Creative of the Week: Kiboi Kuria

Kiboi Kuria (@kiboikuria) is a TV Producer and writer of screenplays, radio dramas as well as the author of an anthology Eastlands Stories. He has written and produced numerous television dramas and soaps including Sumu la Penzi, Block D, Be the Judge, Wash n Set and Jane and Abel. He he’s also written three Africa Magic Original Films (AMOF) titled Remembering Lawi, Checklist and Project Revenge. On radio, he’s scripted Hafla a political radio drama and ShujaazFM the social commentary drama which won him and the ShujaazFM team back to back International Emmys in Children and Young People category.

More than anything Kiboi Kuria loves to play god by creating memorable multi-layered characters. He has a keen interest in portraying personal internal struggles as well as questions of morality and its ambiguity thereof in his work.

1. Did you always know you wanted to be a screenwriter?

I have been an ardent consumer of TV and film. Up to about 8 years ago I had never thought of a career in the industry, until I had a burning story to tell and I thought this shouldn’t be too hard. Through my contacts I was able to get in touch with the renowned screen and playwright Cajetan Boy who offered to mentor me. It was supposed to be a short temporary thing. At the time, he was the head writer for the NTV series Wash n Set and he challenged me to write an episode of the show. Let’s just say I have not looked back since.

2. What is your writing process like?

Dead silence with only the chiming of a clock in the background, but only because it is unavoidable, is the only way I can write. Giving it my all, I call it. I write at all manner of hours, a necessary evil to meet tight deadlines, but I have found I produce my best work while working under extreme pressure. There is something about time ticking away towards a looming deadline that produces page after page of hard hitting scenes and crisp dialog.

3. How much do your life experiences influence your work?

The same way an artist can’t dissociate himself from his work, writers can’t help but leave pieces of themselves in the characters they create and the dialogue they give them. Some even argue that the best art is made when the artist is being honest with himself. So yes, I have created characters that are mirror images of me or at least what I perceive of myself, minus the flaws of course. I have taken snippets out of my life and made scenes out of them and I am guilty of using my friends’ stories as well, something that will land me in a lot of trouble one day!

4. Do you watch any of the shows you write? If you do, what is it like to see your story come alive and are there any complaints you may have?

I do make a point of catching everything I have written to see how it translated on screen or on radio. Some have turned out pretty disappointing while others have taken a life of their own and been truly great. Most of the disappointment comes from production taking short cuts, not casting the right people as the script envisaged, not using the right locations and generally rushing through principal shooting. Many a good story has gone down the drain because of that and the hurt that comes with it is unspeakable. However, when things go right it gives one unparalleled joy and satisfaction.

5. What are your thoughts on screenwriting in Kenya and how do you think we can improve on the craft?

For me we have hit a plateau as far as screenwriting and storytelling are concerned. We are telling the same old stories of maids, watchmen and bumbling ‘idiots’. Every other local soap starts with the death of a patriarch and follows the same predictable routine of family squabbles. While these were ground-breaking five years ago, I have grown tired of reading the same old scripts, pun intended. Granted, one show has got it right with the exaggerated ups and downs of our domestic servants but that is the exception, not the rule.

Other compelling stories exist and we have the capacity to tell them, all we need to do is to overcome the need redo what has been done before in the name of if it’s not broken don’t fix it.

6. What challenges have you faced as a screenwriter in Kenya?

The biggest challenge a screenwriter faces in Kenya is trying to break the mould. Producers and broadcasters alike are in a comfort zone. No one seems daring enough to say, ‘I think Kenyans are bright enough to enjoy a new kind of narrative’, a police procedural maybe, a historical drama or period piece. We have a rich vein of stories which we appear shy to exploit.

7. As a content creator, what are your thoughts on digital migration?

Digital migration is a godsend and presents a lot of opportunities for content creators. However, before we enjoy the full benefits of the expanded space the market has to segment itself. Broadcasters should align themselves with specific market segments which will then allow content creators to tailor-make their content for those markets. Basically the good is that there is space for all, the not so good is gone are the days of one show fits all.

8. What advice would you give an aspiring screenwriter that you wish you had been given when you were starting out?

Screenwriting is a profession, not a hobby. Handle yourself the way someone else offering professional services, a banker, lawyer, accountant or doctor would. Make connections, create rapport and market yourself aggressively but always keep an open mind. Know your worth, keep improving your craft and have everything in writing. Finally, complement your screenwriting with other abilities in the profession such as acting, directing and producing.

9. What work/project are you most proud of?

Like a good father I am proud of all my babies (scripts), at least at the point they leave my computer. What happens to them between then and when they go on air is a totally different story. Some projects have come out notably well and are the highlight of my career so far including Be the Judge, Jane and Abel, Sumu la Penzi and the soon to air Sweetest Taboo. On radio, Hafla and Shujaaz radio dramas have been resounding successes with Shujaaz netting the team an International Emmy. The best is still on its way though as we have a couple of exciting projects in the pipeline.

10. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years I hope to be a producer, writer and director telling some of the stories we have been shy to tell so far and telling them well. A mini Tyler Perry of Africa maybe (I see you, no need to roll your eyes).

Bonus Question

11. If you were a character in an existing Film/TV show, who would you be and why?

Billionaire, playboy, genius and philanthropist Mr. Tony Stark himself aka Ironman. I find the character played by Robert Downey Jr. strong, witty and charming with a bit of arrogance which of course comes with knowing you’ve got it going on. Batman for me is a doomed hero while superman is too powerful for his own good. Spiderman I can take on even without super powers and Thor, he would be my second choice though being a god requires one to be a goody two shoes and I just don’t have that in me.