

As the lead consultant, I was in charge of the crew’s travel documents, travel insurances for crew and equipment, plus the license for filming in different locations/cities.

I was put in communication with the Oxfam country offices (the Directors) for local logistics and possible navigation on ground for security purposes. We traveled to 6 countries (Liberia, Mali, South Sudan, Uganda, Sudan and DRC).

I communicated with all the confirmed Champions via email and on the phone to establish some confident and familiarization with each of them prior to traveling to their home countries.

I also identified line-producers (Fixers) in each country who are able to do all necessary ground work and official proceedings before the team’s arrival.

I coordinated the entire pre - production, production and post production stages. I directed the motion picture.

CRISIS ACTION Nairobi, Kenya Title: Campaign Consultant July, 2019 Director | Writer | Campaign Design

I supervised the script development process based on the briefing from the Crisis Action team for the animation campaign video.

I provided the creative team with materials (documents and published articles) on rape and sexual violence in South Sudan that includes context and statistics.

I sketched the initial storyboard for the campaign video.

I supervised the voice-over artist during the recording in the studio as well as the animator.

I mobilized South Sudan youth groups, artist communities and activists in the launch of the campaign video – with support from other civil society within the horn of Africa.

CRISIS ACTION Nairobi, Kenya Title: Campaign Consultant January, 2020. Spoilers Of Peace Award

I lead the design team in creating materials for the spoilers of peace awards.

I mobilized foreign and local press within Kenya and East Africa to amplify the award/ees.

As the lead of the creative team, I also set up a planning meeting between all partners.

I monitored all the social media messaging and language across all platforms before and after.

I mobilized South Sudan youth groups, artist communities and activists in the progress of the spoilers nomination and introduction of the judges – with support from other civil society within the horn of Africa.

AMREF HEALTH CANADA Nairobi, Kenya Title: Documentary Consultant March, 2020. FILM DIRECTOR & GRAPHICS DESIGNER

I reviewed technical report documents for design purpose.

I wrote the script and directed a short documentary on the local program in Senegal.

I engaged with local partners in Dakar, Djibanar and Ziguizhor all in Senegal.

I designed the entire nutritional summary report of 8 countries.

I carried out a participatory research on the impact of the Amref Health and Nutritional International collective impact on sexual reproductive health and female genital mutilation.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS Advisory Board Member, Africa Youth Panel (AYP) Member, African Youth Commission. Fellow, TEDx Kampala. Coordinator, Horn of Africa Peace & Security Network. Board Member, African Artists Peace Initiative (AAPI). Member, African Youth Initiative for Climate Justice. Member, Fight Inequality Alliance. Core Team Member, Africans Rising. Partner, Oxfam International. Partner, Crisis Action. SKILLS Language: Fluent in English (speaking and writing); Basic Arabic & Swahili. Office: Microsoft Office Suite, Photoshop, Outlook & Lotus Notes, Oasis, New Media-Social Networking Sites. Technical: Still & Motion Camera Operator, audio recording, drawing & painting. PUBLICATIONS Author - GUNS, GUTS AND GOD (2017) Editor – WHY AFRICANS ARE NOT UNITED (2014) Editor – YOUTHS IN PEACE AND SECURITY: ROLE AND RESPONSIBILITIES (2016). Author - NO ART & CULTURE, NO DEVELOPMENT (2018). Co-Authored Paper - ADVANCING WOMEN’S POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN AFRICA. Co-Authored - THE LANGUAGE IS PEACE AND CHANNEL IS ART. Authored – THE CULTURE OF PEACE. Co-Authored: EDUCATION IS A COST, DEVELOPMENT IS THE PRICE. FILMOGRAPHY Title: Film Director Film Production

12:30 – Associate Producer (by BBC/Microsoft/Impression Films Production) LEARNING CURVE – Production Designer (by SOZO Films) ENITAN – Production Designer (by Impression Films) DEAD END JOB – Director (by MNET) CHECK LIST – Director (by MNET) CHASING THE LIGHT – Director (by MNET) THE FRATERNITY – Director (by MNET)

MUSIC IS OUR WEAPON – Director/Producer (by Silhouette Pictures/Storytellers) BROADWAY MUSICAL ONCE ON THIS ISLAND – Director FIDDLER ON THE ROOF – Director GREASE – Director TV/COMMERCIALS GUINNESS – Producer/Casting Director STANDARD CHARTERRED – Director GTBANK – Director References furnished upon request.